The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducted a Usual Nutrient Intakes Survey, revealing a widespread issue: one in three Australians aged two years and older fail to meet their magnesium requirements (37% of males and 34% of females)1. This striking statistic highlights a significant gap in magnesium intake across the population.
Diagnosing magnesium insufficiency is uniquely challenging. Traditional blood tests are not reliable because less than 1% of the body’s magnesium is found in blood serum. The majority resides in bones and soft tissues, making serum magnesium levels a poor indicator of overall magnesium status.
So what are good dietary sources of magnesium?
Foods rich in magnesium include nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains, dark leafy greens, dairy products, dark chocolate, and avocados, while high-fibre foods and ultra-processed foods may compromise magnesium intake.
The benefits of magnesium
Magnesium supports many aspects of health, especially when your dietary intake is inadequate. Here are some of the key benefits of magnesium:
- Muscle Health: Magnesium supports muscle health and function
- Nervous System Health: Magnesium is vital for maintaining a healthy nervous system
- Energy Production: Magnesium plays a key role in converting food into energy, supporting your energy production
- Cardiovascular Health: Magnesium supports cardiovascular wellbeing
What to look for in a magnesium supplement
1. Magnesium Forms: Is there a difference?
The form of magnesium in a supplement significantly impacts its effectiveness and absorption. Here’s a breakdown of commonly used forms:
Magnesium Oxide and Magnesium Sulfate: These forms have a high percentage of elemental magnesium but lower bioavailability. They are cost-effective and allow for more magnesium in smaller tablets.
Magnesium Citrate: Known for its superior bioavailability, magnesium citrate is easily absorbed. It’s commonly used in powders because 970 mg of magnesium citrate provides 150 mg of elemental magnesium.
Magnesium Phosphate: This form is also well-absorbed, helps maintain electrolyte balance, and is gentle on the stomach. For example, 760 mg of magnesium phosphate delivers 150 mg of elemental magnesium.
2. Clean ingredients matter
Many magnesium supplements also contain a host of other ingredients to help stick the dose-form together, help it pull apart in the stomach or flavour/ sweeten it. Look for products that have a clean label, meaning they use simple and effective ingredients. Nordia Magnesium powder is made with a base containing of only glycine (an amino acid) and ascorbyl palmitate (a form of vitamin C), making it a clean, high-quality option.
3. Why consider Nordia Magnesium powder?
This high potency formula has 1696mg of magnesium compounds with 300 mg elemental magnesium per sachet from both citrate and phosphate forms. This is then an ideal one-a-day dose provides the ideal dosage for daily support.
Without needing to swallow a big tablet or capsule, Nordia Magnesium can be easily added in its pre-measured dose into your juices, smoothies or cold foods such as yoghurts and cereals.
Magnesium is essential for muscle health, nervous system function, energy production, and cardiovascular health.
If you are looking to support your dietary intake with a high-quality magnesium supplement, Nordia could be an ideal option. You can find it at Chemist Warehouse or online at nordiavitamins.com
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.
References:
1 https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/australian-health-survey-usual-nutrient-intakes/latest-release