How to Prevent Preeclampsia Part II: Magnesium Reduces Risks
Our bodies contain about 25 grams of magnesium, of which about 60% is in our bones, 39% is in our soft tissues, and only a mere 1% is in our blood (National Institutes of Health [NIH], 2018). Put more simply, 99% of our magnesium is intracellular (inside of our cells). Therefore, it is impossible to identify if a magnesium deficiency exists with typical serum blood work (NIH, 2018). Even if your magnesium level was normal in your last workup you could still be deficient within your cells and bones (NIH, 2018). Often when is even more confusing to people is that the deficiency is usually subclinical (which means initially there are no obvious signs). Magnesium is a vital cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems in the body and it regulates a multitude of processes. Unfortunately, more than half of Americans do not even get the recommended daily amount in their diet.
“Because of chronic diseases, medications, decreases in food crop magnesium contents, and the availability of refined and processed foods, the vast majority of people in modern societies are at risk for magnesium deficiency” – DiNicolantonio et al., Open Heart Journal, 2018
So how can supplementing with magnesium prevent preeclampsia? We will be discussing each of these functions of magnesium and connecting them to preeclampsia.(source of list: NIH, 2018)
It regulates blood pressure
It plays a role in the transport of calcium and potassium across cells
It contributes to the development of bones and teeth
It is required for protein synthesis
It is required for production of the antioxidant glutathione
It is required for the breakdown of glucose
(1) Magnesium regulates blood pressure and
(2) plays a role in the transport of calcium and potassium across cells
…..Read more on Elena’s Daily Dose click here
Nurse and the author of Survival Secrets For The New Graduate Nurse
