Magnesium is a mineral your body needs to stay healthy. It assists with over 300 important jobs around the body, such as making energy and supporting your muscles and nerves.
Although magnesium is found in many foods, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, many people don’t get enough. Around 9% to 17% of adults and up to 20% of teenagers may have low magnesium levels.
If you don’t get enough magnesium, it can affect your sleep, mood, and even increase your risk of certain health problems. Taking a supplement can help if your body is low in magnesium.
Health benefits of magnesium
Magnesium supplements may help lower high blood pressure, especially for people who have type 2 diabetes. Sleep is another area where magnesium may help. People with low magnesium levels often have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Research has shown that taking magnesium can help older adults fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
Low magnesium has also been linked to feeling low or depressed. A few studies suggest that magnesium supplements may help improve mood in adults with depression; however, more research is needed.
Magnesium also helps your body control blood sugar. People with type 2 diabetes often have low magnesium levels, which can make it harder to manage blood sugar. Some studies say that magnesium supplements might help, but the results are mixed.
If you suffer from migraines, magnesium might be helpful. Some studies show that taking 400mg to 600mg of magnesium vitamins and minerals supplements each day, which are available from companies such as https://www.vitortho.co.uk/supplements/, may help reduce how often you have migraines, especially in people who don’t get enough magnesium.
Side effects and risks
Most people don’t have side effects from magnesium supplements, but taking too much can cause diarrhoea, nausea, or cramps. People who have kidney problems should be extra careful.
If you don’t have a deficiency, taking magnesium may not be helpful; therefore, it is always best to talk to your doctor before you start taking any supplements.