Elemental magnesium contains so much pent up energy that it can burst into flames at room temperature. This passion for chemical reactions is why magnesium drives more than 300 biochemical processes in our bodies. Read on to find why so many people take magnesium supplements, and how it makes them feel like a better version of themselves.

Magnesium is the driving force behind growing new body cells, creating our hormones, controlling our blood sugar level and blood pressure, and creating our energy to move. It is an electrolyte, meaning it conducts electricity throughout our bodies, powering the nerve signals that make our hearts beat, our brains think and tell our muscles to move. No wonder magnesium is one of the most popular mineral supplements worldwide.

What’s the Best Magnesium Supplement?

Since elemental magnesium bursts into flames, magnesium supplements come in the form of a compound! Magnesium oxide is bonded with oxygen, but it gives some people tummy upset so they don’t absorb much.

When magnesium is bonded with an organic substance instead, it becomes much easier to absorb. These organic forms of magnesium are called “chelated” (pronounced key-LATED) and the more varieties you take, the more you will absorb.

Things get interesting when you look at the different types of chelated magnesium available. The “other half” of each magnesium compound brings its own range of benefits. The VitaBright Magnesium Complex has 6 different varieties: Magnesium Glycinate, Citrate, Taurate, Malate, Orotate and Lactate. We included full supplement doses of Zinc, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin B6 as well. They increase your absorption of magnesium, and work with it in the body to deliver its health benefits.

Read on to find out how the variety of magnesium types could support your well-being and lifestyle.

The 9 benefits of magnesium

Magnesium makes our nervous system and brain work

Electrolytes are minerals that can conduct electricity. In the human body, they transmit all the nerve signals that make us living, sentient beings. Magnesium is the master electrolyte that controls the balance of the others – sodium, calcium and potassium. Our brains are essentially a giant ball of nerves, which is why we use magnesium every time we have an idea or remember a memory.

Relieves stress and anxiety

Magnesium is popular for its calming properties that help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation. Magnesium does this by partnering with vitamins D3 and B6 to regulate neurotransmitters including serotonin and dopamine, which calm and lift our mood and combat depression.

Magnesium powers our muscles

Why do athletes and bodybuilders love magnesium so much? Magnesium transmits the nerve signals that make our muscles contract. A good strong nerve signal is necessary for optimal muscle performance during exercise and physical activity. Since the electrolytes sodium and potassium work together to control how much fluid we retain in our body cells, magnesium is also the master switch for staying hydrated. What’s more, magnesium also helps prevent muscle cramps, spasms, and stiffness after a workout, as well as relieving restless leg syndrome.

Gets our sleep cycles back to normal

Many people take magnesium supplements to help them fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and experience deeper, more restful sleep. How does this work? Magnesium and vitamin D together make melatonin, which gets us off to sleep. Magnesium also produces other neurotransmitters that promote relaxation, support sleep quality, and relieve anxiety and stress.

A healthier heart

Some people are advised to boost their magnesium levels after suffering a heart attack. This helps them because magnesium regulates our blood pressure, by relaxing blood vessels when necessary. It also carries the signal through our nerves that make our hearts beat, which is why a magnesium deficiency can cause a dangerous irregular heartbeat including fibrillation.

Powers our metabolism and energy production

Magnesium drives the enzyme reactions that produce ATP, which is basically the energy molecule that powers everything we do. It helps convert food into energy, supports mitochondrial function, and plays a role in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. Its nutrient partners, vitamins D3 and B6, are also involved in creating body energy.

Balances blood sugar levels

Magnesium helps to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It works with vitamin B6 in doing this. Getting enough magnesium has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugar levels.

Magnesium strengthens bones

Magnesium is essential for maintaining bone health and density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and broken bones. It stimulates the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation. What’s more, magnesium helps us absorb calcium and it activates vitamin D so that it can work in absorbing more of this vital bone mineral.

Improves immune function

Along with zinc and vitamin D3, magnesium plays a crucial role in supporting immune function. In fact, magnesium helps to keep immune responses and inflammation balanced, while zinc helps produce antibodies and vitamin D activates white blood cells whilst keeping inflammation in check.

How to Absorb the Most Magnesium Possible

1 – Choose the largest variety of magnesium compounds you can find.

2 – Take added Vitamins D3, B6 and Zinc to further increase absorption.

3 – Take your magnesium in divided doses, some with breakfast and some with dinner.

4 – Eat protein foods and prebiotics (fresh fruit or vegetables) with your magnesium.

How much elemental magnesium do i need?

You will see two different doses on a good quality magnesium supplement. One number is the total weight of all the magnesium compounds, and the lower number for “elemental magnesium” tells you exactly how much magnesium is in the supplement when your body breaks it down to its elemental form.

The NHS recommends a minimum magnesium dosage of:

• 300mg a day for men (19 to 64 years)
• 270mg a day for women (19 to 64 years)

Some researchers say that up to 800mg a day is safe. The NHS suggests that taking more than 400mg a day gives some people tummy upset. This is likely to be a problem with single magnesium types, especially magnesium oxide.