Did you know that magnesium operates like an engine in the human body? Major minerals, such as magnesium, impact the health of bones, functioning of nerves, muscle and heart functions, and more. This is why we discuss its importance on optimal function inside our IV therapy Toronto Lounge. 

When you have low levels of magnesium, this is called hypomagnesemia, and supplementation can reduce your chances of being deficient. These shortcomings may actually contribute to the formation of different health concerns, including type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, metabolic disorders and other health conditions linked to malabsorption.

So, what exactly is there to know about magnesium? And what types of health benefits does it promote when supplemented on an ongoing basis? The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC) explains in the list below: 

Facts and Beneficial Effects of Magnesium

1. 1. It’s not a surprise that the mineral plays a role in bone health! Up to 60% of magnesium in the human body is situated in the bones, and the rest is found mainly in soft tissues (i.e. muscles). 
   2. It contributes to cellular health and the chemical reactions of over 300 enzymes. These reactions include developing proteins and managing blood sugar levels and muscle function. Magnesium also acts as a type of “electrode” that helps muscles contract and your heart beat.
   3. This specific nutrient deficiency can occur from consuming processed foods, a vitamin D deficiency, chronic diarrhea, the excessive use of drugs and alcohol, heightened stress, pregnancy, and taking certain prescription drugs (i.e. proton pump inhibitors). 
   4. Supplementing with this mineral is important as we age. This is because our absorption of magnesium can lessen due to aging. But scientists are already noticing that close to 42% of young adults are now suffering from chronic magnesium deficiency. 
   5. Vitamin D requires optimal levels of magnesium in the human body. This is because the vitamin needs this mineral to help transition into an active form, helping to break down vitamin D for use. 
   6. It’s been reported that almost two-thirds of the Western hemisphere isn’t consuming adequate magnesium levels. Supplementing with major minerals, such as magnesium, could help meet your daily mineral levels. According to some studies, “…magnesium levels may be lower in soils than in prior years, and food processing can reduce magnesium content from plant foods containing the mineral,” confirms the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 
   7. If you get magnesium through a dietary intake of fruits, leafy greens, and/or non-dairy milk (almond or oat), you should know that when these items are heated (i.e. cooking or boiling), the mineral content is substantially reduced. 
   8. According to a study published in Scientifica, oral magnesium was shown to “suppress bone turnover” in both young adult men and postmenopausal women. In this two-year study, magnesium demonstrated reductions in fractures and improvements to bone density. 
   9. In particular, magnesium levels are low in people diagnosed with mental disorders, such as depression. Supplementation could help with instilling positive effects on brain function and mood levels. 
   10. Sarcopenia can be a conundrum on your physical movements during daily activities. This condition is a reduction of skeletal muscle mass due to aging, and can begin as early as your 40s. By the time you reach your 80s, you can lose close to 50% of your muscle mass! A lack of magnesium can make you susceptible to sarcopenia through protein and cellular damage, while increasing reactive oxygen species in the body. However, studies have shown that magnesium shows promise in helping to prevent and alleviate sarcopenia symptoms, such as muscle weakness. 
   11. The mineral can be taken through oral supplementation, especially in the forms of magnesium threonate, magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate. Please speak to a healthcare provider prior to taking these supplements, as side effects may include nausea and diarrhea. 
   12. Sometimes due to malfunctions in the digestive process, there’s a high chance of losing elevated amounts of nutrients when you ingest supplements. This is because digestion involves filtering and processing the contents you consume. When malabsorption is present, IV therapy drips can be administered for additional support, which can ensure your absorption of ideal dosages of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium. This treatment is available in our IV Lounge, and is suitable for those who suffer from malabsorption. Because a customized solution bypasses your digestive tract from using an IV tube, there’s a significant reduction in unwanted side effects. 

Do you want to have your mineral levels tested? Or would you like to inquire about your muscle recovery, energy levels, or immune function? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for custom therapies. 

Book Your Initial Visit for Our IV Lounge

At the TFMC, our clinicians embrace the integrative functional medicine model. We address individual patient needs by recognizing core components, such as your medical history, lifestyle/environmental factors, and lab results. By dissecting these details, we can personalize your treatment service with a wide range of therapeutic modalities. 

Our healthcare providers – which offer a team-based approach with a medical doctor, naturopathic doctor, nurse practitioner, and registered nurses – have compassion for individual patient needs. They have experience adapting treatments for different health conditions, including fatty liver disease, food sensitivities, hormonal imbalances, brain fog, chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune diseases, menopausal symptoms, and other health concerns. If you have health goals linked to liver detoxification, fertility support for upgrading egg quality, healthy skin and hair, or much-needed energy, let us know and we may be able to assist you!

When we customize your treatment plan, it may include conventional medicine, naturopathy, holistic nutrition, hormone replacement therapies, booster shots, acupuncture, and other modalities. You’re invited to collaborate with us as we tailor your treatment plan; this can empower you when making health care decisions. 

If necessary, we can add an intravenous vitamin drip to your custom treatment service. IV vitamin drips may come with beneficial effects, such as helping to keep blood cells healthy and heightening your absorption of nutrients. When amalgamated with a healthy quality of life and other functional medicine interventions, IV vitamin therapy could contribute to positive effects on your wellness. Our IV Lounge is designed to meet different nutritional needs on an adjunctive level. Vitamin A, vitamin C (ascorbic acid, liposomal vitamin C), vitamin E, folic acid, glutamic acid, a variety of trace minerals, glutathione, NAD+, and amino acids are just some of the key ingredients highlighted in our menu.

Let’s help you alleviate mineral deficiencies to improve energy levels, muscle recovery, and more! Send us a message to request your initial visit for IV therapy in Toronto. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Bertinato J, Wang KC, Hayward S. Serum Magnesium Concentrations in the Canadian Population and Associations with Diabetes, Glycemic Regulation, and Insulin Resistance. Nutrients. 2017 Mar 17;9(3):296. doi: 10.3390/nu9030296. PMID: 28304338; PMCID: PMC5372959.

Botturi A, Ciappolino V, Delvecchio G, Boscutti A, Viscardi B, Brambilla P. The Role and the Effect of Magnesium in Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2020 Jun 3;12(6):1661. doi: 10.3390/nu12061661. PMID: 32503201; PMCID: PMC7352515.

Heaton F. W. Magnesium metabolism and its disorders. The Clinical Biochemist Reviews. 2003;24(2):47–66.

“Magnesium” from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, last reviewed March 2023, viewed on December 6, 2023. 

“Magnesium” from the Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, viewed on December 6, 2023. 

Schwalfenberg GK, Genuis SJ. The Importance of Magnesium in Clinical Healthcare. Scientifica (Cairo). 2017;2017:4179326. doi: 10.1155/2017/4179326. Epub 2017 Sep 28. PMID: 29093983; PMCID: PMC5637834.

Walston JD. Sarcopenia in older adults. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2012 Nov;24(6):623-7. doi: 10.1097/BOR.0b013e328358d59b. PMID: 22955023; PMCID: PMC4066461.

van Dronkelaar C, van Velzen A, Abdelrazek M, van der Steen A, Weijs PJM, Tieland M. Minerals and Sarcopenia; The Role of Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium, and Zinc on Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, and Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2018 Jan;19(1):6-11.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2017.05.026. Epub 2017 Jul 12. PMID: 28711425.

Yang, SW., Chen, YY. & Chen, WL. Association between oral intake magnesium and sarcopenia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 22, 816 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03522-5