Magnesium is a vital mineral your body needs to maintain healthy bones, muscles, nervous system, and other functions. However, too many Americans don’t get enough magnesium.
Magnesium glycinate is a supplement that many people take because it is well-absorbed by the body and easy on the digestive system. It’s available at Happy Hormone Cottage, and it can be a part of your overall self-care strategy. Learn about the problem of magnesium deficiency and how magnesium glycinate can help.
What You Need to Know About Magnesium Deficiency
About 60 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium due to processed foods, certain medications, modern farming practices, some medical conditions, and other factors. The recommended daily allowance of magnesium based on age and sex is as follows:
| Age | Female | Male |
| Birth to 6 months | 30 mg | 30 mg |
| 7-12 months | 75 mg | 75 mg |
| 1-3 years | 80 mg | 80 mg |
| 4-8 years | 130 mg | 130 mg |
| 9-13 years | 240 mg | 240 mg |
| 14-18 years | 360 mg | 410 mg |
| 19-30 years | 310 mg | 400 mg |
| 31 years and older | 320 mg | 420 mg |
There are several reasons people don’t get enough magnesium. They include
- Alcohol dependency
- Chronic diarrhea or vomiting
- Diet deficient in magnesium
- Digestive problems, including Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease
- Kidney problems
- Long-term use of certain medications, such as diuretics or acid reflux drugs
- Type 2 diabetes
When you go for a long time without adequate magnesium in your system, you can experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Muscular tingling, contractions, or cramps
- Nausea
- Poor appetite
- Seizures
- Vomiting
Most people can get adequate amounts of magnesium from a diet rich in unprocessed, whole foods. When planning your meals and snacks, be sure to get plenty of
- Beans and lentils
- Dark, leafy greens like spinach
- Halibut and other fish
- Fresh fruits like blueberries and bananas
- Nuts and seeds, especially chia, pumpkin, and sesame
- Whole grains
- Seaweed
Many produce items at the grocery store are grown in soil depleted of essential minerals, contributing to low-magnesium diets. That’s why, if possible, you might consider buying food grown organically or in nutrient-rich soil.
What Is Magnesium Glycinate and Why Take It?
Many people find it challenging to get sufficient magnesium from diet alone. That’s why supplementation is an excellent way to get the amount you need. While there are many magnesium supplements available, we recommend magnesium glycinate. This supplement combines magnesium with the amino acid glycine, which has anti-inflammatory properties and supports many bodily functions.
Magnesium glycinate has a high bioavailability, which means that the body can absorb it well and use it efficiently. Also, people generally tolerate this supplement well, even at 600 mg daily, because it’s easier on the bowel than other types of magnesium supplements. Most people take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
Health Benefits of Magnesium Glycinate
When using this supplement to address magnesium deficiency, you may see many health improvements, including better sleep, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved blood pressure. Additional benefits may include
- Enhanced bone health
- Better management of blood sugar in people with diabetes, and a lowered risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Reduced stroke risk and improved cardiovascular health
- Better exercise performance and increased energy
- Reduced pain
- Enhanced immune system
- Decrease in premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Reduced heartburn
- Treatment of fibromyalgia
- Support of muscle and nerve function
Considerations When Taking Magnesium Glycinate
Daily magnesium glycinate supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, you should check with your provider to make sure it doesn’t interact with any medication you’re taking. Watch for gut-related side effects such as
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Magnesium glycinate may not be appropriate for individuals with certain health conditions, particularly kidney disease, heart disease, digestive issues, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or being on antibiotics. If you’re magnesium-deficient and have these and other medical problems, talk to your doctor about alternative supplementation methods.
Boost Your Health with Personalized Magnesium Glycinate Support
Ask one of our providers at Happy Hormone Cottage about magnesium glycinate if you have trouble getting enough magnesium daily. Our supplement is an excellent way of bringing more of this nutrient into your body.
Schedule an appointment with us today if you’d like personalized guidance on addressing magnesium deficiency or any other medical issue. Whether you want to lose weight or need help with a hormone imbalance, you can benefit from our comprehensive approach that addresses your underlying issues. Our medical team is here for you on your path to better health.