Magnesium + B vitamins

As we face the challenges of everyday life – with our work, studies and family – we need healthy muscles and nerves. Magnesium and special B vitamins can help.

MAGNESIUM + B VITAMINS: THE COMBINATION FOR RELAXATION

Stress begone! Our work, relationships, kids, future plans – and on top of that, everything going on in the world right now – can make our daily lives feel very stressful, especially when we have many challenges to face all at once. This affects our mental well-being and our muscles, which have a tendency to tense up and cause pain, especially in the neck and shoulder area, whenever we are stressed.

What effect does stress have on our muscles?

The nervous system controls the contractions of the muscles. Muscles only contract when they receive a signal from the nerves. Muscles and nerves therefore interact directly. This is why challenging situations (stress) also have a direct effect on the muscles (tension).

More than 50 per cent of Germans have muscle tension frequently or even on a regular basis.

This is why people who often experience stress in their daily lives should always ensure that they are getting enough minerals and vitamins. For example, magnesium and special B vitamins are essential for the healthy function of our muscles and nerves.

WHAT DOES MAGNESIUM DO FOR OUR MUSCLES AND NERVES?

Magnesium performs different tasks in the body. One of them is to support the normal function of the muscles and the nervous system. It does so in the following ways:

  • First of all, magnesium regulates the relaxation of the muscles after muscle contraction. It naturally counteracts the contraction by blocking calcium, which could otherwise lead to increased levels of the mineral, thereby causing tension and cramps.
  • In addition, magnesium is important for nerve function. It's also considered the "mineral for inner stability", and for very good reason. It reduces the over-excitability of the nerves and regulates the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline.

WHY ARE B VITAMINS ESSENTIAL FOR THE NERVES?

Our body needs B vitamins for the normal function, renewal and growth of nerve cells. They are therefore essential for the health of our nervous system as well as our mental well-being. The role of B vitamins in detail: 

  • Vitamin B2 is important for the nervous system. It controls certain messenger substances and is significantly involved in building the protective layer around the nerves.
  • Vitamin B1 plays an important role in nerve function. For example, it regulates nerve cell membranes. The vitamin is also responsible for supplying energy to the brain cells.
  • Vitamin B6 is a key component of the messenger substances that ensure the transmission of stimuli between nerve cells.
  • Vitamin B12 makes an essential contribution to the protection and regeneration of nerve cells.  

WHY DOES THE BODY NEED MORE MAGNESIUM AND B VITAMINS IN TIMES OF STRESS?

Muscles can become tense during periods of stress. In these situations, magnesium can help relax the muscles. The mineral also regulates the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline. This is why more of the mineral is consumed at stressful times, and the body's requirement rises accordingly. 

Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12 play an essential role in the proper functioning of various metabolic processes and are important for cellular energy production. In addition, B vitamins play an important role in the development, functioning and regeneration of nerve cells. This is why the human body may need significantly more B vitamins in stressful or high-pressure situations. 

How does magnesium deficiency occur?

There are many reasons why a magnesium deficiency occurs. Since we absorb magnesium through food, a deficiency is often diet-related. Chronic diseases like Crohn's disease or medications such as stomach acid blockers can also make it difficult to absorb magnesium. A high level of physical activity or pregnancy and breastfeeding also play a role. Magnesium requirements may be higher under these circumstances.

How does a B vitamin deficiency occur?

The body cannot produce B vitamins on its own, which is why we need to obtain them from food. People who eat an unbalanced diet or have absorption disorders often have low levels of several B vitamins at once. Furthermore, vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products. This is why people who eat little meat or follow a vegan diet may be at risk of having low levels of the vitamin.

Taking certain medications can also cause increased excretion or reduced absorption of B vitamins.

For this reason, elderly people often have low levels of vitamin B12. Another reason is that they often lack a special transport protein that is required for the absorption of vitamin B12.

Fact:

Both magnesium and B vitamins cannot be produced by the body itself, but must be supplied to it through food.

How are magnesium and B vitamins important for relaxation?

Work, family and time-consuming hobbies are all part of the challenges of everyday life that often cause us stress. This can leave our bodies and nerves feeling tense. The resulting tension can sometimes be painful. In combination with special B vitamins, magnesium helps our muscles and nerves relax.

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