How Important Is Magnesium in the Body?

How Important Is Magnesium in the Body?

When most people think about essential minerals, calcium and iron often come to mind first. But there’s another mineral that quietly powers nearly every system in your body: magnesium. Despite its importance, research shows that up to 50% of people in the U.S. don’t get enough magnesium from their diet. At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we regularly evaluate magnesium levels as part of our functional medicine assessments because deficiency is such a common and overlooked cause of fatigue, muscle pain, and even anxiety.

What Does Magnesium Do in the Body?

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, making it one of the body’s most versatile and vital minerals. Some of its key roles include:

  1. Energy Production
    Magnesium is necessary for producing ATP, the molecule that fuels every cell. Without magnesium, energy production slows down—leading to fatigue and sluggishness.
  2. Muscle and Nerve Function
    Magnesium helps regulate muscle contraction and relaxation. Low levels can cause muscle cramps, restless legs, or even heart rhythm disturbances.
  3. Bone Health
    While calcium and vitamin D get most of the attention, magnesium is also critical for strong bones. It helps regulate calcium balance and supports bone mineralization, lowering the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

👉 Read our blog on osteoporosis and functional medicine.

  1. Nervous System and Mood
    Magnesium supports neurotransmitter balance, particularly GABA, which promotes relaxation. Low magnesium has been linked to anxiety, poor sleep, and irritability.
  2. Cardiovascular Health
    Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, regulate blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. Studies show that adequate magnesium intake lowers the risk of hypertension and heart disease.

Why Magnesium Deficiency Is So Common

If magnesium is so important, why are so many people deficient? Several factors contribute:

  • Soil depletion – Modern farming has reduced magnesium content in fruits and vegetables.
  • Processed foods – Refined grains, sugar, and processed foods contain little to no magnesium.
  • High stress – Stress hormones increase magnesium excretion, depleting reserves.
  • Medications – Diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, and some antibiotics can lower magnesium levels.
  • Gut issues – Conditions like IBS, celiac disease, or low stomach acid impair absorption.

For many patients, lifestyle and diet alone are not enough to maintain healthy magnesium levels.

Signs and Symptoms of Low Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency can be subtle, but common signs include:

  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Muscle cramps or twitches
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Restless legs at night
  • Trouble sleeping or frequent awakenings
  • Anxiety or low mood
  • Constipation
  • High blood pressure

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we frequently test for magnesium status in patients who complain of chronic fatigue, sleep issues, or stress-related symptoms.

Functional Medicine Approach to Magnesium

Traditional medicine often overlooks magnesium, but in functional medicine, we know this mineral touches nearly every area of health. That’s why we integrate magnesium into our broader root-cause evaluations.

Testing

We may order serum or RBC magnesium levels to get a better picture of deficiency.

Nutritional Counseling

We encourage patients to eat magnesium-rich foods, such as:

  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard)
  • Nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
  • Avocados and bananas
  • Legumes and whole grains
  • Dark chocolate (in moderation!)

Supplementation

When diet alone isn’t enough, magnesium supplements can be very effective. Different forms serve different purposes:

  • Magnesium glycinate – best for sleep, anxiety, and relaxation
  • Magnesium citrate – helpful for constipation
  • Magnesium malate – may support muscle energy and reduce fatigue
  • Magnesium threonate – shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, supporting cognition

We personalize recommendations based on symptoms, labs, and overall health goals.

Magnesium and Whole-Body Wellness

Correcting magnesium deficiency doesn’t just relieve symptoms—it often has ripple effects across the body. Patients report:

  • Better quality sleep
  • Fewer muscle cramps or headaches
  • Calmer mood and less anxiety
  • Improved bowel regularity
  • More sustained daytime energy

Because magnesium interacts with so many systems, improving levels can be life-changing for patients who have been struggling without answers.

Restoring Balance at Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine)

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we believe in finding and correcting the root causes of health problems, not just covering up symptoms. Magnesium is a perfect example of how a simple deficiency can create widespread issues—and how restoring it can improve vitality, resilience, and quality of life.

If you’re struggling with fatigue, poor sleep, or unexplained muscle pain, it may be time to evaluate your magnesium levels.

👉 Learn more about our functional medicine services
👉 Schedule your consultation today

‍