Magnesium supplements can help to reduce the risks of some of the most common and life-threatening health problems. Research shows that a lack of magnesium is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death. Heart disease is still the number one cause of death worldwide, with 17.3 million deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association. That number is expected to increase to around 23.6 million by 2030. More than 1 in every 10 adults suffer with diabetes type 2 and after the age of 65 the incidence increases to one in four.

Research - High magnesium intake linked to 23 percent reduction in type 2 diabetes

Research shows magnesium supplementation could decrease the risk of diabetes. A study at China’s Nantong University reviewed results of 19 studies focusing on the effects of supplemental magnesium and type 2 diabetes. Results of the meta-analysis published in Biomedical and Environmental Sciences provides more evidence to support a link between a higher magnesium intake and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In reviewing results of 19 studies, the researchers found that 25,252 out of 539,735 study subjects developed type 2 diabetes over follow-up periods that ranged from four to 20 years. A higher intake of magnesium was linked to a 23 percent lower diabetes risk compared to a low magnesium intake. Increasing magnesium intake by only 100 mg per day, was associated with a 16 percent reduction in diabetes risk. Researchers concluded that their study showed magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity, reduces insulin resistance and plasma fasting-glucose levels in both diabetics and non-diabetics.

Research - Magnesium deficiency increase the risk of sudden cardiac death

In a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers reported a link between higher magnesium, and a lowered risk of coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death. Researchers evaluated data from 9,820 men and women aged 55 and older. They found that 2,303 deaths had occurred by a follow-up with median of 8.9 years post- study, with 780 of those caused by cardiovascular disease and 431 classified as coronary heart disease deaths. Of those affected, 187 fell victim to sudden cardiac death. In subjects whose serum magnesium was categorized as low, researchers discovered a 36 percent higher risk of coronary heart disease mortality as well as a 54 percent higher risk of sudden cardiac death when compared to those who had mid-range levels of magnesium. Their findings suggest magnesium supplementation can be effective in reducing the burden of coronary heart disease mortality as well as sudden cardiac death. Magnesium supplementation can also be helpful for:
  • High blood pressure
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Muscle cramps and weakness
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Stress
  • Migraine headaches, especially prevention if taken daily
  • Preeclampsia during pregnancy
  • Asthma
  • Constipation
  • Weak pelvic floor muscles
According to The National Institutes of Health and several books on physiology, magnesium is useful for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, maintains a regular and steady heart rhythm and supports muscle function throughout the entire body – skeletal muscles, heart muscles, intestinal and bladder muscles and muscles in the arterial walls. The NIH also notes magnesium is beneficial in regulating blood sugar levels, promoting normal blood pressure and is known to contribute to energy metabolism and protein synthesis. This is not surprising as over 300 enzymes need magnesium to function. Obtaining optimal or even adequate amounts of magnesium from food sources can be difficult for several reasons:
  • Soils can be deficient in magnesium
  • Intestinal disorders can reduce absorption
  • Stress and high sugar diets deplete the body of magnesium
  • Processing and refining of whole foods
  • Foods rich in magnesium include green leafy vegetables, nuts, and beans, whole grains. Unfortunately, the typical American diet is lacking in these foods.
Make sure you get a magnesium supplement that is balanced and well absorbed, as some types of magnesium, such as magnesium oxide, will cause diarrhea, as they are poorly absorbed from the gut.   The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.