The consequences of magnesium deficiency
Magnesium is an indispensable cornerstone in nutritherapy, involved in over 400 biochemical reactions crucial to life. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed chronic magnesium deficiency within the French population. The average diet provides around 120 mg of magnesium per day, while estimated needs are around 300 mg or more according to some experts. Repeated stress leads to excessive magnesium consumption, resulting in health and well-being consequences such as fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, emotional instability, nervous tension, and more. Gradually, the body's ability to adapt to stress diminishes.
Supplementing with magnesium
Supplementing with magnesium helps the body adapt to stress by combating fatigue. Indeed, magnesium deficiency is the leading cause of fatigue. Without magnesium, there's no energy, and without energy, the body is weakened and struggles to cope with daily aggressions. It's therefore urgent to consume more magnesium through both diet and supplementation.
But beware, not all magnesium salts are equal! Some are less bioavailable than others, meaning they are less easily utilized by the body. Therefore, the bioavailability of the chosen magnesium plays a major role in the effectiveness of supplementation. It is recommended to favor organic salts such as magnesium glycerophosphate or magnesium citrate, which are among the most bioavailable magnesium salts, without causing undesirable effects.
Indeed, most magnesium supplements are highly laxative and cause diarrhea. Once properly absorbed, magnesium does not easily bind in the body; it needs effective binding elements like taurine. Contrary to popular belief, taurine is not a stimulant but a natural cerebral sedative, similar to serotonin. Taurine has the ability to bind and retain magnesium in cells. It also has detoxifying properties by promoting the elimination of heavy metals (lead, mercury).
To alleviate stress-related disorders, it is important to restore daily magnesium intake. Each individual has different magnesium needs, depending on the day, lifestyle, and situations they face. The initial goal is to provide a sufficient daily dose necessary for the proper functioning of the body. The method to achieve this goal is always the same: an initial dose of 200 to 400 mg per day for 20 to 30 days. The next step is to find a maintenance dose to adjust magnesium intake according to individual needs.
(1) Val-de-Marne study (Herberg, Desjeux, Favier, Deheeger, 1991): 100% of women and 75% of men do not receive the recommended magnesium intake.