With magnesium playing a vital role in cellular function, a deficiency can cause a multitude of problems, from cramp and fatigue to diabetes and osteoporosis. Jane Wolfe asks, is it time for a top-up?
Every cell in our bodies needs magnesium, and while there are plenty of foods rich in the micronutrient – including dark chocolate, bananas, sesame seeds, edamame beans, brown rice, pumpkin seeds, buckwheat, chia seeds, almonds, spinach and avocado – the World Health Organization estimates that up to two-thirds of the world’s population may not be getting enough in their daily diets, so supplementation is beneficial for many.
The micronutrient is so crucial because it has catalytic responsibility for 300-plus biochemical reactions in the body, says Katy Grieshaber, nutritional advisor at Viridian Nutrition, such as electrolyte balance, hormone production and metabolism, energy production, protein building, nerve and muscle function, as well as having regulatory role at the cellular level. In the natural health arena, there is no shortage of supplements to meet the needs of every customer – available in numerous formats and for specific issues.
Once magnesium has been extracted from its natural source, it becomes unstable so needs to be bound to another compound in a process called chelation after which it can be utilized by the body which distributes it to areas in need of a boost.
a magnesium complex ensures that any lacking areas can be supported by the unique benefits of each chelated magnesium
“Magnesium supplements can support the body in different ways depending on which amino acid it has been bound to,” explains Grieshaber. “Magnesium citrate – magnesium bound to citric acid – has shown to be beneficial for those experiencing deficiency and who require their energy levels to be replenished. To support digestive problems, heartburn and constipation, magnesium bound to oxygen – magnesium oxide – is favourable. The amino acid glycine has been regarded in research for its gentle nature, which helps those with a sensitive gut and promotes sleep, therefore, magnesium bisglycinate is recommended. For those requiring additional energy for their day, magnesium malate – magnesium bound to malic acid – is favoured. Finally, magnesium taurate is ideal to support the cardiovascular system, blood sugar regulation and athletic performance.”
Prompted to suggest just one magnesium product for all-round health, Grieshaber responds: “I recommend a magnesium complex which provides the recommended Public Health England dosage [maximum of 600mg for adults]. Viridian’s High Potency Magnesium consists of magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide and magnesium bisglycinate – a magnesium complex ensures that any lacking areas can be supported by the unique benefits of each chelated magnesium.”
Retail focus
Kate Segal, owner of Inside Out Health in Reigate, says there’s a lot of talk around magnesium in the store. “Many people come to us to talk about sleep problems – falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night or poor quality sleep – and magnesium has been key in helping our customers’ sleep in general. Hormonal health is the next key area – either for PMS or menopause. Magnesium is also very important to help ease muscle aches or cramps. Another use is for gut health, including maintaining a regular bowel movement.”
magnesium has been key in helping our customers’ sleep in general
A lot of Segal’s customers are aware of the benefits of magnesium but may need a little more detail on which form is useful for which area of health – enter the store’s team of nutritional therapists who are on hand to guide customers to the most suitable product for their individual needs.
The shop’s most popular type is bisglycinate in the form of Terranova Magnesium 100mg Complex (Bisglycinate). “This works for many customers – be they taking magnesium for sleep or hormonal health – especially as it doesn’t cause a loose bowel. As a team, this is a unanimous vote. Favoured by Alison as the most well absorbed form in our range, it is also Abbie’s choice to support hormone balancing, anxiety, stress and sleep. Claire recommends this product too for those with tight muscles, general tension and to promote restful sleep.”
Flexible formats
Segal points out that as magnesium tablets and capsules can be ‘a little on the large side’ some customers do prefer ‘pill-free’ versions, and there is a profusion of different options.
In liquid form, Floradix Magnesium, ReMag The Magnesium Miracle and Nature’s Answer Magnesium Malate & Glycinate are joined by functional refreshments such as OHMG, which has variants including Sparkling Raspberry & Lemon Balm +L-Theanine and Sparkling Blackcurrant & Echinacea + Vitamin C and incorporate 60mg of the brand’s TripleMg magnesium formula.
Topical supplementation can be achieved with BetterYou’s Magnesium Sleep Body Spray which combines Zechstein magnesium with lavender and chamomile to promote deep relaxation and a natural, peaceful sleep, as well as supporting the relief of muscle tension; and Kiki Health offers a natural, odourless and easily absorbed transdermal Magnesium Oil/Spray which can be used on any area of the body, with ten sprays equating to a dosage of 212mg.
For customers opting for a lotion, Good Health Naturally’s Ancient Magnesium Lotion Ultra has added OptiMSM along with shea butter and sweet almond oil; and Alexandra Kay Time to Restore Magnesium Lotion features hemp seed oil and CB2-Skin Biofunctional which activates the body’s CB2 cannabinoid receptors, along with a soothing blend of essential oils.
Other innovations include Viridian’s Organic Magnesium – the first certified organic supplement of its type in the UK – featuring magnesium derived from sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca); Together Health’s Magnesium From Mineral Salts, containing all five natural forms of magnesium sourced from the Dead Sea; and Nutrigums Magnesium Citrate – naturally flavoured vegan gummies.
