How Can I Know if I’m Magnesium Deficient?


Sometimes the most common things are overlooked. Magnesium is abundant in the universe and earth’s crust, but we seem to have a hard time getting enough. It’s suspected that nearly half of Canadians don’t get the dietary magnesium they need to stay healthy.

Magnesium has over 800 different roles in the body. Without enough, the body experiences huge disruptions, such as low energy, difficulty synthesizing proteins, and interrupted metabolic reactions.

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency

Magnesium is a powerhouse mineral that our body uses like fuel or building blocks in the same way our body needs sugars, proteins, and fats. Vital organs like the heart and brain simply cannot function without it.

Because magnesium plays a fundamental role in all aspects of health, we often do not recognize a deficiency until we start experiencing symptoms. Some symptoms of magnesium deficiency include restless legs, muscle cramps, migraines, fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia.

What conditions does magnesium help with?

Some common conditions that a magnesium deficiency is linked to include acid reflux and heartburn, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, Alzheimers and dementia, stress, anxiety, blood clotting, inflammation, blood sugar sensitivity, bone and teeth building, constipation, depression… the list goes on!

However, unlike an antacid you might take to reduce heartburn or an antibiotic to fight infection, taking magnesium when you are deficient doesn’t have just one effect.

What does magnesium do?

Magnesium is essential for various enzymatic functions in the body, from DNA synthesis and energy production to proper muscle function and nervous system health.

Magnesium is found in high concentrations in our bones, heart, muscles, nerves but also inside every cell of our bodies. Magnesium keeps heart rhythms steady, maintains muscle functions, metabolizes glucose, ensures nerves fire properly, creates cellular energy and helps to synthesize the basic building blocks of life – DNA, RNA and proteins.

Why take magnesium?

Magnesium deficiency is common because of depleted soil quality, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic stress, and medications.

Our diets are providing less magnesium than they used to. Modern farming practices have caused fruits and vegetables to have lost large amounts of minerals and nutrients in the past 50 years. Furthermore, food processing and refining removes large amounts of magnesium. Whole grains can lose over 80% of their magnesium content simply through milling. Even cooking vegetables can leach magnesium. The typical Canadian diet is laced with refined grains, oils and sugars, providing large amounts of calories with little to no magnesium.

Magnesium is also harder to absorb for many individuals with low stomach acid or chronic stress. Chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s or colitis also impede the absorption of key nutrients like magnesium.

Magnesium is depleted with many common prescription medications as a side effect, including antacids, acid blockers, and antibiotics. Medications that deplete nutrients like magnesium alter the way this mineral is absorbed, converted, stored or excreted.

How can I know if I’m magnesium deficient?

To see if you may be magnesium deficient, take this quick magnesium test. As a general recommendation, we suggest consulting your healthcare practitioner or visit your local natural health food store to learn more before starting a new supplement.

Magnesium never tasted so good

For many individuals who are looking for magnesium supplements that are easy and fun to take, or have a hard time swallowing capsules, CanPrev™ has you covered with their Magnesium Bis-Glycinate Natural Drink Mix!

This magnesium formula is in a powder format, providing 250mg of elemental magnesium bis-glycinate per scoop. Because it’s a powder, it’s simple to customize your dose. Available in three delicious natural flavours, it’s your choice of Tropical Fruit Punch, Juicy Blueberry, or Refreshing Orange Zest. Formulated without artificial flavours, sweeteners or colours, this ultra gentle magnesium-glycine complex is ideal for the health-conscious individual, as well as those with active lifestyles.

Magnesium-glycine complexes are known for their gentle and superior absorption. Which is why CanPrev™’s Ultra Gentle Magnesium Drink Mix is also recommended for those with multiple prescriptions or digestive conditions like Crohn’s and colitis.

Stir it in some refreshingly cold water and enjoy!

CanPrev Magnesium Bis-Glycinate


About the Author: CanPrev™

“CanPrev”

At CanPrev™, our mission is to keep advancing naturopathic medicine tools, working with the body’s natural healing ability, in order to improve quality of life. We’re working to put your health back into your hands. Learn more at canprev.ca.