Magnesium

Magnesium is a type of mineral that is obtained through electrolysis of magnesium chloride from magnesium sources such as brines, wells and sea water. Magnesium is needed by humans on a regular basis to maintain nutrition and health. Most magnesium is obtained through foods high in magnesium, such as spinach and other leafy green vegetables. Other magnesium rich foods include nuts and whole wheat. Food rich in magnesium also include peanut butter, since its base is a nut. Magnesium can also be found in most tap water, although it is more prominent in hard water than it is in soft water.

There are many benefits to be had by magnesium. There are also ongoing studies to determine whether magnesium uses have results for certain medical conditions. Some of the medical conditions currently being studied include ADHD and autism. Magnesium and depression are being studied as well, and if the link is proven true, treating depression with a simple magnesium supplement could be a solution for this common illness. Other magnesium facts include that if a person experiences a magnesium overdose, the body’s ability to absorb calcium will be affected. This is why it is important to ingest only the RDA of magnesium each day. A magnesium deficiency should also be avoided, however.

If a person has a magnesium deficiency, they can experience the magnesium deficiency symptoms of irregular heartbeats, muscle spasms, high blood pressure and insomnia. If a person is experiencing a magnesium deficiency, there are many types of magnesium supplements available. It is thought, however, that a lack of magnesium in the diet is rarely a cause of deficiency. This means that, if a person is experiencing the symptoms of magnesium deficiency, there may be another cause from within the body than dietary habits. This is because there are so many sources of magnesium, including tap water, that it would be difficult to not reach the daily goals of magnesium in a proper diet.

The recommended daily allowance of magnesium, as determined by the United States Food and Drug Administration, is 400 mg per day for a healthy adult. Obviously, if there is a certain condition that is being treated with a supplement of the mineral, this daily allotment will change. Such conditions may include any of the above (ADHD, depression, or autism), or there could be other conditions under which a doctor will increase the recommended daily amount of magnesium.