Many Americans do not obtain adequate amounts of magnesium in their diets.

Magnesium is one of the body’s most important minerals. It is required as a cofactor in hundreds of enzymatic processes within cells. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, promotes healthy cardiovascular function, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps maintain blood sugar and blood pressure levels already within normal range, and it is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis.

Magnesium is a major factor in relaxing the smooth muscles within the blood vessels, thereby reducing peripheral vascular resistance and promoting a healthy cardiovascular system. Magnesium also affects circulating levels of norepinephrine and the synthesis of serotonin and nitric oxide.

Magnesium positively influences the bone mineral matrix and its ability to metabolize minerals needed for repair and rebuilding. You need a wide range of minerals, including calcium and magnesium, to maintain strong, healthy bones.

Moreover, there is strong evidence that dietary magnesium intake and supplementation improves the metabolic profile. Magnesium has been shown to beneficially impact insulin resistance, serum lipid profiles, inflammation, endothelial function, oxidative stress and platelet aggregability.

The typical dose of elemental magnesium is 100 to 350 mg a day. Higher doses of 300 mg to 548 mg daily have been shown to help support healthy blood pressure.