Magnesium
A mineral involved in hundreds of enzyme reactions, muscle and nerve function.
Role in a formula: Essential mineral supporting muscle, nerve and normal heart rhythm.
What magnesium does
Magnesium is a cofactor in several hundred enzyme reactions, including every reaction that uses ATP — which is to say, essentially all cellular energy metabolism. It is also central to muscle relaxation, nerve conduction, normal heart rhythm and bone structure, where most of the body's magnesium is stored.
Intake is commonly below recommended levels on diets low in whole grains, nuts and green vegetables. Symptoms of a mild shortfall are non-specific — fatigue, muscle cramps, poor sleep — which is why magnesium is a popular supplement and also why it is over-claimed.
The forms matter
Magnesium oxide is the cheapest and the most common in low-cost supplements. It is also the least well absorbed, and the fraction that is not absorbed is what makes it an effective laxative. Citrate, glycinate, malate and taurate are better absorbed and gentler on digestion.
A product that simply says "magnesium" without naming a form is usually oxide. That is not useless, but it is worth knowing what you are buying.
Food sources and cautions
Green leafy vegetables including sukuma wiki, nuts and seeds, whole grains, beans and dark chocolate are the practical sources. Magnesium is at the centre of chlorophyll, which is a useful way to remember where to find it.
People with reduced kidney function should not supplement magnesium without medical supervision, since the kidneys clear it. It can also interfere with the absorption of some antibiotics, so separate them by a few hours.
Products on Farma360 that contain Magnesium
Normatone contains Magnesium
Listed at the launch price with the composition published on the product page. Name and phone only, confirmation by call, payment to the courier on delivery.
KSh 6,750 KSh 13,500 −50% launch price
Magnesium — questions
Which magnesium form is best absorbed?
Citrate, glycinate and malate are better absorbed than oxide. Glycinate is usually the gentlest on digestion; citrate has a mild laxative effect at higher doses.
Does magnesium help with sleep and cramps?
It is widely used for both, and magnesium does have a genuine role in muscle relaxation and nerve function. Whether supplementing helps depends largely on whether your intake was low to begin with.
Other ingredients explained
See the full ingredient index, browse all supplements, or read the guide to reading a supplement label.
Important. This page describes an ingredient used in food supplements. It is general information, not medical advice, and nothing here diagnoses or treats any condition. If you take prescribed medication, check any supplement with a pharmacist before starting it.