Magnesium is considered by many to be the most under-supplied mineral in the average North Americans diet. Magnesium is used up in large amounts during strenuous exercise. It is also depleted rapidly when you are under stress, sweating large amounts or have a bout of vomiting and/or diarrhea. Diuretics, some antibiotics and alcohol rob the body of magnesium as well.

Magnesium is needed for energy production, bone formation and maintenance and the proper functioning of muscles (including the heart muscle) and nerves. It is necessary for the production of vitamin D, to keep potassium in the cells where it belongs and to prevent the calcification of soft tissues such as the kidneys (kidney stones), arteries (plaque), joints (arthritis) and skeletal muscles.