Magnesium is one of the most vital nutrients magnesium important minerals in the body. It’s a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems and is crucial for energy production and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism.
It regulates a wide range of cellular functions, including blood pressure, insulin metabolism, cardiac excitability, vasomotor tone and nerve transmission. In addition, magnesium helps to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, promotes brain plasticity, prevents gastrointestinal problems and cancer, and protects against heart disease.
When magnesium levels are low, it can have negative effects on neuromuscular and cardiovascular function, including muscle cramps, spasms, and hypertension. In addition, magnesium deficiency can lead to fatigue, headaches, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
It’s rare for someone to have an overdose of magnesium, but it’s possible if you take too much in a supplement or medication. If this happens, you may need to have an IV to help reverse the excess.
Magnesium can help with a variety of conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, and depression. The mineral can raise serotonin and decrease N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) release in the brain, which can improve attention. It can also improve bronchodilation in asthma.
People with type 2 diabetes often have low blood levels of magnesium. They may need to take magnesium supplements to help control their blood sugar.
There are also a number of studies that show that magnesium supplements can reduce the risk of developing diabetes or prediabetes.