Magnesium: a short guide

Reading time: 2 minutes | Written with love by: Alexis

Magnesium plays an essential role in many cellular processes. Want to know more? Alexis tells you all about it!

The role of Magnesium

Magnesium (Mg) is the second most abundant element in our cells, after potassium. It is essential for many cellular processes (read on to find out more…).

Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium deficiency is defined as a blood serum concentration < 0,75 mmol/L.

Magnesium deficiency affects the body as magnesium contributes to:

normal psychological functions
the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
normal muscle function
normal energy-yielding metabolism

Distribution of magnesium in the body

The most important reservoir of magnesium is the bones (about 60% of total body magnesium), the remaining 40% being located outside the bones, mainly in the skeletal muscles and the brain (12).

12. Yamanaka R et al. Magnesium is a key player in neuronal maturation and neuropathology. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jul 12;20(14).

Sources of Magnesium and Absorption

Magnesium is mainly absorbed from the small intestine by a passive mechanism (13,14). This is why we offer DoubleMAG as an easy-to-swallow tablet. There are no significant problems with its absorption.

Magnesium is present in many foods (see table).

However, it is best to avoid processed foods and to steam vegetables for a better absorption. Also the body has no reserves of magnesium. This is why we recommend supplements.

Magnesium content for selected foods (mg per 100g)
Seaweed	2500	Corn germ	550
Boiled whelk, Cocoa powder	410 to 415	Wheat germ	400
Split peas	300	Brazil nuts	318
Dried almonds, snails	250 à 255	Barley germ	225 à 230
Peanuts	175 à 180	Cashew nuts	167
Hazel nut, Oats	145 to 150	White beans	140
Walnuts	129	Corn kernels	120
Fresh blackcurrant	105	Banana	45
Dried figs	77	Flour	73
Aubergine, fresh or dried dates, fresh or dried apricot, dried coconut	60 à 65	Mineral water	3 to 11

13. Jahnen-Dechent, J.; Ketteler, M. Magnesium basics. Clin. Kidney J. 2012, 5, i3–i14.
14. Graham, L.A.; Caesar, J.J.; Burgen, A.S. Gastrointestinal absorption and excretion of Mg 28 in man. Metabolism 1960, 9, 646–659.

Dietary recommendations for magnesium

Recommendations from the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) for Magnesium are:

For infants : 80 mg/day, children 1 to 3 years: 170 mg/day, and 3 to 10 years: 230 mg/day
Children 10-18 years old: 300 mg/day for boys, 250 mg/day for girls
For men: 350 mg/day, and women: 300 mg/day

Magnesium of marine and plant origin from the Bio Frères

We have created an eco-friendly, vegan and organic magnesium supplement based on sea lettuce and sea water, the two sources for our pure marine magnesium.

Ulva lactuca (sea lettuce) is a species of green seaweed. It was eaten in France during periods of famine. The extraction is done with concentrated sea water.

As pesticides and GMOs are banned in organic farming, DoubleMAG contains only negligible amounts of pesticide residues.

Marine magnesium is often well tolerated but combining it with a plant source it will reduce any digestive intolerance.

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Written with love by: Alexis

Alexis is a researcher. True guardian of the temple, he ensures the effectiveness of formulas, compliance and product certifications. He also manages our scientific monitoring and the in-depth articles on our blog.