About 80 percent of all Americans have shown deficiencies in magnesium. The consequences of a such a deficiency could prove to be quite significant and can even be aggravated by most drug treatments. Magnesium is important to the organism in several ways. It performs a large array of biological functions. Some of these functions involve activating the nerves and muscles and producing energy in the body by attaching ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
Magnesium also plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of the heart. Indeed, an excessive amount of calcium in the body, if not counterbalanced by magnesium can lead to heart ailments such as attacks, strokes and even sudden death. The ideal ratio between magnesium and calcium intake is set a 1:1 with a daily recommended dose of 700 mg for each of them. Apart from calcium, magnesium also work synergistically with other nutrients such as Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D3.
Generally, magnesium is effective in treating constipation. It is thus often used as a laxative and in the preparation of the bowel before undergoing a medical procedure. It is also used in the treatment of dyspepsia which is commonly known as heartburn. Magnesium acts as an antacid in this case and alleviates the heartburn. It is also administered intravenously in pregnant women who suffer from pre-eclampsia and eclampsia which is high blood pressure. Not treating eclampsia properly might lead to the development of seizures and magnesium intake reduces that risk. Magnesium is also used by athletes to develop energy and endurance.