How does Magnesium Citrate Work Better than Other Forms of Magnesium?

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by: Darrell Miller
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Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2011 Time: 6:44 PM
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Magnesium is fast becoming a household name. Thanks to the growing uses of different magnesium compounds in various industries and niches. The fact that it goes hand in hand with calcium in the battle against diseases of bones has been common knowledge. Today magnesium citrate in particular is widely used due to its reported medical benefits and desirable effects.

Depending on what you need it for, there are a number of compounds similar to magnesium citrate. A preparation called milk of magnesia traces its medicinal purposes back to early 1800's when Sir James Murray applied it in treating the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland at that time. It was considered a success and was subsequently made available to the public and marketed for its medicinal use.

Apart from magnesium hydroxide, another name for milk of magnesia, the more common forms of magnesium in the market nowadays include its chloride, oxide, gluconate, sulphate, and citrate. While they can be purchased over the counter, each is administered in varied doses and ways. Also, be informed that certain forms react to other compounds and even interfere with their absorption by the body. That's why it's important to seek medical advice from health professionals as they will help you choose the right one for you.

Magnesium citrate is commonly associated with its role in speeding up the emptying the bowel of undigested remains of food for rectal and colon examinations. No prescription is needed when you buy either branded or generic preparations. The solution form works a few hours after intake inducing bowel movement in no more than 6 hours. Both the pill and solution provide as much as 16 per cent of elemental magnesium.

Among its reported uses is its increasing trend as a dietary supplement to prevent illnesses associated with magnesium deficiency. Taking the right amounts in combination with other drugs is recorded as a safe measure to maintain normal heart rhythm and even hold down muscle damage when a heart attack occurs. High doses have been used to inhibit headaches and migraines. In addition, there are numerous accounts of its use to combat fatigue, mood swings, irritability, personality changes, anxiety, and depression.

It should be noted that to date it has earned more popularity than other forms of magnesium. There are a lot of opinions concerning its effectiveness, but positive word of mouth seems to be responsible for its continued health care applications. Now it is also administered to avoid the formation of kidney stones but with increased caution since kidney diseases may prevent excretion of magnesium excesses.

The amount of any administered drug ultimately absorbed for use by the body is called bioavailability. A significant portion of elemental magnesium in magnesium compounds isn't passed into the bloodstream since they are administered orally. Magnesium citrate employs a substance that enhances the passage of magnesium from the intestines, into the bloodstream, and through the cell walls better than other forms, making it one of the most bio-available whether accompanied by food or not.

Generally, magnesium citrate is easier to digest than its other forms making it a better choice for those on ant-acids or who have digestion problems. Look for magnesium in any form at your local or internet vitamin store. Always choose name brands like Now Foods to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase for better health.

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If you suspect you are magnesium deficient, give magnesium citrate from Now Foods a try risk free at VitaNet ®, LLC Vitamin Store. http://vitanetonline.com/