The Benefits of Magnesium

(Please read our disclaimer)

Vitamin C, D, Zinc—all of these have been in the headlines the past few years. They are supplements we know about and are good for us, especially now, to keep our immune systems functioning at its top level. But magnesium? If you ask most people, they’ve heard the name of this mineral, but to tell about its benefits—not many can.

How is Magnesium Beneficial?
Over 600 processes in your body revolve around magnesium—energy creation, protein formation, gene repair and maintenance, muscular movement, and the nervous system.

Magnesium helps with exercise performance. One study involving athletes showed that a magnesium supplement boosted their physical performance by improving alactic anaerobic metabolism, basically helping create energy when it is needed immediately.

Magnesium also helps with depression. In a controlled study done in 2008, taking 450 mg of magnesium daily improved mood as effective as an antidepressant. Some experts believe that depression and mental illness is caused by the low amount of magnesium we see in our foods today. The Melaleuca Wellness Guide states, “Magnesium supplementation has produced very good results, which may also be due to its importance in serotonin function.”

Type 2 diabetes also has benefits from magnesium as blood sugar and A1c levels improved in a study with people who took magnesium each day as compared to those that did not.

Chronic inflammation is a major problem leading to early aging, obesity, and chronic diseases that can be controlled or reversed with supplementation of magnesium. The Melaleuca Wellness Guide mentions that, “deficiencies in many other essential nutrients including magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins are known to be present in people who have high blood pressure, and they are helped by magnesium supplementation.”

Have you ever been told to eat dark chocolate to relieve a migraine? If so, it isn’t necessarily the cocoa that helps with the headache but the magnesium found in dark chocolate. Researchers have found that people who suffer from migraines may be magnesium deficient and that a supplement may in fact help with preventing or reducing the symptoms of migraines.

As we age we tend to forget things—which can be frustrating to say the least. However, magnesium in many studies has shown to help with cognitive function. Dr. Mercola states that while we are increasing our dose of Vitamin D we need to be sure to be taking adequate magnesium as well in order to maximize the benefits of both nutraceuticals.

Where Do You Get Magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral and is present in many foods. The National Institute of Health lists the foods sources that contain magnesium. For example, pumpkin seeds contain the most at 156 mg per serving; while a raw carrot has the least amount at 7 mg. Green leafy vegetables are also a good source of magnesium.

I’m sure you’re asking: If magnesium is in many foods, why do we need a supplement? Good question. A study done in 2012 states that 50% of people get less than the daily amount of magnesium they need. As you may know, much of the soil today, if not correctly supplemented itself, is depleted of minerals due to farm methods, erosion, and use of pesticides and fertilizers. That doesn’t mean we need to avoid eating vegetables, but to make better choices of the fruits and vegetables we do eat, and to supplement ourselves as well.

Melaleuca’s new product Mela-Out Magnesium contains magnesium bisglycinate, which is often considered to be the best form of magnesium as it has a higher percentage of absorption than other forms of magnesium. Mela-Out Magnesium is powered by Oligo helping it be absorbed even more into the bloodstream. And to add additional absorption properties, vitamin B6 is included in Mela-Out Magnesium.

Magnesium bisglycinate also contains glycine, an amino acid that helps with sleep quality. So taking Mela-Out Magnesium as suggested at night will not only help give you the beneficial sleep you need to repair your system, but give you the amount of magnesium you need for all the benefits listed above.

During pregnancy the “need for vitamin B-6 and magnesium is great and can be supplied from the Vitality Pack Prenatal” as stated in The Melaleuca Wellness Guide. However leg cramps can be common during pregnancy, showing the need for more magnesium. In this randomized study using magnesium bisglycinate, leg cramps during pregnancy were alleviated. Be sure to check with your doctor before using any additional supplement(s).

Magnesium for Optimal Health

Magnesium is an overlooked mineral that has many benefits to your overall good health. As each day goes by, we all strive to do the best for our family and ourselves. Be sure to include Mela-Out Magnesium in your daily routine to ensure that you are staying healthy, decreasing any possibilities of deficiencies, and being able to perform at your optimum level.


~ Richard M. Barry