Magnesium - The Facts
Because most presentations of magnesium are in the form of food supplements, rather than licensed medicines, there are strict limitations on the claims manufacturers can make, and these are determined by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)[i]. The EFSA allowable claims for magnesium are:
· Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue
· Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance
· Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
· Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
· Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function
· Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis
· Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function
· Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normalbones
· Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth
· Magnesium has a role in the process of cell division
Impressive list eh? Reading this, you realise how versatile and essential magnesium is to our body processes, and as these are allowable claims, they must be based on substantiated clinical evidence.
Magnesium - The Theory
There is also a list of EFSA non-authorised claims for magnesium, which make interesting reading:
· Magnesium contributes to meeting the increased requirement for magnesium in pregnant women, so it could help the normal course of pregnancy and delivery and birth of a healthy baby
· Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of hormonal health
· Magnesium has antioxidative properties. It prolongs the ageing process
· Magnesium is necessary for normal blood clotting
· Magnesium maintains healthy immune system
The reason for most of these claims being “non-authorised” is that the scientific research on which they are based, has not been substantiated ….. yet!
There has been considerable interest as to whether there are other possible benefits of magnesium, in management of chronic pain, fibromyalgia[ii], and also management of migraine, particularly in combination with malic acid as magnesium malate.
How much do I need?