How Aging Affects Magnesium Absorption


Magnesium is an essential mineral and an electrolyte that is vital to sustain good health. It is a co-factor for hundreds of enzymes that depend on it for everyday functioning. In addition to its many benefits, we need magnesium to sustain normal nerve and muscle function.

As we age our bodies are less capable of absorbing magnesium. There are certain prescription medications that interfere with magnesium absorption.

Magnesium Absorption Inhibitors

  • Bisphosphonates (Osteoporosis Medications)
  • Antibiotic Medication
  • Diuretic Medication
  • Acid Reflux Medication
  • Peptic Ulcer Medication

How To Determine Low Magnesium

Healthcare practitioners diagnose low magnesium with a blood test. If you suspect that your levels are low, check with your physician to discuss your symptoms.

Reasons For Magnesium Deficiency

  • Insufficient Dietary Intake
  • Inadequate Absorption
  • Loss Through Excretion
  • Poor Nutrition
  • Diseases That Affect Malabsorption
  • Medications That Affect Malabsorption

Early Signs of Magnesium Deficiency

  • Fatigue
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Muscle Spasm
  • Nausea
  • Stiffness
  • Weakness

Untreated magnesium deficiency can worsen and may lead to Abnormal Heart Rhythm, Numbness and Tingling, or Seizures.


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Boost Your Health with Magnesium-Rich Foods


More than 300 essential processes within your body rely on magnesium, an essential mineral and a co-factor for hundreds of enzymes that are vital to sustain good health.

Your body doesn’t make magnesium, so you need to consume a magnesium rich diet to maintain healthy levels.

Dark Chocolate is rich in magnesium with a 1 ounce serving containing 64 to 65% of magnesium. In the vegetable family, Swiss Chard is an excellent source of magnesium, while also containing Vitamins A, C and K.

Bodily Functions That Require Adequate Magnesium

  • Normal Muscle and Nerve Function
  • Blood Pressure Regulation
  • Energy Production
  • Protein Synthesis
  • Bone Density
  • DNA Repair
  • Formation of Bones and Teeth

Dietary Sources of Magnesium

  • Dark Leafy Greens such as Spinach, Swiss Chard and Collard Greens
  • Nuts and Seeds – Almonds and Cashews rank the highest
  • Legumes such as Black Beans that contain 60 mg in 1/2 cup
  • Fiber-Rich Whole Grains such as Quinoa and Plain Shredded Wheat
  • Fatty Fish such as Salmon, Mackerel and Halibut
  • Low Fat Dairy Products such as Yogurt and Non-Fat Milk
  • Dark Chocolate contains high amounts of magnesium

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How Magnesium Supports Your Well-Being


Magnesium is an essential mineral and a co-factor for hundreds of enzymes. Since your body doesn’t make magnesium, you have to consume a magnesium rich diet.

How Magnesium Sustains Your Health

  • Keeps blood pressure and blood sugar at healthy levels
  • Healthy bone formation
  • Maintain healthy muscle function
  • Maintain a steady heart rhythm
  • May lower the risk of having a stroke
  • May prevent or relieve headaches
  • Helps in muscle recovery
  • Helps handle stress
  • Supporting sleep health

Food Containing Magnesium

  • Almonds
  • Cashews
  • Peanuts
  • Black Beans
  • Lima Beans
  • Quinoa
  • Shredded Wheat Plain
  • Milk
  • Yogurt
  • Spinach
  • Swiss Chard
  • Collard Greens
  • Avocado
  • Banana
  • Papaya
  • Green Peas
  • Sweet Corn
  • Potato With Skin
  • Dark Chocolate

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Read more about magnesium rich food from Health.Cleveland Clinic.org