Thinking about magnesium? Here’s what you should know

This post was published in partnership with Pharmaca

Many Americans don’t get enough magnesium. If you’re not getting the amount you need through your diet, you might consider taking a supplement. Get the info you need below, then check with your Medly pharmacist to see if a magnesium supplement is right for you.

Why magnesium?

Identified in more than 300 processes inside the body, magnesium is an essential mineral and powerful building block that contributes to your overall health and wellness in a truly unique way.

A key player in physical and mental relaxation, magnesium serves double duty by both rebuilding the body’s most important systems and helps provide you with a sense of wellbeing.

Maintaining a healthy level of magnesium is also vital for fostering protein synthesis, encouraging healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels, building and regulating muscle and nerve function and helping maintain a healthy body weight.

Is it okay to take magnesium every day?

Yes, it is okay to take an appropriate amount of magnesium daily, provided that you do not get enough magnesium through your diet.

Our bodies get magnesium from our diets through foods like nuts, seeds, milk, yogurt and leafy greens. If your diet does not cover the daily recommended amount of magnesium for you, taking a magnesium supplement is a great way to close the gap.

In general, The National Institute of Health recommends the following daily intake:

• Children (ages 1-3) – 80 mg
• Children (ages 4-8) – 130 mg
• Children (ages 9-13) – 240 mg
• Teen Girls (ages 14-18) – 360 mg
• Teen Boys (ages 14-18) – 410 mg
• Women (ages 19+) – 310-320 mg
• Men (ages 19+) – 400-420 mg

Your recommended daily amount of magnesium can vary depending on several factors. Magnesium deficiency is more likely to appear in people with gastrointestinal diseases, like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, people with type 2 diabetes or those with a dependency on alcohol. Older individuals may need to up their magnesium intake as well.

Magnesium supplements can interact or interfere with other medications, such as antibiotics or individuals taking high dosages of zinc. Talk to your doctor to make sure your magnesium supplements are a safe and effective addition to your routine.

How do I choose the right magnesium supplement for me?

There is a vast selection of magnesium supplements to choose from on the market today. These supplements come with a variety of benefits, ingredients and administration methods, so that you can choose the one that works best for you. If you’re looking to supplement your magnesium levels, contact your local Medly pharmacy for a free consultation today.