The mineral magnesium serves many vital purposes inside your body. There are more than 300 biochemical processes in the human body that require magnesium. From the heart to the bones, some of the body\'s most fundamental systems and structures rely on this important mineral. Both day-to-day and long-term health and well-being call for sufficient intake of magnesium.

Magnesium is necessary for bone health and structure. Half of the magnesium in the body is found in the bones. An important contribution magnesium makes to the bones is to help in the production of the hormone calcitonin, which increases calcium levels in the bones. Magnesium also controls the acidity of the blood, which benefits the bones, as high acid levels can weaken bone structure.

Magnesium plays a part in controlling the neuromuscular activities of the heart and helps to keep the heartbeat regular. It also assists in keeping blood pressure levels within normal range.

There is some scientific interest in magnesium in relation to diabetes. That is because magnesium is necessary for insulin secretion and function, and enjoys a role in controlling blood sugar. It also serves to assist in turning blood sugar into energy.

Enjoying partnership status with a variety of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, magnesium is essential to the health and functioning of the body's neurological system and muscular system, serving to enable the contraction of muscles and nerves.

It is important to maintain adequate levels of magnesium in the body, as serious health problems can result from deficiencies. Adult males need about 350mg of magnesium per day, with adult women requiring 280mg daily, with an increase of up to 420mg per day while pregnant or breastfeeding. Children, depending on their size and weight, need between 130mg to 240mg per day.

Deficiency in magnesium can cause significant calcium loss, heart spasms, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, muscle contractions and spasms, fatigue, and feelings of weakness, both in general and in the muscles.

Consuming the standard recommended daily intake levels of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients is essential to good health and the proper functioning of the body's many systems. Unfortunately, most people do not achieve this through diet alone.

Using nutritional supplements to make up the difference between what you should eat and what you really do eat is an effective option. The body's systems are based upon a delicate balance of chemicals, and too much can often be as harmful as too little. A licensed nutritionist or herbalist can help you to make a supplement plan best suited to your individual dietary needs and health goals.

Some natural sources for magnesium include soybeans, fresh green vegetables, raw wheat germ, apples, almonds, nuts, raw honey, peaches, brown rice, figs, lemons, and grapefruit.