Low Magnesium Increases Heart Disease

Other studies have shown low magnesium intake to be associated with increased risk of high blood pressure and stroke. And magnesium supplementation has also been shown to be beneficial for patients with heart failure and is given IV in hospital settings for patients suffering acute heart failure and to decrease arrythmias. More than 50% of Americans are deficient in magnesium.

This study used serum magnesium, but it should be pointed out that red blood cell (RBC) magnesium testing is much more accurate than serum levels and often finds even greater percentage of individuals to be low in magnesium.  I highly recommend you consider taking some magnesium daily, since it is such a beneficial mineral and so many of us are low in it.  In addition to heart benefits, magnesium is helpful for bone density, muscle metabolism, muscle cramps and spasms, blood sugar regulation, migraine headaches, anxiety and panic attacks, for forming DNA and RNA, and even reduces constipation. Speak to Dr. Weitz about which form of magnesium might be best for you and how much to take.  Keep in mind that most multivitamins do not contain a lot of minerals, unless you are required to take 6 or 8 tablets per day, because minerals are large.

Lee S, Hyun Y, Lee B, Kim, H. Low serum magnesium is associated with coronary artery calcification in a Korean population at low risk for cardiovascular disease. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2015; 25, (11): 1056-1061.