Magnesium (Mg)

What is magnesium?

Magnesium (Mg) is an important mineral in our body, and there is a lot of magnesium both in our skeleton and in muscles. Magnesium is therefore important for, among other things, our skeleton and teeth, for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function and for energy production. Magnesium must be supplied via the diet, excreted in the kidneys and used, for example, against leg cramps.

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What does magnesium do for the body?

• Magnesium is important for normal muscle and nerve function.

• Magnesium is necessary for energy production.turnover of sugar.

• Magnesium is necessary for the heart and circulation.

• Magnesium is important for bones and teeth.

• Together with calcium and potassium, magnesium helps to regulate the heart rhythm and the coagulation of the blood.

• Magnesium is an important factor for the

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Sources of magnesium in the diet

Magnesium is part of the green pigment chlorophyll, and green vegetables are therefore good sources of magnesium. Other sources of magnesium are legumes, nuts, whole grains, dairy products, meat and fish.

Recommended daily intake of magnesium

• Children under 14 years: 85 - 280 mg.

• Women over 14 years: 280 mg.

• Men over 14 years: 350 mg.

• Pregnant women: 280 mg.

• Breastfeeding: 280 mg.

For children under 14, the recommendations vary depending on age.

Breast milk contains the necessary minerals the child needs, so supplements are not recommended for children under 12 months unless a doctor or health nurse says otherwise.

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What happens with magnesium deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency rarely occurs if you eat a varied and healthy diet, but some groups may be more susceptible to magnesium deficiency:

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• Malnourished or malnourished.

• In chronic alcoholism.

• In case of kidney failure.

• Children can become magnesium deficient after just a few days of diarrhoea.

• For complications of diabetes (diabetic ketoacidosis).

• In various metabolic diseases (hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism).

• Use of certain blood pressure-lowering agents (diuretics).

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Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle contractions, muscle weakness, cramps, nausea and vomiting.

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What happens with too much magnesium intake?

Magnesium poisoning can occur in patients with kidney failure and with excessive use of tablets containing magnesium.

Symptoms of magnesium poisoning are:

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• Nausea, vomiting and vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

• Heart palpitations.

• Low blood pressure.

• Muscle weakness and loss of reflexes.

• Heart rhythm disorders.