Magnesium
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Food Science and Human Nutrition Program and Human Nutrition Program
Magnesium’s Functional Role
Approximately 60 percent of magnesium in the human body is stored in the , making up about 1 percent of mineralized . Magnesium is not an integral part of the hard mineral crystals, but it does reside on the surface of the crystal and helps maximize bone structure. Observational studies link magnesium deficiency with an increased risk for . A magnesium-deficient diet is associated with decreased levels of and the activation of vitamin D, which may lead to an impairment of . A study in nine hundred elderly women and men did show that higher dietary intakes of magnesium correlated to an increased BMD in the hip.[1] Only a few clinical trials have evaluated the effects of magnesium supplements on bone health and their results suggest some modest benefits on BMD.
In addition to participating in bone maintenance, magnesium has several other functions in the body. In every reaction involving the cellular energy molecule, ATP, magnesium is required. More than three hundred enzymatic reactions require magnesium. Magnesium plays a role in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, carbohydrates, and lipids, and is essential for nerve conduction and muscle contraction. Another health benefit of magnesium is that it may decrease blood pressure.
Many Americans do not get the recommended intake of magnesium from their diets. Some observational studies suggest mild magnesium deficiency is linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Signs and symptoms of severe magnesium deficiency may include tremor, muscle spasms, loss of appetite, and nausea.
Dietary Reference Intakes for Magnesium
The RDAs for magnesium for adults between ages nineteen and thirty are 400 milligrams per day for males and 310 milligrams per day for females. For adults above age thirty, the RDA increases slightly to 420 milligrams per day for males and 320 milligrams for females.
Table 10.6 Dietary Reference Intakes for Magnesium
| Age Group | RDA (mg/day) | UL from non-food sources (mg/day) |
| Infants (0–6 months) | 30* | – |
| Infants (6–12 months) | 75* | – |
| Children (1–3 years) | 80 | 65 |
| Children (4–8 years) | 130 | 110 |
| Children (9–13 years) | 240 | 350 |
| Adolescents (14–18 years) | 410 | 350 |
| Adults (19–30 years) | 400 | 350 |
| Adults (> 30 years) | 420 | 350 |
| * denotes Adequate Intake |
Source: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Magnesium. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/. Updated July 13, 2009. Accessed November 12, 2017.
Dietary Sources of Magnesium
Magnesium is part of the green pigment, chlorophyll, which is vital for photosynthesis in plants; therefore green leafy vegetables are a good dietary source for magnesium. Magnesium is also found in high concentrations in fish, dairy products, meats, whole grains, and nuts. Additionally chocolate, coffee, and hard water contain a good amount of magnesium. Most people in America do not fulfill the RDA for magnesium in their diets. Typically, Western diets lean toward a low fish intake and the unbalanced consumption of refined grains versus whole grains.
Table 10.7 Magnesium Content of Various Foods
| Food | Serving | Magnesium (mg) | Percent Daily Value |
| Almonds | 1 oz. | 80 | 20 |
| Cashews | 1 oz. | 74 | 19 |
| Soymilk | 1 c. | 61 | 15 |
| Black beans | ½ c. | 60 | 15 |
| Edamame | ½ c. | 50 | 13 |
| Bread | 2 slices | 46 | 12 |
| Avocado | 1 c. | 44 | 11 |
| Brown rice | ½ c. | 42 | 11 |
| Yogurt | 8 oz. | 42 | 11 |
| Oatmeal, instant | 1 packet | 36 | 9 |
| Salmon | 3 oz. | 26 | 7 |
| Chicken breasts | 3 oz. | 22 | 6 |
| Apple | 1 medium | 9 | 2 |
Source: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Magnesium. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/. Updated July 13, 2009. Accessed November 12, 2017.
Learning Activities
Technology Note: The second edition of the Human Nutrition Open Educational Resource (OER) textbook features interactive learning activities. These activities are available in the web-based textbook and not available in the downloadable versions (EPUB, Digital PDF, Print_PDF, or Open Document).
Learning activities may be used across various mobile devices, however, for the best user experience it is strongly recommended that users complete these activities using a desktop or laptop computer and in Google Chrome.
- Tucker KL, Hannan MT, et al.(1994). Potassium, Magnesium, and Fruit and Vegetable Intakes Are Associated with Greater Bone Mineral Density in Elderly Men and Women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(4), 727–36. http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=10197575. Accessed October 6, 2017. ↵
The internal structure composed of bone or cartilage that provides structure and support to organs and tissues.
The major structural and supportive connective tissue of the body.
A disorder affecting the bones that is characterized as a loss in bone mass, increased bone fragility, and increased risk of fractures.
A hormone that acts to increase blood calcium levels and is released from the parathyroid gland.
A process where bone is continuously being broken down and reformed for growth and maintenance.