Absorbable Magnesium - Robert Seik, PharmD

A research study showed that the vast majority (85%) of Americans are Magnesium depleted. Since athletes require more due to their increased nutrient demand, Magnesium is one of the most important supplements for athletes. It is very important that the magnesium supplement that you use is a chelated form where the Magnesium is coupled to an amino acid for improved absorption rate. Triton Nutrition uses a patented form in their Mag Powersorb from TRAACS (The Real Amino Acid Chelate System). These forms are Magnesium Glycinate and Magnesium Malate, which are superior forms because they are readily absorbed by the body. Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Carbonate, and Magnesium HCl are inferior forms, which are inexpensive. They are inferior because they are difficult to absorb.

So you see, cheap vitamins are cheap for a reason. Magnesium is the second most abundant ion in the body. Magnesium can help regulate heart rhythm and reduce blood pressure. In fact, certain pharmaceutical drugs such as diuretics deplete Magnesium from the body.

Athletes that train heavily need Magnesium to produce energy. The electron transport chain located inside the mitochondria requires Magnesium to function. In addition, Magnesium allows muscles to contract and relax properly. The inability of muscles to relax leads to constant tension on the tendons, which ultimately leads to injuries over time. Magnesium Malate converts to malic acid in the body and both forms can actually aid the body in ridding it of lactic acid. This allows recovery and improvement in performance.

The dosage in Mag Powersorb is 125 mg of the mixed amino acid chelate form. Some athletes require a dose as high as 2000 mg per day depending on their workout and body mass and should take it an hour before meals or one to two hours after a meal. A sedentary individual should take in about 600 mg a day on an empty stomach. For more information regarding the importance of taking an oral Magnesium supplement compared to a topical application, please click here.

by Robert Seik, PharmD