Magnesium
Magnesium regulates more than 325 enzymes in the body as well as many aspects of cell metabolism. It is important for the proper function of all of the 12 major organ systems. 60-65% of our total body magnesium is found in bones and teeth, 35-40% in muscle/ tissue cells and body fluids, the highest concentration of which are found in the heart and brain cells. Blood contains only 1 % of our total body magnesium. Magnesium is necessary for the synthesis of protein, helps to transmit nerve signals and helps to relax muscles. *
Abnormalities in the function of the neural system are one of the early indications of magnesium deficiency. This can result in dizziness, headaches, fear and anxiety or apathy and depression. One of the characteristic effects of the magnesium deficiency on the neural system includes the reduced ability to concentrate and somewhat impaired memory operation. Magnesium is a physiological regulator of excitability of the neural cells, so a shortage of magnesium leads to hyperexcitability of the neurons. A deficit of magnesium is found in up to 95% of children with ADHD, a disease which implies an excessive excitation of the neural-muscular pathways. Some symptoms of magnesium deficiency may include*:
- Poor memory
- Reduced ability to learn
- Hyperexcitability
- Irritability
- Muscle twitching
- Insomnia, trouble sleeping
- Anxiety, hyperactivity, restlessness
- Constipation
- Muscle spasms, twitches, soreness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Headaches
- Chest tightness and difficulty breathing
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Apathy
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Sleepiness*
Zinc
Zinc is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. It is required for the catalytic activity of approximately 100 enzymes and it plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing , DNA synthesis, and cell division. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence and is required for proper sense of taste and smell. A daily intake of zinc is required to maintain a steady state because the body has no specialized zinc storage system. Zinc is found in the vesicles of the mossy fiber system of the brain’s hippocampus. These fibers play a role in enhancing memory and thinking skills. Zinc plays an important role in the transmission of signals between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and spinal cord.*
Signs of zinc deficiency may include: Behavioral and sleep disturbances, mental lethargy , eczema, psoriasis and acne, growth retardation, hyperactivity, increased allergic sensitivity, loss of appetite, white spots on fingernails, transverse lines and poor nail growth, hangnails, inflammation of cuticles, delayed healing of wounds and taste abnormalities.*
Vitamin B6
B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that improves the use of unsaturated fatty acids by the body and also has beneficial effects on the functions of the nervous system as well as amino acid and energy metabolism. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of such vitamins in your diet. B6 is needed for more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is also essential for red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need vitamin B6 to function efficiently. Vitamin B6 is needed for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are required for normal nerve cell communication. B6 also increases the amount of magnesium that can enter cells. Irritability, nervousness and insomnia as well as general weakness, skin changes such as dermatitis and acne as well asthma and allergies might develop when vitamin B6 is in short supply.*
Antioxidants
Antioxidants such as vitamin C and Magnesium turn off free radicals. Vitamin B6 and Zinc both have antioxidant properties as well. The more antioxidants in your body, the more magnesium is spared from acting as an antioxidant and is free to perform its many other critical functions. Taking supplemental antioxidants protects the level of magnesium in the body. If there is not enough antioxidants available, free radicals begin to damage and destroy normal, healthy cells. Free radicals are implicated in more than sixty different health conditions. Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant made in all cells of the body which detoxifies the body of chemicals. Cells grown in magnesium deficient conditions have lower glutathione levels. When free radicals are added to a magnesium deficient cell culture it causes the level of glutathione to fall rapidly as it fights off the toxins. This makes the cells much more susceptible to free radical damage.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.