VITAL NUTRIENTS : Magnesium

Magnesium

The element Magnesium (Atomic Number : 12) is also a nutrient, a Vital Nutrient. This, unfortunately, is something not being propagated enough that it is reported that 75% of Americans are Magnesium-deficient. If that is the case with the Americans, it may be more so with Filipinos.

Recent studies have also tied-up Magnesium-deficiency to Diabetes, Asthma and Osteoporosis. The tie-up with Osteoporosis might also be due to people not so knowledgeable when it comes to Magnesium. Calcium needs Magnesium in order for it to be fully absorbed by the body. Meaning, a diet full of Calcium will be a waste if you will be deficient in Magnesium. It has been reported that you risk Heart Attack or Stroke if you take Calcium Supplement without the corresponding Magnesium Supplement.


Interestingly, Heart Attack or Stroke is the #1 leading cause of death in the Philippines. This is an intriguing link of facts. Filipinos maybe, are forgetting to take their share of Magnesium. As a rule, the amount of Magnesium you need is half the amount of your Calcium intake (meaning, if you are taking 1000mg of Calcium daily, you will need to supplement it with 500mg of Magnesium).

Food-Source of Magnesium
You may take supplements but, it is definitely better to get Magnesium from natural sources like Fruits and Vegetables. For Vital Nutrients Magnesium-rich Fruits, check out our Top Ten Magnesium-rich Fruits and for Vegetables : Top Ten Magnesium-rich Vegetables.

RDA for Magnesium

• Children - 200-250mg
• Adult (Female) - 300-360mg
• Adult (Male) - 350-420mg