Magnesium is one of the 11 minerals vital for the human body and plays a leading role in the execution of all metabolic events that require energy. We need to get the magnesium required for our body through our daily diet and the water we drink. However, due to the widespread use of hormones in agriculture, the inability to prefer natural spring waters and the increased consumption of fast-food style foods, the amount of magnesium we take may be insufficient to meet our daily needs.
According to the World Health Organisation, the daily magnesium requirement of an adult is 300 mg. However, magnesium requirement increases especially in smoking and alcohol consumption, intense mental activities, physical and mental stress situations and the use of drugs that cause magnesium excretion.
In addition, the need for magnesium can be doubled in pregnant women and nursing mothers.
When adequate levels of magnesium are not taken, symptoms such as muscle tension and cramps, dizziness, impaired concentration, irritability, fatigue, painful menstruation in women, pins and needles in the hands, drowsiness, migraine, tension-type headache, nausea, vomiting and palpitations occur.
In women, magnesium supplements taken at the beginning and continuation of the menstrual period reduce menstrual pains. In addition, pregnant and breastfeeding women often have a magnesium need that cannot be met through nutrition. It is very important for the mother to get enough magnesium for a smooth pregnancy and healthy development of the child. However, it relieves constipation complaints.
A decrease in magnesium intake and an increase in excretion can be seen in the elderly. Diseases such as hypertension and diabetes accompanying old age cause people to take less magnesium with their diet. Drugs used in the treatment of these diseases cause more magnesium excretion from the body. Again, the risk of osteoporosis (osteoporosis) that occurs with advancing age leads to the need for external magnesium supplementation. It contributes positively to the relief of musculoskeletal system pain.
Magnesium consumption increases in athletes due to increased muscle activity during sports activities. On the other hand, since they also lose a lot of magnesium through excessive sweating, athletes need to balance their magnesium loss to prevent cramps and improve their performance.
Since diabetics urinate frequently, magnesium loss is also high. Since these people need to eat a low-calorie diet, the increased magnesium need cannot be met most of the time. Magnesium supplementation is required to prevent palpitations, tremors and fatigue.