Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most abundant, available metals on earth, and plays crucial roles in the sustenance of life and its chemical processes. The divalent nature of the magnesium cation makes it an ideal activator for enzyme systems. Estimates for its usage in human systems include over 50 different biochemical reactions and its necessary presence for the operation of over 300 enzymes. Magnesium is essential for energy production, maintenance of electrolyte balance, and neuromuscular function. Investigations into rates of magnesium deficiency show that individuals in developed countries are at remarkably high risk with the suspected primary cause being an inadequate, depleted diet high in processed foods (from which magnesium has been removed but not replaced).

There are several nutritional requirements in the body in order for mitochondria to manufacture ATP. These essential nutrients include oxygen, magnesium, food substrate, ADP, and inorganic phosphate, as well as Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, and Vitamin B6 in their phosphorylated coenzyme forms. The body also needs adequate stores of malate (an important Krebs cycle intermediate) in order for most of these nutrients to function effectively in the process of ATP production. When any of these nutrients are not present in adequate amounts within the mitochondria, a vicious cycle can occur in which ATP is not created in amounts sufficient for proper cellular functioning. Insufficient amounts of ATP mean that the B vitamins may not be adequately phosphorylated leading to improper metabolism and further reductions in ATP production. The much less efficient anaerobic production of ATP will be utilized to a greater extent in such cases. A balance point may be reached in which the body produces only a fraction of the optimal amount of ATP. Under these conditions muscle weakness and fatigue may occur. Abraham and Flechas reported that supplementing the diet with magnesium may reverse such conditions of low energy (Jrnl of Nutritional Medicine 3: 49-59).

For the reasons presented (above), we have included magnesium in REJUVENATE!™ from magnesium malate (providing both magnesium and malate) and magnesium ascorbate (providing additional magnesium as well as Vitamin C).