Magnesium

What is magnesium?

Magnesium is one of the best known minerals, especially for its action against stress. But it has many other properties that most people are unaware of. Most of the body's magnesium is stored in the bones and teeth, the rest is found in the muscles, as well as in the liver and other organs such as the heart and kidneys. Its assimilation by the body is generally not good, but it can be improved with vitamin B6.

What is its function and what are its benefits?

Magnesium plays an important role in the nervous system by actively participating in the transmission of nerve impulses, and by modulating the reactivity to stress, thereby helping the body to counter stress.

It is necessary for the development of bones and teeth, and contributes to the fixation of calcium on the bones. It also plays a role in the production of energy, by intervening in the metabolism of glucose, as well as in the synthesis of proteins and lipids.

It is essential for muscular contraction and the maintenance of the cardiac rhythm. It also plays an indirect role as an antioxidant, by participating in the synthesis of glutathione (the most powerful antioxidant in the human body).

It stimulates the immune system and plays an anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory role. Finally, it is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body.

Where to find it?

Magnesium is found mainly in dark green leafy vegetables, spinach, eggplant, legumes, nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, etc.), seeds (pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, etc.) seafood, mineral water, whole grains, chestnuts, bananas, brewer's yeast, chocolate, popcorn (if well prepared), etc.

Deficiency and excess

An excess of magnesium can cause nervous disorders. But most of the time, insufficient intakes are observed in the population.

The needs can be increased in cases of anxiety, chronic stress or overwork, among athletes, the elderly, pregnant women, people who consume alcohol, hyperactive people, people on a weight loss diet, people with intestinal absorption problems (e.g. celiac or Crohn's disease), etc.