Lack of magnesium in diet linked to disease

Feb 22 2005

The Gordon Research International Conference on Magnesium was held during the second week in February in Ventura, California, to discuss the research findings on the links between deficiencies in the mineral magnesium and a host of life-threatening diseases, including heart disease and arteriosclerosis. In attendance were researchers and doctors from all over the world.

The benefits of magnesium have been known for years, but studies have not been widely released to the public -- a fact that nutritional researcher Peter Gillham has been protesting for twenty-seven years. "The public needs to be made aware of the life-saving properties of this vital nutrient," states Gillham. "We have epidemics of heart disease, anxiety and diabetes and we have answers now, but they are not being widely publicized."

Peter Gillham studied the positive effects of magnesium supplementation as early as 1978. He observed many related symptoms of magnesium depletion, such as insomnia, fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps and weak bones. Since observing what he says are the "dramatic, life-changing effects" of magnesium supplementation, Mr. Gillham has dedicated his life to ensuring the public knows more about it. In his book on the subject, The Miracle Nutrient, he states: "Calcium, a major mineral, needs magnesium in order to assimilate into the body. Calcium, however, should never be taken on its own, because it will pull the magnesium out of body parts in order to assimilate." He also states, "Since magnesium is necessary for over 350 biochemical and bioelectric processes, the human body is in trouble without it."

While the research continues, others, including Peter Gillham have drawn their own conclusions on the importance of magnesium supplementation, and some have written books on the subject. Dr. Carolyn Dean published her findings in her book The Miracle of Magnesium, and Drs. Mildred Seelig and Andrea Rosanoff published their findings in their book titled The Magnesium Factor.

Magnesium in the body serves several important metabolic functions. It plays a role in the production and transport of energy. It is also important for the contraction and relaxation of muscles. Magnesium is involved in the synthesis of protein, and it assists in the functioning of certain enzymes in the body.

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