Fibromyalgia and Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals found in the human body. It is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions involving all of the bodily systems. There is an important fact that needs to be understood. The routine test done to determine magnesium levels is a test performed on the blood's serum. This is the test that was probably performed on you if you have had a blood chemistry screening. Only 1% of your magnesium is found in the serum. Slightly over 31% is found in your muscle cells (intracellular) and the rest is found in your bones and other tissues. A normal serum magnesium level can't predict a normal total body magnesium level. A special test that measures magnesium inside of red blood cells is a much more accurate determinant of your magnesium status. Numerous studies have shown that a low total body magnesium level is present in fibromyalgia. Let's review some of the symptoms that occur when a magnesium deficiency occurs.

SKELETAL MUSCLES (1) muscle soreness (2) muscle tension (3) neck pain (4) back pain (5) muscle twitches/cramps (6) tension headaches (7) tmj (jaw joint) pain

SMOOTH MUSCLES (1) urinary spasms (2) dysmenorrhea (excessively painful periods) (3) constipation

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (1) sleep disturbances (2) anxiety (3) hyperactivity and restlessness with constant movement (4) increased PMS irritability

CARDIOVASCULAR (1) arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) (2) palpitations (occasional extra heartbeats) (3) chest pain (4) high blood pressure.

Magnesium also plays a critical role in the production of energy in our cells. The Krebs cycle (energy cycle) produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the main immediate source of usable energy for the cells. Magnesium is essential for the production of ATP. Magnesium deficiency causes a disruption of our source of energy.

Magnesium plays an important role in the immune system. It is a crucial factor in the growth and transformation of lymphocytes. A deficiency is associated with a lowered level of the cells that produce antibodies. Finally, a magnesium deficiency is implicated in increased production of free radicals that place even more stress on our immune system. One word of warning: a person with kidney disease should consult their physician prior to magnesium supplementation.