Magnesium is an important mineral that helps maintain good health. It can even prevent certain illness or reduce symptoms from various health conditions. People who choose to get additional amounts of magnesium should focus on the type of supplements for their particular needs.

The essential mineral is used in more than 300 enzyme processes in our bodies. It regulates blood sugar, lowers blood pressure, maintains healthy bones and organs, and reduces stress.

Although you can get the magnesium you need by eating a diet rich in whole grains, nuts, fish, meat, beans and dark green vegetables, many people don't get enough of the mineral and suffer from low magnesium levels.

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There are many magnesium supplements available, but there are also differences in forms of supplements. Many people find combining supplements meets their needs and cuts down on the number of pills they take each day. Magnesium citrate and magnesium ascorbate are the two most common types of supplements that combine citric acid with magnesium.

Magnesium citrate is obtained from magnesium salt of citric acid and has a lower concentration of magnesium. Magnesium citrate is generally used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation as it increases the amount of water in the intestines.

Do not use magnesium citrate if you have kidney disease, are pregnant, or have stomach pain, nausea or vomiting unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Magnesium ascorbate combines vitamin C and magnesium, both vital to good health, into a powerful antioxidant. It doesn’t cause stomach irritation and is better tolerated by many people.

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Vitamin C is probably best known for treating colds, but many people swear by it for other uses. Among the ailments it’s said to help prevent are bladder and prostate infections, depression, dementia, fatigue, blood clots, heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Magnesium supplements have also been used to treat chest pain, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, and chronic fatigue. Combining vitamin C with a magnesium supplement could provide many of these health benefits.

Another benefit of magnesium ascorbate is that it rids the body of calcium that has been deposited ineffectively. Magnesium works in tandem with calcium and by equalizing the balance of the two minerals, it becomes another weapon against osteoporosis.

When considering taking supplements for more magnesium, discuss it with your doctor. High levels of the mineral can interact with antibiotics and some medications.

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