EHMagazine Vol 42 | Page 40

Magnesium – Fundamental for Health

So often these days , we seem to find ourselves deeply debating the various ratios of macronutrients ( protein , fat , and carbohydrates ) that would make for optimal health . These discussions are absolutely valuable , but it ’ s important as well to consider how micronutrients , like vitamins and minerals , also play important roles in our health .
by : David Perlmutter , M . D ., F . A . C . N
A leading expert on the human microbiome , America ’ s brain health expert and # 1 New York Times best-selling author , David Perlmutter , M . D ., is a board-certified neurologist and a fellow of the American College of Nutrition . Additionally , Dr . Perlmutter is a founding member and fellow of the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine .
Indeed , the way that our bodies are able to use the macronutrients is fully dependent on how our enzymatic pathways are influenced by various micronutrients . And chief among these important micronutrients is magnesium .
Magnesium serves as a facilitator of more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body which clearly play a role in how we utilize our other nutrients . And beyond the enzyme roles for magnesium , it serves important structural and functional roles in things like proteins , DNA , and our energy producing mitochondria .
We generally consume magnesium in our diets when we consume things like vegetables , seeds , nuts , fish , fruit , meat , and dairy products . And in an ideal world , these foods should adequately take care of us getting enough magnesium to achieve the recommended daily allowance which is 320mg for adult females and 420mg for adult males . Considering that the average intake of magnesium in the US is around 228mg / day in women and 266mg / day in men , a large percentage of Americans may be at risk of inadequate magnesium . And this may open the door to any number of health consequences .
Unfortunately , though we may be consuming these foods and others , the highly processed and refined nature of modern food has led to dramatic depletions in magnesium availability . There is an 82 % reduction in magnesium in white flour , 83 % loss in polished rice , while white sugar has 99 % of the magnesium removed . Even wheat has lost 20 % of its magnesium content since 1968 .
In addition , many commonly used medications , and others available over the counter , can actually lead to lower than optimal magnesium levels in the human body .
38 Vol 42 • Extraordinary Health