Magnesium is a vital nutrient necessary for proper muscle, nerve and enzyme function. This essential mineral acts as a coenzyme and is utilized by the body to help convert carbohydrates, protein and fat into energy. Magnesium promotes a steady heart rhythm, and helps keep bones strong. Magnesium is often deficient in the American diet, and is a valuable addition to a well-balanced supplement program.
Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, and is fundamental to a number of important physical processes, including converting carbohydrates and protein into ATP (the body's energy source), blood clotting, activating B vitamins and relaxing muscles. Magnesium helps boost the activity of several enzyme systems needed for neurochemical communication, and is needed to transport electrolytes like potassium and sodium in and out of cells. Furthermore, magnesium assists in calcium and potassium absorption.