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Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. Found in bones, teeth, and red blood cells, magnesium is an essential element required for proper functioning of the nervous, muscular and cardiovascular systems.

Why is magnesium necessary?
Magnesium helps maintain muscles, nerves, and bones, and studies have shown that a diet rich in magnesium may help protect against metabolic syndrome, a combination of risk factors that can lead to diabetes and heart disease. It promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism.

What are the signs of a deficiency?
A magnesium deficiency can result in issues ranging from irritability and muscle weakness to irregular heartbeat. A balanced diet usually supplies all the magnesium a person needs, but people with specific illnesses or who are taking certain medications may benefit from magnesium supplements.

How much, and what kind, does an adult need?
According to the National institutes of Health (NIH), the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for adult males is 270-400 mg; adult females is 280-300 mg; for pregnant females 320 mg daily; and for breastfeeding females, 340-355 mg.