October 31, 2012

How Magnesium Can Help Your Weight Loss Efforts

When considering the body’s composition, it can be noted that magnesium is the eleventh most abundant element by mass.  It is also the fourth most abundant mineral in the body.  Almost half is stored in the bones, while the remaining half can be found in the cells of other organs, body tissue and blood.

weighing scales
Magnesium is needed for all living cells.  It plays a major role in forming and maintaining DNA and RNA.  The compound has many medicinal uses including the creation of laxatives, antacids, and sedatives.  Magnesium also helps treat eclampsia and Restless Leg Syndrome.  It can be found in many non-medicinal products too like fertilizer, paper, and fire-resistant cables.

If consumed properly, this mineral can help with weight loss.  However, a magnesium deficiency can hinder weight loss progress and possibly even cause weight gain.

Recommended Dose
According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, men should consume at least 400 mg of magnesium a day.  Likewise, it is recommended that women consume 310 mg per day.  However, strenuous workouts can cause a higher loss of magnesium.  Therefore, if you are exercising regularly, you’ll want to up your dosage.

How Magnesium Influences Health
Magnesium helps the body absorb and utilize other nutrients you consume.  If inadequate levels of the mineral are present, the body won’t be able to properly process fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. 
Additionally, magnesium is responsible for activating the enzyme that tells your body its food need have been met and you should stop eating.  You can see how important this process is to a weight loss hopeful!

This useful mineral is also responsible for making you feel energized.  If you are suffering from exhaustion, it could be an indication that your magnesium levels are too low.  Maintaining plenty of energy is vital to anyone who is engaging in exercise for weight loss.

There is a direct correlation between obesity and diabetes and insulin resistance.  Seeing as magnesium plays a crucial role in proper insulin function, it can be said this mineral is a tool for fighting against obesity.  A deficiency in magnesium causes insulin to function improperly, resulting in high blood glucose and fat storage.

Magnesium Rich Foods
If you are interested in adding more magnesium to your diet, reach for almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, or pumpkin seeds.  Better yet, mix them all together to form a delectable snack mix!  Also, whole grains (like pasta, rice, and bread) have a plentiful amount of magnesium.

If you are exercising regularly, you will want to consider a magnesium supplement.  Odds are, you won’t be able to meet the recommended dosage with diet alone.

If your weight loss efforts haven’t been yielding desirable results, maybe all you need is a boost to your magnesium intake!

Guest blogger Emily Rose writes for various health and weight loss sites.  She is a big fan of using vitamins and minerals for weight loss.  For example, she is currently researching vitamin B12 information and how vitamin B12 injections could aid weight loss.

Related Posts That You May Like:


  1. Chetana4:26 PM

    Many people who are obese have magnesium deficiencies.

  2. H etal4:28 PM

    Eating highly processed foods along with sugar and fats can lead to both obesity and a magnesium deficiency, mainly because most of the magnesium is processed out.

  3. Yogini4:31 PM


  4. Anonymous2:52 PM

    Alcohol abuse, cancer medications and taking certain antibiotics and diuretics cause an excessive loss of magnesium in your urine, resulting in a magnesium deficiency.
    Caffeine, birth control pills and stress also rob your body of magnesium.

  5. magnesium increases carbohydrate metabolism,

  6. Dilip2:54 PM

    How much magnesium you need each day depends on your age and gender



Products you may like