As many as half of all Americans do not consume the recommended
daily amount of magnesium (400 mg). This deficit poses a major health
risk, as magnesium helps build strong bones, make proteins, release
energy that is stored in muscles and regulate body temperature.
In addition, researchers found that helping maintain memory function
in middle age and beyond may be another of magnesium's roles.
Magnesium, a trace mineral, can be found in dark green, leafy vegetables.
Researchers have found that not getting the optimal daily intake
of magnesium can be associated with:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- Anxiety
- Heart disease
- Muscle cramps
According to studies, magnesium is also important in synaptic function,
which is associated with the connections among brain cells. Researchers
discovered that sustaining a proper amount of magnesium in the cerebrospinal
fluid is crucial for maintaining plasticity of synapses; plasticity
(the ability to change) is vital to the brain's ability to
learn and remember. Therefore, a loss of plasticity in the hippocampus,
where short-term memories are stored, results in the forgetfulness
that is common in older people.
Further, magnesium is the porter for the NMDA receptor, which receives
signals from an important excitatory neurotransmitter involved in
synaptic plasticity. Magnesium helps the NMDA receptor open up for
important input and shut down to background noise.
Thus, it was concluded that a healthy amount of magnesium might
improve cognitive function.
Medical
News Today
December 1, 2004
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