
17 Foods That Increase Magnesium And Prevent High Blood Pressure, Blood Clots And Muscle Fatigue
- Kidney disease
- Crohn’s disease or other conditions that affect digestion
- Parathyroid problems
- Taking antibiotics or drugs for diabetes and cancer
- Old age
- Abusing alcohol
How To Get More Magnesium
Many people take magnesium supplements, but they don’t always take the right kind.
Small studies have found that magnesium in the aspartate, citrate, lactate, and chloride forms is absorbed more completely and is more bioavailable than magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate (1).
If you do choose to take magnesium supplements, speak to your doctor to make sure that you get adequate levels of calcium, and Vitamins K2 and D3 since these nutrients interact together and improve absorption.
Many foods are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, but you may need to supplement vitamin K2. You doctor should also be able to tell you exactly how much you need and monitor your levels after you begin supplementation.
Here’s how much magnesium you need, according to the National Institutes of Health:
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Magnesium | ||||
Age | Male | Female | Pregnancy | Lactation |
Birth to 6 months | 30 mg* | 30 mg* | ||
7–12 months | 75 mg* | 75 mg* | ||
1–3 years | 80 mg | 80 mg | ||
4–8 years | 130 mg | 130 mg | ||
9–13 years | 240 mg | 240 mg | ||
14–18 years | 410 mg | 360 mg | 400 mg | 360 mg |
19–30 years | 400 mg | 310 mg | 350 mg | 310 mg |
31–50 years | 420 mg | 320 mg | 360 mg | 320 mg |
51+ years | 420 mg | 320 mg |
*Adequate Intake (AI)
Regular Epsom salt baths or foot baths are also a great way get more magnesium since it can be absorbed through your skin. You can also apply magnesium oil on your body if you dislike baths.
First and foremost, the best way to up your magnesium levels is to change your diet to include more magnesium-rich foods.