Magnésium

magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that your body needs to work well every day. It helps chemical reactions happen inside cells, including those that turn food into energy and those that build and repair DNA and proteins. Magnesium is also important for muscles to relax after they contract, for nerves to send signals, and for the heart to maintain a steady rhythm. Most of the magnesium in your body is stored in bones and inside cells rather than in the blood. You get magnesium from foods like leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, and some fortified foods, and many people meet their needs through a balanced diet. Not getting enough can cause muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, and sometimes more serious problems with heart rhythm or bone health. Taking too much magnesium in supplement form can lead to diarrhea and, in extreme cases, more severe symptoms, so doses should be kept within recommended limits. Magnesium can also interact with some medicines, such as certain diuretics and antibiotics, so it matters to check with a health professional before starting supplements. Scientists study magnesium because it plays roles in blood vessel function, nerve signaling, and inflammation, so understanding it better could help with a range of health issues.