Magnesium glycinate is an addition that increases levels of magnesium in people with mineral deficiency.
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for controlling many processes in the body, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels and blood pressure. This mineral also supports the production of protein, bone and DNA.
The body needs large quantities of magnesium. This type of mineral is called a macro-mineral.
Although natural forms are the most efficient way to eat nutrients, supplements are available to increase magnesium intake in people with low levels.
Uses
Magnesium glycinate is frequently used in place of other magnesium supplements as magnesium is more easily absorbed by the body in this form.
It is also one of the gentlest supplements to the stomach. Magnesium glycinate is frequently used in place of other magnesium supplements as it is easier to absorb in the body.
Unlike other forms of magnesium, it may not cause as many side effects as stomach upset or loose stools.
This makes magnesium glycinate a good supplement for individuals recovering from bariatric surgery or those at risk for magnesium.
People with renal problems should consult a doctor before taking magnesium glycinate. Kidney problems can cause problems with magnesium excretion.
Benefits:
Some people benefit from glycinate magnesium more than others.
People with the following conditions may see positive effects after taking magnesium glycinate:
High blood pressure or heart disease: Magnesium supplements can help slightly decrease blood pressure.
Type 2 diabetes: Consuming high amounts of magnesium in the diet may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Magnesium helps break down sugars and may decrease resistance to insulin.
Osteoporosis: Magnesium plays a role in the development of healthy bones, and people with higher levels of magnesium may have a higher bone mineral density. This is important in helping to reduce the risk of bone fracture and osteoporosis.
Migraine headaches: People who experience migraine sometimes have low levels of magnesium in their blood and tissues. Supplements can help to reduce migraine frequency.
Depression: Serotonin in the brain is a “feel-good” chemical. Insufficient levels of magnesium appear to decrease serotonin levels, and antidepressants may increase brain magnesium levels.
Blood magnesium measurement can be misleading because magnesium sits in the cells or bones rather than in the bloodstream.
Doctors typically measure blood, saliva, or urine serum magnesium levels to help evaluate the levels as accurately as possible.
A person should wait for a final diagnosis of deficiency before taking supplements, as the symptoms usually associated with low magnesium levels can cause another medical problem.
Sources:
Most people can achieve the recommended daily dosage by diet alone. Magnesium is present in a lot of common foods.
Common foods containing magnesium include:
- legumes, nuts, and seeds
- whole grains
- spinach and other leafy vegetables
- fortified breakfast cereals and other fortified foods
- yogurt, milk, and other dairy products
Magnesium glycinate supplements are available for online purchase. Click here for a good range of thousands of customer reviews.
Speak to your doctor before you take any new supplements.
Deficiency:
According to the NIH, most people in the US do not get enough magnesium from their daily diet. Men under the age of 70 and girls under the age of 18 have a high probability of low magnesium intake.
Low magnesium intake typically does not cause any symptoms. The body loses some magnesium every day as a result of ordinary processes such as muscle movement, heartbeat and hormone production.
Although a person needs only a small amount of magnesium to prevent deficiency, it is important to replenish the magnesium content.
When magnesium deficiency is low, the kidneys help to retain magnesium by limiting the amount of body loss in urine. This process has a temporary effect until levels increase, but magnesium deficiency can be developed for long periods in a person with low magnesium levels.
Causes:
Non-dietary causes can reduce the levels of magnesium.
Some medical conditions and medicines affect the absorption of magnesium. The amount of magnesium expelled from the body can also be increased. These factors can lead to a deficiency of magnesium.
Conditions of health that can lead to magnesium defects include:
- gastrointestinal diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis
- diabetes
- pancreatitis
- high thyroid hormone levels
- kidney disease
- long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec
Some medications can have a similar effect, including:
Take prescription medicines for the treatment of acid reflux and peptic ulcers that can lead to low blood levels of magnesium if taken over a long period.
Taking diuretics that aid in water retention and can increase or reduce magnesium loss through urine.
Certain lifestyle factors can also reduce magnesium levels, including:
- drinking too much coffee, soda, or alcohol
- eating too much sodium
- heavy menstrual periods
- excessive sweating
Symptoms:
People who are magnesium deficient may experience the following symptoms:
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- fatigue and weakness
Extreme magnesium deficiency may cause the following symptoms:
- tingling
- numbness
- muscle cramps
- seizures
- personality changes
- abnormal heart rhythm
Risks and complications:
Only a doctor should diagnose a magnesium deficiency.
Through blood tests, they can confirm the condition and identify the appropriate action plan to return magnesium levels to normal.
Taking large or frequent doses of dietary supplements, including magnesium glycinate, may lead to side effects including diarrhea, nausea, and cramps of the stomach. Extremely high intakes of magnesium can lead to dangerous irregular heartbeat and heart arrest.
The following medicines may interfere with or interact with magnesium glycinate and other supplements:
Bisphosphonates: they are used to treat osteoporosis. If people take them too close to taking supplements or medicines that contain a high amount of magnesium, the body will not absorb these drugs well.
Antibiotics: If an individual takes antibiotics too soon before or after a magnesium supplement, the body may not absorb certain antibiotics.
Taking extremely high doses of additional zinc may also interfere with the body’s magnesium absorption and regulation.