A LUSH massage
LUSH’s new magnesium collection has been specifically designed to facilitate muscle recovery, sleep and pain relief.
Its vegan magnesium Massage Bars, which melt into oil at room temperature, come in three SKUs: Before – to stimulate and invigorate muscles with a caffeine- and magnesium-packed massage before physical activity to aid performance and reduce the likelihood of injury; After – to help aid recovery, alleviate joint stiffness and delayed onset muscle soreness by aiding the removal of waste products such as lactic acid after exercise; and Deep Sleep – to help calm the mind and body.
LUSH says it has taken transdermal application of the mineral ‘to the next level’ by combining the beneficial properties of magnesium with that of massage and including fair trade and organic cocoa and shea butters – packed full of skin-nourishing vitamin E – and essential oils.
The brand has also created two Epsom Salt Cubes in Deep Sleep Salt and Water Soother varieties to offer magnesium-packed muscle soaks that can be popped straight in the bath or a foot soak to aid recovery and a good night’s rest.
Magnesium Oil Spray
KIKI Health
E-mail: [email protected]
www.kiki-health.com
KIKI Health’s Magnesium Oil is a transdermal, high-quality, premium elemental magnesium that is applied directly to the skin, where it’s absorbed into the bloodstream and cells, without the need for digestion. A convenient, easy-to-use, odorless spray that can be used on any part of the body to boost magnesium levels and target tired muscles and cramps.
Derived from Genuine Zechstein™ magnesium salt, sourced from the Zechstein Seabed, a prehistoric sea hidden thousands of metres beneath the earth’s crust, isolated from impurities. This makes it the purest source of magnesium chloride that has been preserved in its natural energetic state.
Nature’s Answer Liquid Magnesium Glycinate
Kinetic Natural Products Distributor
Tel: 08450 725 825
E-mail: [email protected]
www.kinetic4health.co.uk
Nature’s Answer Magnesium Malate & Glycinate combines these two ‘gentle’ forms of magnesium that are amino acid chelates, offering a more bioavailable form of magnesium in liquid supplement, absorbed faster than pills, capsules and softgels. Suspended in vegetarian glycerin for better intra-cellular absorption, with a delicious natural tangerine flavour, and also featuring a unique botanical blend, Quicksorb, for better assimilation from the intestinal tract plus liver metabolism. Nature’s Answer produce high-quality natural products for vital, healthy lifestyles since 1972. Their facility is cGMP Certified, organic and kosher certified. www.kinetic4health.co.uk
OHMG Magnesium Water
OHMG Brands Limited
E-mail: [email protected]
www.ohmgwater.com
Our delicious Award-Winning range of Sparkling Spring waters are infused with 60mg of Magnesium (That’s as much as an Avocado!) and is the first ‘Relaxation Drink’ in the UK to use Magnesium as its USP. OHMG helps support Relaxation, Balance, and Mental Well-being. Our fruity drinks are made using our unique TripleMg® formula (three of the most bioavailable forms of Magnesium), 100% Natural fruit extracts, flavours and botanicals and no sugars or artificial sweeteners. Unwind Your Mind with OHMG. Now available on www.ohmgwater.com, Amazon, Whole Foods, John Bell & Croyden, Planet Organic, Waitrose and other leading independent stores nationwide.
Pill-free magnesium BetterYou Magnesium range
BetterYou
Tel: 01226 814030
E-mail: [email protected]
www.betteryou.com
BetterYou’s magnesium range provides a fast and effective method of remineralisation compared to other forms of supplementation. Applied directly onto the skin, BetterYou’s award-winning pill-free magnesium is quickly absorbed into the epidermis, bypassing the digestive system where many nutrients, including magnesium, are poorly absorbed.
Magnesium is a natural aid to stress, relaxes muscles, aids sleep, calms the nervous system and provides the body with endurance and energy. The BetterYou range is developed using the purest natural source of magnesium chloride, which has been protected from man-made pollutants for over 250 million years, ensuring quality and purity and guaranteeing remineralisation with each use.
The pill-free magnesium range is available in a variety of formats suitable for different applications and preferences for every customer – from an easy-to-use body spray or gel, a nourishing body lotion or body butter and a variety of relaxing bath flakes blended with essential oils.
All dermatologically tested, with many formulations sensitive skin approved and suitable for vegetarians and vegans, there is a BetterYou magnesium product suitable for everyone, including children thanks to their Magnesium Sleep Kids’ range. Using planet-friendly plastics, all product packaging is also 100% recyclable.
Ancient Magnesium Lotion Ultra
Wholesale Health Ltd
Tel: 01606 889905
E-mail: [email protected]
www.wholesalehealthltd.co.uk
Ancient Magnesium Lotion Ultra with OptiMSM™ from Good Health Naturally is a skincare solution with a difference, using transdermal technology to deliver the health benefits of magnesium chloride from a pure and natural ancient source, the Zechstein seabed. OptiMSM®, the world’s purest MSM, is a rich source of sulphur, a key component of collagen; and supports skin health whilst enhancing magnesium absorption and bioavailability. Soothing ingredients such as sweet almond oil, shea butter and East Indian lemongrass make this lotion luxurious to apply, yet light enough to be used in place of your daily body moisturiser. 200ml. Vegan.
