Magnesium is a very important mineral for the human body and is very beneficial for metabolism. The main function of magnesium is in the blood and muscle systems where 40% of it is found. It is very important in muscle strengthening, protein synthesis and enzyme system activity, growth and renewal of cells.
The main benefits of magnesium
- hormones (insulin, thyroid hormones, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA),
- substances called neurotransmitters (dopamine, catecholamine, serotonin, GABA), which ensure transmission between nerve cells,
- in the delivery of minerals and electrolytes,
- It is involved in the control of the uptake and release of many hormones, nutrients and neurotransmitters by changing the electrical potential of the cell membrane.
With the effects of magnesium on other minerals, the benefits it provides inside the cell are as follows:
- It increases the function of calcium and potassium in the body. In magnesium deficiency, for example, the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase, a magnesium-dependent enzyme, decreases and the cell's capacity to hold potassium decreases.
- Magnesium also protects our cells from harmful elements such as aluminium, nickel, cadmium, mercury and lead.
- Among the reactions in which it plays a role in the cell, in particular the activation of phosphate groups and reactions related to energy metabolism, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, nucleotide metabolism, protein synthesis and the selection of molecules to bind to plasma membranes.
- Magnesium enters our body by absorption from the intestines and is excreted from the kidneys. Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone must be at sufficient levels for the absorption of magnesium.
How does magnesium deficiency show symptoms?
The medical name for magnesium deficiency is hypomagnesaemia.
Symptoms of hypomagnesaemia can be classified in 3 groups as cardiac effects, metabolic effects and neurological effects.
Early findings include;
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- fatigue and
- weakness can be counted.
In severe magnesium deficiency;
- muscle cramps,
- cardiac arrhythmias,
- fibromyalgia
- numbness
- decreased attention and
- mental clouding may be observed.
Unexplained hypocalcaemia (calcium deficiency in the blood) and hypokalaemia (potassium deficiency in the blood) should suggest that the body may also be deficient in magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral with many important functions in the body. Magnesium deficiency causes various symptoms. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include the following;
- Muscle weakness and cramps
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nervous system problems
- Sleep problems
- Headaches
- Migraine
- Concentration problems
- Heart Problems