More and more studies are pointing to how important it is to have magnesium in one’s diet. Magnesium helps maintain proper functioning of the heart (absolutely critical as a matter of fact), muscles and nervous system, it helps absorb calcium and potassium, and is necessary for proper protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism in the body.

Just recently, a study done by Dr. Tsai, from the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY found that a magnesium-enriched diet appears to reduce the risk of symptomatic gallstone disease along with preventing a number of other chronic ailments. This is just one of many studies showing how critical magnesium is to the human body for proper functioning and prevention of diseases.

However, a recent Gallup poll found that four out of five Americans (that is a whopping 80%!) are not consuming enough magnesium from diet alone. And the problem may even more than what these numbers indicate because it does not account for those who take medications, many of which are known to deplete the body of magnesium as well.

 The Gallup poll also found that even if vitamin and mineral supplements are being counted in with the diet intake of magnesium, only a third of Americans are consuming the Recommended Dietary Allowance (310-420 mg/day). Most of the respondents were not even aware of the daily requirements for magnesium.

"It's clear that most people aren't aware of the important role that magnesium plays in the body. If people are concerned about their magnesium levels, they should make sure to discuss medications and health conditions with their doctor when evaluating their diet and magnesium supplement options," said Barbara Levine, R.D., PhD., Associate Professor of Nutrition in Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University-New York Presbyterian Hospital.

To enrich your diet of magnesium, you can eat more of these foods: 100% bran cereals, oatmeal, potatoes, soy beans, milk, avocados, almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, cooked spinach, and sesame seeds. But unless you are actively including the above foods in your daily routine, chances are that you are still in need of high quality supplementation, such as our Active 8 in order to meet the Recommended Daily Allowance.  Something you may want to think about if you are interested in living a longer, more healthful life!