A Healing Nutrient Profile: Magnesium
Jan 28 2021 ・ 5 min read
You may know that you need magnesium for healthy bones — in fact, roughly half of your body’s magnesium is stored in your skeleton.
This mineral also aids in the function of more than 300 enzyme systems in the body. Magnesium influences the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contractions and has a strong role in controlling blood pressure; it is thought to be an important factor in preventing heart attacks. The mineral is also essential for the proper functioning of the hormone insulin. Because magnesium is involved in the production of the brain neurotransmitter dopamine, it may help prevent or treat PMS, depression and other mood disorders.
How Much Magnesium Do You Need?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium is:
320 mg for women ages 31 and older
420 mg for men ages 31 and older
Both younger women and men need slightly less (310 mg and 400 mg, respectively), and women need more when they’re pregnant (350 mg).
Many people have a magnesium deficiency due to poor eating habits, stress and medical conditions such as gastrointestinal problems. One reason may be our increased consumption of refined, processed foods, which contain little magnesium.
Sometimes it may be helpful to supplement with magnesium. Doses of 100 mg to 400 mg may be recommended depending upon your individual case. It’s always best to start with a low dose and see if that is adequate. If you’re choosing a supplement (with your doctor’s OK), keep in mind that magnesium glycinate is least likely to cause diarrhea at higher doses, and magnesium oxide is the most likely to promote diarrhea.
Where Can You Get Magnesium?
The richest sources of magnesium are leafy green vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds and nuts, followed by meat and dairy.
Some of our favorite foods that contain substantial amounts of magnesium are:
Spinach, cooked Serving Size: 1 cup Amount of Magnesium: 158 mg
Pumpkin seeds Serving Size: 2 Tbsp Amount of Magnesium: 151 mg
Tofu Serving Size: 4 oz Amount of Magnesium: 117 mg
Sunflower seeds Serving Size: 2 Tbsp Amount of Magnesium: 100 mg
Almonds Serving Size: 1 oz Amount of Magnesium: 10 mg
100% bran cereal Serving Size: ⅓ cup Amount of Magnesium: 95 mg
Broccoli, cooked Serving Size: 1 cup Amount of Magnesium: 94 mg
Wheat germ, toasted Serving Size: ¼ cup Amount of Magnesium: 93 mg
Blackstrap molasses Serving Size: 2 Tbsp Amount of Magnesium: 84 mg
Cashews Serving Size: 2 Tbsp Amount of Magnesium: 74 mg
Millet, cooked Serving Size: ½ cup Amount of Magnesium: 69 mg
Black beans Serving Size: ½ cup Amount of Magnesium: 60 mg
Peanut butter Serving Size: 2 Tbsp Amount of Magnesium: 50 mg
You can look up the magnesium content of other foods by referencing the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.