Magnesium Citrate with Vitamin B6

Magnesium and vitamin B6 are involved in extensive interactions within the body as they work together in many enzyme systems.

PRE-MENSTRUAL SYNDROME - Researchers have found that the combination of magnesium and vitamin B6 has significant effects on reducing anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms (nervous tension, mood swings, irritability, or anxiety). One of the ways in which vitamin B6 may relieve the symptoms of PMS is by increasing cellular magnesium levels.
KIDNEY STONES - Magnesium citrate has been shown to increase the solubility of calcium oxalate and inhibit both calcium phosphate and oxalate stone formation. Many patients with recurrent oxalate stones show laboratory signs of vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 is known to reduce the production and urinary excretion of oxalates.
DEPRESSION - Vitamin B6 nutritional status has a significant and selective modulatory impact on central production of both serotonin and GABA, neurotransmitters that control depression, pain perception, and anxiety. Vitamin B6 levels are often found to be low in women taking birth control pills or Premarin. It is likely that many millions of people taking Prozac may be suffering depression as a result of low B6 status.
FATIGUE - An underlying magnesium deficiency, even if 'sub clinical', can result in chronic fatigue and symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Many chronic fatigue syndrome patients have been shown to have low red blood cell magnesium levels.
MIGRAINE / TENSION HEADACHES - Several researchers link low magnesium levels with both migraine and tension headaches based on their theories and clinical observations. Reduced levels of magnesium are found in the serum, saliva and red blood cells of migraine sufferers, which indicates a need for supplementation because one of magnesium's key functions is maintenance of blood vessel tone.

Dosage

Effective results have been seen in PMS using a combination of 200mg Magnesium and 50mg vitamin B6. Higher levels may be required depending upon diet and lifestyle factors.

Potential applications

Pre-menstrual tension, kidney stones, depression, hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), neuro-muscular/skeletal disorders, migraine, nausea in pregnancy, hyperhomocysteinemia, osteoporosis, diabetic neuropathy, asthma (B6 is needed for tryptophan > serotonin metabolism - known to be disordered in asthmatics).

Known contraindications

Those with kidney or heart disease should consult their physician before using magnesium supplements. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take more than 100 mg of vitamin B6 per day without a doctor's supervision.

Interactions

Caution is required in those taking cardio-active medications such as diuretics, digitalis, and ACE inhibiting (BP lowering) drugs.

Use in conjunction with

PMS - Hemp seed oil, Agnus Castus, multi-phytonutrient complex, artichoke.
Aerobic exercise and stress management.

Note

Citrate forms of minerals are an organic presentation to ensure effective delivery utilisation in the body. Citrates are actual components of the krebs cycle. Evidence suggests that minerals chelated to krebs cycle intermediates are far better absorbed, utilised, and tolerated than inorganic mineral forms such as carbonates, oxides, and chlorides.

References

Michael Murray. 1996. The Encyclopaedia of Nutritional Supplements. P. 159-180
B. Bowman, R. Russell. 2001. Present Knowledge in Nutrition. P.292-309
De Souza MC, Walker AF, Robinson PA, Bolland K. A synergistic effect of a daily supplement for 1 month of 200 mg magnesium plus 50 mg vitamin B6 for the relief of anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2000 Mar;9(2):131-9.

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