Magnesium requirements

Can people live without magnesium? Absolutely not! The mineral is essential to our body and health. So how much magnesium do we need?

ESSENTIAL FOR LIFE ON THE MOVE: OUR BODIES NEED A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF MAGNESIUM TO FUNCTION

Magnesium is involved in more than 600 bodily processes. Not only does the essential mineral ensure that our muscles function smoothly, but without it, none of the body's energy-dependent processes would work. Since our body cannot produce magnesium on its own, it is important for us to obtain an adequate amount of it every day. Exactly how much magnesium we need every day depends on a number of factors. The table indicates the appropriate amount of magnesium for each individual. Magnesium requirements may be higher in certain phases of life.

How much magnesium is normally required?

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. 

Recommended magnesium intake (mg/day)*: 

Children male female
1 to < 4 years 170 mg 170 mg
4 to < 7 years 190 mg 190 mg
7 to < 10 years 240 mg 240 mg
10 to < 13 years 260 mg 230 mg
13 to < 15 years 280 mg 240 mg

 

Adolescents/Adults male female
15 to < 19 years 330 mg 260 mg
19 years and older 350 mg 300 mg

 

Magnesium requirement in certain phases of life (mg/day):

  male female
Pregnancy & breastfeeding**   280-480 mg
Diabetes** 240-480 mg 240-480 mg
Exercise Depending on activity level Depending on activity level

*Reference values for nutrient intake, German-speaking countries (DGE, 2021); **As recommended by the German Society for Magnesium Research (Gesellschaft für Magnesium-Forschung) 

TAKE A TEST TO DETERMINE YOUR INDIVIDUAL MAGNESIUM REQUIREMENT

Take a quick online test to find out how much magnesium you actually need.

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WHEN DO WE NEED MORE MAGNESIUM?

There are many factors that influence our magnesium requirements. In addition to our age and gender, the following factors can increase our requirements: 

HOW CAN WE MEET OUR MAGNESIUM REQUIREMENTS?

Since the body cannot produce magnesium on its own, we need to supply it ourselves. We generally obtain it from food. However, different foods contain varying amounts of magnesium (to the table with information on foods containing magnesium). Some are good sources of magnesium, others less so. This is why it's important to eat a varied diet. 

But even if your diet is healthy and balanced, it may be useful to supplement with a high-quality, pharmaceutical magnesium product in certain situations, depending on your individual needs. Magnesium-Diasporal® offers a range of high-quality products with different dosages and forms.

Requirement calculator