Magnesium

[Calceolaria]

Could someone explain to me please, why magnesium supplementation is recommended? I read somewhere that testing for magnesium deficiency is both unreliable and uncommon. So how do we know we need it and if so, how much?

Thanks.

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

The wordy bit from Medichecks... 🤗

Magnesium

[Calceolaria in reply to TiggerMe]

Thanks for that . But why do people on here recommend supplementing, especially if too much can cause problems?

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Calceolaria]

Many of us are low in most things as we just don't absorb very well due to low stomach acid.... there are many different forms of magnesium and I think it is pretty hard to overdo it as the kidneys deal with excess, but staying within RDA is always the best advice and get tested annually

[greygoose]

Magnesium has lots of uses in the body. For one thing, it works with vit D, so essential to take it if you're taking vit D.

It is correct that magnesium testing is not reliable. But, most people are deficient in magnesium because soils are depleted, so we're not getting it from our food. But, as it is water-soluble, any excess is excreted so you don't need to worry about over-dosing.

Normally, it's recommended to take between 350 and 400 mg.

A few links to articles on the subject that might interest you:

thyroidnation.com/thyroid-h...

gotmag.org/magnesium-defici...

draxe.com/nutrition/magnesi...

[Calceolaria in reply to greygoose]

Thanks greygoose. I’ve read the links and they are interesting. I’ll continue to mull it over. Kidney function in older age does deteriorate, like many other things. Magnesium supplementing could possibly put pressure on the kidneys? There’s so much info to balance!

[greygoose in reply to Calceolaria]

Well, if you took too much, I suppose it could. But, I'm 78 and I've never had a problem taking it.

[Calceolaria in reply to greygoose]

That’s particularly helpful as I’m 76 next month.

[greygoose in reply to Calceolaria]

Happy Birthday for next month!

[Calceolaria in reply to greygoose]

Ha, thank you!

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Calceolaria]

I think its far more likely that most of us are deficient in magnesium than we have too much. I take magnesium glycinate at night to help with sleep.

There are several different types depending on what you want from it. Obviously no one should be taking mega doses but sticking to the recommended amount should be safe.

[Calceolaria in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

Thank you. I’m going to give it a go!