The mineral magnesium
WE CAN'T GET BY WITHOUT IT: THE FUNCTIONS OF MAGNESIUM IN THE BODY
Most people know that our bodies need magnesium. But we often don't realise how important this mineral is until we take a closer look at how it works. It is responsible for a multitude of bodily functions. Magnesium is essential for all energy-dependent processes in the body. Let's get to know this fascinating, multi-talented mineral.
WHAT IS MAGNESIUM?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that our bodies cannot produce. This is why we need to obtain magnesium from food. The human body contains about 26 grams of magnesium. Most of it – approximately 60% – is stored in the bones. 25-30% of the magnesium is found in the cells of the skeletal muscles and 5-10% in the rest of the tissue. Only about 1% of the magnesium is found in the blood.
WHERE DOES MAGNESIUM OCCUR?
Magnesium is always of natural origin and occurs in the form of organic and inorganic salts. It is present in the rocks of the earth's crust or in seawater as magnesium oxide, an inorganic compound; in food, it is found in organic form as magnesium citrate, for example. It is also present in chlorophyll, a pigment found in all green plants.
WHY DO PEOPLE NEED MAGNESIUM?
Magnesium performs many functions essential to our body and health. It is involved in more than 600 bodily processes and is a cofactor in over 300 different enzymes. Magnesium regulates the interaction between the muscles and nerves. It is an important component of bones and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), our energy molecule.
The brain and heart also need sufficient magnesium to function. There is no question about it: We need magnesium to survive.
HOW MUCH MAGNESIUM DOES A PERSON NEED?
In order to meet daily magnesium requirements, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily intake of 300 to 350 mg of magnesium for adults, depending on gender.
However, magnesium requirements may be higher in certain phases of life, such as during pregnancy, periods of stress and increased physical activity.