Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that plays a role in many bodily functions, including:

• Bone health: Magnesium helps the body use calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bones and maintain bone density. 
• Heart health: Magnesium helps the heart maintain a healthy rhythm and regulates blood pressure and cholesterol. 
• Energy production: Magnesium is required for energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis. 
• Muscle and nerve function: Magnesium helps muscles contract and relax, and regulates neurotransmitters that send messages throughout the brain and nervous system. 
• Blood sugar regulation: Magnesium helps regulate blood glucose levels. 
• Inflammation: Magnesium can help fight inflammation, which can lead to health problems like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. 
• Sleep: Magnesium can help you relax and sleep longer by regulating melatonin secretion and maintaining healthy levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep. 
• Exercise performance: Magnesium can help improve exercise performance by moving blood sugar into muscles and disposing of lactate, which can build up during exercise and cause fatigue. 
• Migraines: Magnesium can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. 
• Anxiety and depression: Magnesium can decrease anxiety and depression. 
• Premenstrual syndrome: Magnesium can ease premenstrual syndrome. 

Magnesium is one of seven essential minerals that the body needs to function and maintain good health. However, studies suggest that approximately 50% of U.S. adults get less than the recommended daily amount of magnesium.