Magnesium is the eight most abundant mineral found in nature.
Symbol – Mg
Atomic Number – 12
Group in periodic table – 2
Period – 3
Melting point – 650°C
Boiling point – 1090°C
- Magnesium ignites easily in air and burns with bright flame, therefore, it is used in fireworks and sparklers.
- The first person to recognize Magnesium as an element was Joseph Black in 1755.
- It is solid at room temperature.
- It is found in sea water most abundantly. Water which contains magnesium in high quantity is bitter in taste and can develop rashes on skin.
- Magnesiun Oxide (MgO), known as magnesia, can be used in some antacids.
- Magnesia when combined with water forms Magnesium Hydroxide Mg(OH)2, known as milk of magnesia, which is used in antacids and laxatives.
- Epsom salt – (Hydrated Magnesium Sulphate MgSo4.7H2O) is used to treat minor skin abrasions
- Magnesium is also used in homeopathy as a biochemic salt known as magnesium phosphate 6x (mag phos) which helps in decreasing muscle cramps and pain. It is more beneficial when taken in Luke warm water.
- Magnesium is used by plants for very important function called photosynthesis and hence, in its absence there would be NO LIFE. Fortunately we have abundant Magnesium present in nature.
- Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in our body. It acts as a ‘helper molecule’ in the biochemical reactions performed by enzymes.
- It is beneficial in variety of important reactions such as, conversion of energy from carbohydrates, proteins, fats; regulates neurotransmitters; helps in repair of RNA and DNA; helps in contraction and relaxation of muscles and many more important reactions.
- Magnesium is excreted out of body via kidneys through urine.
Benefits of Magnesium –
- Fights depression
- Helps in lowering Blood Pressure
- Helps to treat Type 2 Diabetes
- Helps in reducing inflammatory conditions
- Prevents migraine
- Improving PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
- Prevents osteoporosis
General requirement ———————250mg – 350mg
Upto 6 months of age ——————— 30 mg
7 months to 3 years ———————- 75mg – 80mg
4 years to 8 years ————————–130mg
9 years to 13 years ————————240mg
14 years to 18 years ———————-360mg – 410mg
** Females require more magnesium during pregnancy
** People who are addicted to alcohol require more magnesium
** Males who do lot of physical work require more magnesium
Food Sources of magnesium –
Highest source – Almonds, spinach, cashews, peanuts, soy milk, black beans
Moderate sources – Peanut butter, bread – whole wheat, avocado, potato, rice, yogurt, cereals, oatmeal, kidney beans, banana, milk
Other low to moderate sources – Raisins, broccoli, apple, carrot
Magnesium Toxicity –
Magnesium increase can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramping of abdomen.
Magnesium toxicity can cause hypo-tension, facial flushing, depression, severe cramps and lethargy which can further proceed to muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, extreme hypo-tension, irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest.
For magnesium supplements, please consult doctor before consuming it.