Best Magnesium Supplement for Keto

Few minerals have a pronounced effect on the body as magnesium. The mineral is abundant in the body, and it makes up more than 76 percent of the enzymatic processes in our body. Most importantly, it serves a role in converting biochemical energy into nutrients with the end goal of releasing waste products from the body. It also serves a role in mitochondrial function by helping the body absorb and break down nutrients to create energy for cells.

While getting magnesium from your food offers the best option for ensuring proper mineral levels, you can also get magnesium from your supplementation if you choose carefully. As one of the most depleted minerals in the soil, getting optimal magnesium levels on a keto diet may prove challenging without supplementation. Finding a magnesium supplement that is bioavailable and easily absorbed into the body is no simple task. Magnesium carbonate. magnesium malate, magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate tend to have the highest bioavailability when taken with water on an empty stomach.

Magnesium oxide is a popular form of elemental magnesium, but it is also very poorly absorbed by the body. Magnesium chloride supplements have better absorption rates because the addition of the chloride element improves acid levels in the stomach, which improves absorption and is ideal for people who have low stomach acid. Forms of magnesium that absorb well include magnesium malate, magnesium citrate, magnesium ascorbate and magnesium carbonate offer decent absorption rates. Magnesium hydroxide, magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts), magnesium phosphate and magnesium hydroxide don't absorb well.

While you should contact your health care practitioner to have your magnesium levels checked to verify a deficiency in magnesium, there are several signs that may indicate you have a magnesium deficiency. A person with a mild deficiency who lacks magnesium may lose their appetite, experience headaches, think unclearly, feel nauseous, may vomit and experience unusual fatigue. More severe deficiencies may include abnormal heart rates, palpitations, muscle cramps, contractions, fibromyalgia and numbness and tingling in the extremities.

Getting the right levels of magnesium may help reduce bone loss found in patients with osteoporosis. Some research suggests magnesium may also play a role in bipolar and mania. Magnesium can ease premenstrual syndrome symptoms, including nervous tension, anxiety, irritability, fluid retention and moodiness. The American Academy of Neurology notes that magnesium may help reduce incidents of migraines. Keto dieters often need supplementation with magnesium because much of the body's magnesium is flushed out.

While it's tempting to believe that there is one best form of magnesium that will suit all individuals, finding the right form of magnesium is not so simple. It's important to select the right form for your situation. Most keto dieters are getting much of their magnesium from meat products, so magnesium citrate doesn't always provide the best option. If you feel you have parasites or a condition that prevents magnesium absorption, then magnesium glycinate is your best option. Magnesium threonate is best for people who are experiencing issues with cognition.

Look for a supplement that contains only magnesium. If you're essentially healthy but you expect you have a magnesium deficiency as a result of a keto diet, a safe bet is a supplement that includes magnesium glycinate. It offers the best all-around supplement for most situations. You'll find this form in chelated magnesium products. It also happens to be one of the most commonly prescribed forms by health practitioners. This is also the form that is least likely to cause diarrhea, which is extremely important on a keto diet.

Aim to avoid mixing your magnesium with vitamins since some vitamins can block the absorption. A good rule of thumb is to take your minerals in the morning about an hour before eating and two hours before taking other supplements. While the Mayo Clinic recommends taking the supplement with food, you should try taking it on an empty stomach first. Certain foods may interfere with the absorption of magnesium. Start with a small amount and work your way up. There are many forms of magnesium, but pills tend to offer the most elegant solution. Taking a B6 supplement along with magnesium may aid absorption.

It's important to estimate how much magnesium you're getting each day. Adults and teenagers should aim to bring in a total of 270mg to 400mg per day for men and 280mg to 300mg per day for women. Pregnant women should take 320mg per day and breastfeeding women should take 340mg to 355mg per day. By tracking the estimated amount of magnesium in your food, you can increase your supplementation to ensure you hit these goals. Magnesium tends to get flushed out of the system when taken in excess, but you should start low and work your way up to your maximum daily dose. This will ensure you don't have as many side effects.

Magnesium may interact with prescriptions so it's important to check any possible issues with your doctor or pharmacist. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, confusion, slowed heart rate and possible coma. Taking the supplement incorrectly may also increase the risk of cardiac arrest, death and mineral deficiencies. It's best to work with a doctor to ensure that you get the right level of magnesium without taking too much of the valuable mineral. Magnesium supplements may interact with aminoglycosides, antibiotics, blood pressure medications, calcium channel blockers, diabetes medications and several other medications so it's important to ensure you're not taking any supplements or medications that may cause adverse conditions.

Life Extension Magnesium Caps offer the best option to ensure you're getting the right level of absorption and a high level of safety. All magnesium supplements have pros and cons, but this supplement avoids dangerous additives and chemicals. The capsule is vegetarian, and you can get your entire dosage with just a single pill. However, the single capsule is also a downside for people who want different doses.