Vitamin Spotlight: Magnesium

February 25, 2016

Our bodies contain relatively large amounts of magnesium, with about 50% found in our bones.¹

Although a relatively ignored nutrient, researchers are now discovering that magnesium plays a large role in hundreds of processes in the body, and is much more important than was first thought.

What are the Benefits of Magnesium?

Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body.²Most notably it is involved in energy production, cell growth and repair, regulating blood pressure, bone health and the functioning of the heart, nerves, and muscles.²

In many instances magnesium is essential for the absorption of other vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D. Without magnesium, other critical nutrients could not perform their functions. Magnesium works with calcium and vitamin D to form and maintain bones and teeth. Calcium and magnesium also work together to strengthen muscle function.

ATP, an enzyme that is the main source of energy in cells, has a similar relationship with magnesium. ATP must be bound to magnesium to be biologically active.

How Much Magnesium Do You Need?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant or lactating women obtain 450 mg of magnesium each day.³

Which Foods Contain Magnesium?

In general, foods that contain dietary fiber contain magnesium. Green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are all good sources. While evaluating magnesium levels in the body is difficult, the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements reports that most Americans do not consume the recommended daily intake of magnesium. ²

Prenatal Vitamins with Magnesium

The Prenate^® Vitamin Family offers nutritional support for mothers and their babies for every step of pregnancy and after delivery. Ask your doctor if a Prenate^® Vitamin is right for you. For your convenience we’ve provided links to the prenatal vitamins with magnesium that the Prenate^®Vitamin Family offers:

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

REFERENCES: 1. Vitamins & Supplement: Magnesium. WebMD Website. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-998-magnesium.aspx?activeingredientid=998 on February 5, 2016. 2. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium Fact Sheet for Consumers. 2013. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/#h11 on February 5, 2016.. 3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide: Appendix C. Daily Values for Infants, Children Less Than 4 Years of Age, and Pregnant and Lactating Women. April 2005. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/food/guidanceregulation/guidancedocumentsregulatoryinformation/dietarysupplements/ucm070620.htm on February 1, 2016.