Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body6. Typically, the adult body contains approximately 25g of magnesium, with 50–60% stored in the bones and the remainder found in muscles and soft tissues, including the heart, brain, liver and kidneys10. Less than 1% of the body’s total magnesium is found in the blood, which is tightly regulated by the body1.
Magnesium is a cofactor in over 300 enzyme systems involved in processes including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, bone development and cardiovascular system function. Magnesium also plays a role in the transport of calcium and potassium across cell membranes, which is important for healthy muscle contraction and nerve conduction1,6.
Magnesium is naturally present in a variety of foods including leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts and wholegrains1,6.
There are various forms of magnesium available in supplements, including magnesium oxide, glycinate and magnesium amino acid chelate.
What does it mean if a supplement is chelated?
Chelated supplements are mineral supplements where the mineral is bound to another compound, commonly amino acids. The word “chelate” refers to the way the mineral forms a ring like structure with the amino acids2.
Magnesium chelate is a form of magnesium bound to amino acids. Magnesium glycinate is another amino acid bound form of magnesium, where magnesium is attached to the amino acid glycine2.
What are the benefits of magnesium chelate?
Magnesium chelate tends to be gentle on the stomach.
Magnesium supports many important functions in the body and may help support:
- Healthy muscle function
- Muscle relaxation*
- Healthy cardiovascular system function*
- Bone health and development
- Nerve conduction
- Protein synthesis
- Energy production
*when dietary intake is inadequate
Muscle health
Magnesium is involved in normal muscle contraction and relaxation. Magnesium may help decrease mild muscle cramps and relieve mild spasms and twitches4,10.
Magnesium also supports muscle health and function and may help relieve symptoms of mild tension headaches and mild migraine headaches4.
Bone health
Magnesium is involved in healthy bone development and helps maintain bone health1. Bone acts as a reservoir for magnesium, helping the body maintain magnesium balance when dietary intake is low. Magnesium also plays a role in processes involved in bone structure and mineralisation10.
Cardiovascular health
Magnesium supports healthy cardiovascular system function and supports heart health5,6.
It plays a role in normal muscle contraction, including the contraction of the heart muscle5.
Nervous system health
Magnesium supports nerve conduction and healthy neuromuscular function1,6.
Protein synthesis
Magnesium is involved in protein synthesis and acts as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in biochemical reactions within the body5.
Is magnesium chelate the same as magnesium glycinate?
Magnesium glycinate is a form of magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. Magnesium amino acid chelate is magnesium bound to a blend of amino acids2.
Both forms provide magnesium in an amino acid bound form and are commonly used in magnesium supplements2,3.
ANC offers both Magnesium Chelate 1000mg and Bio Magnesium+, which contains magnesium glycinate, magnesium oxide and magnesium chelate.
Magnesium Chelate 1000mg provides 200 mg of elemental magnesium per serve and is formulated to support muscle health and function, bone health, cardiovascular system health and protein synthesis.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Supplements may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.
References
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (2019), Magnesium – Health Professional Fact Sheet
- Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine (2019), Chelated Minerals
- Ryan, S.S. (2002), FAQs Minerals & Supplements: Chelated
- Altura, B.M. & Altura, B.T. (2001), Tension headaches and muscle tension: is there a role for magnesium?
- Swaminathan, R. (2003), Magnesium Metabolism and its Disorders
- Reavley, N. (1998), The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs
- Tarasov, E. et al. (2015), Magnesium Deficiency and Stress
- Boyle, N.B., Lawton, C., Dye, L. (2017), The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress
- Hechtman, L. (2012), Clinical Naturopathy
- Murray, M.T. (1996), Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements
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