Magnesium is essential in more than 300 chemical reactions which keep the body working properly. People typically can get magnesium from their diet, but sometimes magnesium supplementation is needed if magnesium levels are too low. Due to food refining methods and modern fertilizers that do not contain magnesium. Magnesium intake has been reduced in Western countries compared with previous generations http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/45/5/1305.long
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency may include:
- Agitation and anxiety
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
- Sleep disorders
- Irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Low blood pressure
- Confusion
- Muscle spasm and weakness
- Hyperventilation
- Insomnia
- Poor nail growth
- Seizures
Benefits of Intravenous Magnesium
Typical magnesium supplements have an absorption rate of 30%. Magnesium infusion is absorbed directly into the blood and works effectively and quickly. Some of the common conditions which respond well to IV magnesium include Migraines/ Headache
A study observed complete elimination of pain was observed in 80% of the patients within 15 minutes of infusion of magnesium. No recurrence or worsening of pain was observed within 24 hours in 56% of the patients. Patients treated with magnesium observed complete elimination of migraine-associated symptoms such as photophobia and phonophobia as well as nausea. Magnesium also showed a favorable outcome with a variety of headache types including cluster headaches. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8984087
Asthma
Several studies show that intravenous (IV) magnesium and magnesium inhaled through a nebulizer can help treat acute attacks of asthma in adults and children, 6 to 18 years of age. But there is no evidence that taking oral magnesium helps control asthma symptoms. Low levels of magnesium may increase the risk of developing asthma. A population-based clinical study of more than 2,500 children, 11 to 19 years of age, found that low dietary magnesium intake may be associated with the risk of asthma. The same was found in a group of more than 2,600 adults, 18 to 70 years of age.
Depression
Inadequate magnesium appears to reduce serotonin levels, and antidepressants have been shown to raise brain magnesium. One study found that magnesium was as effective as tricyclic antidepressants in treating depression among people with diabetes.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Scientific studies suggest that magnesium supplements may help relieve symptoms associated with PMS, particularly: Bloating, Insomnia, Leg swelling, Weight gain, and Breast tenderness
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
A study including only 10 people found that magnesium improved insomnia related to RLS, a disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs resulting in poor sleep quality.
Other studies for magnesium showed benefits for conditions such as;
- Fibromyalgia
- Noise-related hearing loss
- Arrhythmia and heart failure
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- Calcium absorption and osteoporosis
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia
- Lower risk of colorectal cancer
