Magnesium

An important constituent of bone is magnesium, which assists in transmitting nerve impulses; it is also important for muscle contraction. It acts as an essential cofactor for many enzymes, which function properly only when magnesium is present. Two such enzymes, 97 cocarboxylase and coenzyme A97, are involved in extracting energy from food. Mild magnesium deficiency is more common than previously recognized, especially in people suffering from diabetes, malabsorption syndromes, celiac disease, and some forms of kidney disease. Those on anti-coagulants also suffer magnesium deficiencies.

Magnesium deficiency is a cause of cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and has been linked to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Magnesium is found naturally in dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, and most sprouts, as well as whole grains, sprouted beans and peas, and some botanicals such as Terminalia arjuna.