What are Magnesium Supplements?

Magnesium is a multi-functional mineral that the body contains only a small amount of –- approximately one ounce. Nevertheless, many experts believe the majority of people in the Western world are deficient and need to take a magnesium supplement because of the high amount of processed and refined foods consumed. Such foods contain little to none of this vital mineral. Moreover, like some other key nutrients, magnesium can be easily drained from the body due to a variety of factors, including stress, physical exertion, and medications.

Magnesium plays a role in a variety of crucial bodily functions, including the production of energy, proper nerve development, and lung health. However, it is most noted as a highly powerful antioxidant for the heart and circulatory system. Magnesium supplements may help prevent arrhythmias (irregular heart beating), and have been shown to reduce platelet aggregation. Consequently, it will help inhibit the formation of blood clots, allowing blood to flow easier, and thereby reduce the chance of having a heart attack.

Magnesium supplements may also help lower blood pressure, and, along with calcium, help increase bone density, fighting off the devastating condition osteoporosis. Women who exhibit premenstrual syndrome (PMS) also find relief with magnesium.

Lastly, magnesium supplements may be beneficial to asthmatics due to its ability to expand airways.

People with kidney disease should avoid magnesium supplements, and it has been known to interfere with some prescription drugs, so consult your physician before adding it to your supplement regimen. Other possible side effects include diarrhea and nausea, but these tend to only happen if the dosage taken is too high.

1. Magnesium needs to be balanced with calcium to be beneficial. Calcium, in turn, needs vitamin D to be absorbed. As such, we believe you should take your magnesium supplement as part of a comprehensive, scientifically balanced formula.

2. Do not buy a magnesium supplement that uses magnesium oxide. This is the cheapest form, but also has the poorest absorption.

3. Purchase your supplements from pharmaceutical GMP compliant facilities, which adhere to the highest manufacturing standards. This is especially important because dietary supplements are unregulated in the U.S., and consumers only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying a product that actually has the amount of ingredients stated on the label.

4. Be sure the product does not contain any fillers or additives (examples include: sugar, starch, gluten, silica (sand!) or any artificial colors or flavors. Why not buy the best? Your health depends on it.

One company that meets the above requirements -- and much more -- is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, along with the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, amino acids, specality nutrients, and enzymes. In fact, Total Balance contains the majority of nutrients we cover on this entire site!

We here at Nutritional-Supplement-Info have been taking Total Balance for the past year with excellent results.