Magnesium is one of the most important dietary minerals and most people don’t get enough of it. According to the National Institutes of Health, magnesium is responsible for more than 300 bodily functions, including muscle, bone, and cardiovascular health, so being deficient can be problematic—and many experts report that at least 50% of Americans are magnesium deficient.

The recommended intake is 420 mg per day for men and 320 mg for women. Thanks to industrialized farming, magnesium in U.S. soil is far less abundant than it used to be which means plants absorb less than ideal amounts. So, although it’s not easy to get magnesium from foods, there are a few good sources:

There are many different forms of magnesium supplements on the market, and they help in different ways. For instance, magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide are effective for digestion, and magnesium malate can improve mood, blood sugar control, exercise performance, and chronic pain. Magnesium glycinate supports cardiometabolic, neurocognitive, and musculoskeletal health—and it’s also helpful for sleep support.
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