Choosing the best chelated magnesium will depend in part on how much magnesium you need to take and where you wish to make the purchase. Formulation and distribution of a dietary supplement or mineral supplement is not regulated the way prescription medications are, so product safety and quality can be a concern. Whenever you purchase vitamins or supplements such as magnesium, you should be sure to buy from a reputable company that sells high-quality products and check with your doctor for any potential adverse effects on your health.
Magnesium is an essential mineral the body needs to function properly. All organs of the body need magnesium, especially the heart, kidneys, muscles and nerves. A magnesium deficiency is hard to diagnose in a laboratory test, but some common symptoms include muscle tension, constipation and twitching, just to name a few. A magnesium overdose may induce diarrhea, depression or, in severe cases, a comatose state or death.
Chelated magnesium also is known as amino acid chelate; it is naturally occurring magnesium that has been chelated for easy absorption. A pure mineral supplement with no added sugar, preservatives or artificial flavors is recommended for both nutritional and medicinal benefits. A chelated magnesium supplement can be administered orally by capsule. Other forms of magnesium are available as a liquid or injection.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for elemental magnesium is from 350 to 400 milligrams (mg). Many people do not consume enough magnesium from food sources, so a supplement is needed to achieve the RDA. Muscle soreness, back and neck aches, and even menstrual cramping can resolve if you consume a sufficient amount of magnesium. Therapeutic doses used to treat heart and kidney problems may reach a total of 1,000 mg of elemental magnesium per day, which is still considered safe. You should carefully inspect labels to determine the amount of elemental magnesium present within the chelated magnesium complex you are considering.
Manufacturers of supplements such as chelated magnesium are generally less regulated than manufacturers of pharmaceutical-grade products and drugs. This means the quality and safety parameters during formulation, production and distribution are less rigorous than for prescription drugs. You should be sure the company from which you purchase has a time-honored reputation for providing high-quality vitamins, dietary and mineral supplements, and nutritional products for consumers.
You can order chelated magnesium online or locally where other mineral and dietary supplements are sold. If you are unsure about the elemental concentration, then ask someone to clarify whether the mineral amounts shown on the label are elemental or chelated. Be sure you are speaking with someone who is educated and trained to answer all of your questions about choosing and taking chelated magnesium. Before taking any supplements, you should always talk to your doctor about your medical conditions, allergies and potential drug interactions. Consuming the recommended daily allowance of magnesium could affect the workings of other medications you may be taking, and your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of those medicines as your body adjusts to the increased magnesium.
