Magnesium is an essential mineral nutrient for life. It is present in every cell type in every organism and is vital to the well being of all organisms.* Adult human bodies contain about 24 grams of magnesium, with 60% in the skeleton, 39% intracellular (20% in skeletal muscle), and 1% extracellular.

ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main source of energy in cells, must be bound to a magnesium ion in order to be biologically active.* Over 300 enzymes require magnesium ions in order to function*. Magnesium in one of its various forms (ie: gluconate, malate, orotate, magnesia, citrate etc) can be found in common laxatives, antacids (i.e., milk of magnesia), and can be used in a number of situations where stabilization of abnormal nerve excitation and blood vessel spasm is required.*

The average adult human daily nutritional requirement is set to 300-400 mg per day of elemental magnesium. Inadequate magnesium intake frequently causes muscle spasms, and has been associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety disorders, migraines, osteoporosis and cerebral infarction[1]*. Human magnesium deficiency (including conditions which show few overt symptoms) is relatively common, with only 32% of the United States meeting the RDA-DRI,[2] and has been implicated in the development of a number of human illnesses such as asthma, osteoporosis, and ADHD.[3]*

Due to its basic struction/function, magnesium may effect muscle relaxation through direct action on the cell membrane.* With the addition of magnesium, more channels may be blocked and the nerve may have less activity which could help support the body in reducing the itching/crawling sensations commonly noticed during periods of rest or sleep.*

According to a randomised, double-blind study, done in 2003, scientists found Magnesium citrate to be more bioavailable than oxide or amino-acid chelate (glycinate) forms[4].*

 

 

References:

1. Larsson SC, Virtanen MJ, Mars M, et al (March 2008). "Magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium intakes and risk of stroke in male smokers". Arch. Intern. Med. 168 (5): 459–65. doi:10.1001/archinte.168.5.459. PMID 18332289.
2. "Lack Energy? Maybe It's Your Magnesium Level". United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved on 2008-09-18. Last paragraph
3. University of Maryland Medical Center. Magnesium
4. Walker AF, Marakis G, Christie S, Byng M (September 2003). "Mg citrate found more bioavailable than other Mg preparations in a randomised, double-blind study". Magnes Res 16 (3): 183–91. PMID 14596323.