Low magnesium can cause loss of muscle mass and weakness

A new study shows older adults with higher levels of magnesium in the blood have stronger muscles and more muscle mass.

There are four generally accepted reasons for strength and muscle loss.

1. Inactivity. Muscles must be used to maintain their strength and mass.
2. Aging. At first, up to about age 50 you will lose only about 4% of your strength and muscle mass per decade. But after that the loss increases to about 10% per decade. This can be countered by exercise and proper diet.
3. Those on weight loss programs that do not provide proper nutrition.
4. Low levels of magnesium in the diet, which is true for and amazing 80% of Americans.

Magnesium plays a number of key roles in body function. About 50% is found in bone and the other half is found predominately inside cells of body tussues and organs. This amazing mineral is needed for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.

• It keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system and keeps bone strong.
• It helps regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetics are almost universally low in this mineral.
• It helps promote normal blood pressure.
• It aids protein synthesis and is intimately involved in energy metabolism.
• Adequate levels are essential for optimum athletic perforance because it helps maintain muscle mass, prevent cramps and relieve stiff or tight muscles.

To investigate whether loss of magnesium might contribute to the loss of muscle mass, or sarcopenia, often seen in older people and those on weight loss diets. The researchers measured serum levels of magnesium and performed a number of tests of muscle strength and function in 1,138 men and women with an average age of about 67 years.

The researchers found a strong relationship between magnesium levels and muscle function that remained even after they adjusted for factors that could affect both muscle strength and magnesium metabolism. Individuals with higher magnesium levels had a stronger hand grip, more power in their lower leg muscles and were able to extend their knees and ankles with more force.

Even people in wealthy Western nations may not get enough magnesium. Eighty percent of US adults get less than the recommended daily allowance of this mineral. Older people, individuals on poorly designed weight loss programs and those with chronic disease are at particularly high risk of magnesium deficiency.

"The importance of elucidating the role of low magnesium status on the development of loss of muscle mass cannot be overlooked, because the aging population at risk of related disability continues to grow and contribute to extensive health care costs."

Some early signs are fatigue and general weakness. If you suffer from lower back pain, stiff, weak or tight muscles, the culprit may be low levels of magnesium.

Comments: When Shaklee scientists read the reports on the pitiful magnesium situation in America, they took action. Shaklee developed and amazing product called VitalMag. It contains 200 mg of elemental magnesium from three sources (magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate and magnesium gluconate) to assure maximum absorption and delivery to your cells. It also contains 99 mg of potassium for proper nerve transmission, muscle contraction and heart health. In addition, there is 1 mg of boron to aid in magnesium utilization and bone metabolism.

There are two problems with many magnesium supplements on the market. One, they contain too much magnesium. Two, they have and immediate release which causes what I like to call the "Milk of Magnesia" syndrome. Shaklee conquered this problem with a time-released, gel-diffusion delivery tablet. The gel diffusion system slowly releases nutrients over four to six hours. This system is specifically designed to prevent gastrointestinal upset commonly associated with magnesium supplements. I strongly suggest you add VitalMag to your daily supplement regime. Magnesium has too many functions in the body to be short-changed.