Potassium with Magnesium Citrate
Both potassium and magnesium are crucially involved in energy metabolism. Potassium is an important electrolyte that functions in the maintenance of water balance and distribution, acid-base balance, muscle and nerve cell function, heart function, and kidney/adrenal function. Magnesium is second to potassium in terms of concentration within the body's cells and is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. Magnesium is involved in the activation of the sodium and potassium pump to regulate water balance.
Potassium
- NERVE HEALTH - The regulation of the sodium-potassium pump helps ensure a healthy electrical charge within the cell. During nerve transmission and muscle contraction, potassium leaves the cell and sodium enters resulting in a change in the electrical charge.
- MUSCLE FUNCTION - The effect of potassium on nerve transmission clearly affects healthy muscle function and rate of muscle fatigue.
- ENERGY REGULATION - Potassium is essential for the conversion of blood sugar into glycogen. Exercising muscles use glycogen as a primary source of energy, thus fatigue and muscle weakness being the first signs of potassium deficiency.
- BLOOD PRESSURE LOWERING - Meta analysis of 19 clinical trials involving 586 participants has shown significant improvements in reducing blood pressure. Research has found that most elderly over 65 years old do not respond favourably to medication, making potassium supplements an effective option. Results have shown a significant drop in both systolic and diastolic levels using 2.5g potassium for 4 weeks.
Magnesium
- ENERGY PRODUCTION - Magnesium is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions, including ATP production, and activation of the sodium-potassium pump. An underlying magnesium deficiency can result in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Many of these sufferers have been found to have low red blood cell magnesium status.
- CARDIO-PROTECTIVE - Magnesium has been referred to as "nature's calcium channel-blocker" due to its ability to block calcium's entry into heart and muscle cells. The resultant effect is improved vascular resistance, and improved overall heart function. Magnesium has been shown to be useful in a number of cardiovascular conditions including; acute myocardial infarction, angina, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, intermittent claudication, and high blood pressure.
- BRONCHIAL RELAXANT - Magnesium has been shown to relax the bronchial smooth muscles, resulting in easier breathing. This may be particularly helpful in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- FIBROMYALGIA - Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, characterised by pain and fatigue of the musculo-skeletal system. Magnesium deficiency may be a factor in the development of this condition.
Dosage
Maintenance dose - 1 capsule daily with food. It has been suggested that between 2.5-5.0g of potassium have been used for hypertension. The combination with magnesium is likely to reduce this requirement.
Potential applications
Hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), sports nutrition, fibromyalgia, obstructive lung disorders, neuro-muscular/skeletal disorders, hypokalemia (low potassium levels), migraine, osteoporosis, kidney stones, hearing loss, glaucoma, pregnancy (effective in pre-eclampsia), PMS.
Known contraindications
Those with kidney or heart disease should consult their physician before using potassium/magnesium supplements.
Interactions
Potassium and magnesium interact in many body systems. Caution is required in those taking cardio-active medications such as diuretics, digitalis, and ACE inhibiting (BP lowering) drugs.
Use in conjunction with
- Cardiovascular health - flax seed oil, antioxidants, pycnogenol/grape seed extract, hawthorn, Co Q10
- Chronic fatigue - flax seed oil / hemp seed oil, vitamin B5, rhodiola / schisandra, Co Q10
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
© Cheryl Thallon at Viridian
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