The positive effect of magnesium

Magnesium regulates and activates over 300 enzymes in the metabolism. Enzymes are substances that catalyse biochemical reactions, i.e. they can heat them up or stop them. This also includes carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a universal energy store, it is produced in the cells in the mitochondria. Each cell contains 1000 to 2000 mitochondria that produce the required energy. For this purpose, adenosine triphosphate is converted into adenosine diphosphate while releasing energy. Unused energy is converted back into ATP. For this process, the mitochondria need energy sources from food (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), minerals, vitamins, water and oxygen. And this is where magnesium comes into play: only as a magnesium-ATP complex can ATP provide energy. Conversely, this means: without magnesium, the body cannot provide energy.

Muscles are activated via motor nerves, and the transmission of stimuli between nerves and muscles is dependent on magnesium. The energy needed for the muscle is produced from glucose and fatty acids within the muscle cells, this process is also dependent on magnesium.  Together with calcium, magnesium regulates the contraction and relaxation of the muscles. In addition, the muscles are strengthened because magnesium increases the activity of the cells in the muscles.

The most important muscle that needs to be supplied with sufficient magnesium is the heart. The correct ratio of the electrolytes sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium is important: if it is shifted due to a deficiency or excess, it can lead to a massive impairment of the heart function. A magnesium deficiency can alter the excitability of the pacemaker and muscle cells in the heart in such a way that increased cardiac arrhythmias can occur.

The relaxing effect of magnesium slightly dilates the blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. An adequate magnesium supply reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure, and existing high blood pressure can be lowered by taking magnesium. The release of the stress hormone adrenaline, which increases blood pressure, is also reduced.

Magnesium gives DNA a specific structure and reduces the susceptibility to damage in the genetic material. Magnesium is an important cofactor in almost all enzymatic processes involved in DNA processing.

Magnesium is just as important for bone formation as calcium. It promotes bone mineralisation and supports bone stability. It reduces the risk of osteoporosis because magnesium promotes the proliferation of osteoblasts, i.e. bone-forming cells, which in turn increase bone density. Magnesium also activates vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption.

Magnesium relaxes nerves and muscles and allows the body to calm down. Magnesium also activates an enzyme that can convert the happiness hormone serotonin into the sleep hormone melatonin.

The most common cause of cramps are disturbances in the body's electrolyte balance, mostly involving magnesium or calcium. They are caused, for example, by alcohol consumption or heavy sweating. Those who are prone to cramps should pay attention to sufficient nutrient intake, especially magnesium. For acute cramp relief, the administration of rapidly available magnesium can help in addition to passive stretching of the affected muscle.

Magnesium is also called the "salt of inner calm", it calms the nervous system and curbs the transmission of excitation from the nerves that cause stress. Magnesium can lead to more serenity and alleviate the symptoms of stress.

Patients suffering from depression often have a magnesium deficiency. Studies have shown that giving magnesium for several weeks has a positive effect on depressive symptoms and feelings of anxiety.

People who do a lot of sport need a lot of magnesium because the body excretes more minerals during physical exertion. At the same time, very large amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) are consumed for physical exertion, which can only be synthesised with the participation of magnesium. Without a sufficient magnesium supply, the energy output is reduced and performance can drop. In addition, too low a magnesium level increases the risk of muscle cramps and reduces the performance of the muscles.

During pregnancy, an adequate magnesium supply is particularly important, as the foetus in the mother's womb must also be supplied. In addition, the excretion of magnesium through the urine increases in many pregnant women due to hormonal changes. Magnesium is also frequently administered to relax muscles and prevent preterm labour.