Magnesium is a mineral abundant in the body, stored in the bones and soft tissues for use and regulated by the kidneys. Magnesium plays a role in:
- Protein synthesis
- Muscle function
- Nerve function
- Energy production
- Bone development
- Normal heart rhythm
- DNA and RNA synthesis
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) set by the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institue of Medicine of National Academies, varies with age and gender. The recommendations are as follows:
Men:
19-30 years — 400 mg daily
31+ years — 420 mg daily
Non-Pregnant Women:
19-30 years — 310 mg daily
30+ years– 320 mg daily
Magnesium deficiency is rare but can occur in certain instances such as:
- Long term inadequate dietary magnesium intake
- Those with chronic diarrhea
- Those with gastrointestinal malabsorption syndromes
- Diabetics
- Alcoholics
- Elderly
Symptoms and signs of magnesium deficiency include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Abnormal muscle contractions
- Muscle cramps
- Seizures
- Heart blood vessel spasm
- Heart arrhythmia
- Other electrolyte abnormalities- low potassium and low calcium
Magnesium toxicity usually results from supplements rather than food. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity include:
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flushing of the face
- Decreased urination
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Cardiac arrest
There are numerous ways to obtain your recommend magnesium through your diet. Food sources of magnesium include:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chia seeds
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Cashews
- Pumpkin butter
- Almond butter
- Peanut butter
- Edamame
- Spinach
- Collard greens
- Squash
- Black beans
- Chickpeas
- Lima beans
- Lentils
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Halibut
- Chicken
- Soymilk
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Potato
- Broccoli
- Avocado
- Bananas
- Fortified cereals
- Brown rice
- Chocolate
- Cocoa Powder
- Whole wheat bread
Go ahead and treat yourself to some dark chocolate for a magnesium boost!
This article is for information purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your medical provider prior to any lab testing, diet changes or new supplement/medication.
References:
Institute of Functional Medicine Fact Sheet. Micronutrients-Minerals: Accessed January 2021.
National Institutes of Health- Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Accessed January 2021
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
Cleveland Clinic. Magnesium Rich Foods. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15650-magnesium-rich-food. Accessed January 2021.
All photos used with permission from Snappa.com