Has anyone done the Magnesium RBC test?

[EAMom]

This one:

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/testcenter/OrderInfo.action?fn=623.html&labCode=QER

 

Here's a thread:

http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=14987

[EAMom]

This one:

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/testcenter/OrderInfo.action?fn=623.html&labCode=QER

 

Here's a thread:

http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=14987

 

or do people not test and just supplement?

If you supplement, how much do you give (mg) and how often? Magesium Citrate?

[fightingmom]

I've done a lot of reading on this and what I found is that most of the population is or is thought to be deficient in magnesium and it's very difficult to test for. Most blood tests will come back normal because they do not detect the total magnesium levels in the bones and intracellularly where it's actually deficient an needed.

 

The thing with magnesium is that it needs calcium to work properly. For most people this is not an issue, with calcium added to all our foods, even bread, etc. most people have excess calcium levels. However, I suppose long term supplementation of magnesium could cause a calcium deficiency at some point. The other thing is that most oral forms magnesium are not easily absorbed by the body -- and to date I still haven't seen experts agree on what type is best.

 

Also, worth noting is that some forms of oral magnesium can cause diarrhea in some people especially if you dose too high or too much too soon. And, I have seen some sites that noted that because of the benefits of magesium and how important it is in the body and it's impact depletion can have on physical and mental health, it is possible that supplementing -- if properly absorbed - could cause less need for supplements or psychotropics meds. So, it is a careful balancing act I think....

[LNN]

We've tested serum levels but they aren't particularly telling. I've read in a number of places that serum levels don't correspond to intercellular levels. We supplement because of the history of movement/tic issues and cognitive issues. We only use 100 mg/day which is one half of one horse-pill sized magnesium pill. The RDA for adults is 400 mg, so this isn't a huge amount. The way we settled on this amount is that we started out with 1/2 pill for ease of swallowing. It helped with their "regularity" a lot. Then I increased to a whole pill and we got loose stools. So we backed down to a half pill again (which is 100mg) and things "work" pretty well at this dose. Not particularly scientific but practical.

 

We use magnesium glycinate. http://www.ehow.com/about_6538439_difference-magnesium-glycinate-magnesium-malate_.html

Hundreds of thousands of chemical reactions continuously occur in your body. Each of these biochemical reactions requires an enzyme system comprising three parts: a protein, an organic compound and a mineral. Magnesium plays a major role in about 300 of these reactions, according to the National Institutes of Health. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, half of which is found in the bones. Approximately one percent is found in the blood and is absorbed through the small intestine.

 

Magnesium is vital in maintaining normal nerve and muscle function, keeping steady heart rhythm, helping regulate blood sugar and promoting normal blood pressure.

 

Supplements

 

According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, foods such as halibut, almonds and soybeans contain about 20 percent of the daily required amount of magnesium. If you're not regularly eating a variety of foods that contain magnesium, you could develop a deficiency. Magnesium deficiency can result in vertigo, cramps, fatigue and irritability. Other factors that can contribute to a deficiency include certain antibiotics, poorly controlled diabetes and alcoholism.

For these reasons, your doctor may recommend magnesium supplements.

 

Glycinate Benefits

 

This form of magnesium is less disruptive on the bowels than magnesium chloride, citrate and sulfate, which can cause diarrhea. Aside from these considerations, magnesium glycinate is five times easier for the body to absorb than magnesium oxide.

 

Individuals suffering from malabsorption conditions like celiac and Crohn's disease will benefit from this form of magnesium. Older people, who are usually prone to magnesium deficiency, also benefit.

 

Malate Benefits

 

The malate form of magnesium is derived from malic acid, which plays a key role in energy production. Not surprisingly, magnesium malate will benefit individuals such as athletes, who would like to maximize their energy production, as well as those with musculoskeletal problems like fibromyalgia. People suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome or other circulatory and respiratory problems may benefit as well.

 

Comparison

 

Both magnesium glycinate and magnesium malate can provide the body with a sufficient amount of the mineral. Your choice will depend on your health and energy needs. For example, if you would like to feel more energized, magnesium malate is for you. On the other hand, if you would like to improve nutrient absorption, magnesium glycinate is the logical choice. The most important consideration is that you get enough overall magnesium. To be safe, consult your physician before starting any kind of supplement regimen.

 

If you supplement with magnesium, be aware that it can interfere with abx absorption. Best to give a few hours away from abx. We give it at bedtime at the same time as probiotics.

 

FWIW - magnesium and calcium are ying/yang. Over time, if you over-supplement with magnesium, you could develop a calcium deficiency. That's why you so often see Cal/Mag combo supplements. Different opinions on what a Cal/Mag ratio should be. I asked our doc about whether we needed to add calcium and he said he didn't much care for calcium supplements and felt that Vitamin D3 supplements were more important in building bones and helping the body make use of calcium. So we'll be sticking with a magnesium glycinate only supplement. But wanted to mention the calcium issue so you're aware.

[fightingmom]

Oh and with the calcium thing, then they recommend plenty of vitamin c to help the body get rid of excess calcium...it's quite involved. Sucks that it's so compacted because magnesium is needed for literally almost every body function, one of the most important minerals for us. I have taken to supplementing naturally with the occasional teaspoon of powdered magnesium citrate in smoothies etc.

 

Green leafy veggies are high in magnesium, so is chocolate. We have green smoothies almost everyday. I'm in a lull right now haven't made them for two days and strangely my son came down last night and inquired about whether I was making them or not. They are delicious and once you get your kids hooked on them they don't Ben realize its something healthy and it's an easy way to toss in fish oils and other sneaky things.

[fightingmom]

LLM, we posted around te same time. Looks like we are on the same page. I had not even looked into the abx interaction - probably would not have thought of it! Thanks.

[EAMom]

Yeah...did you see the link in my other thread (the cholesterol thread) from a cystic fibrosis blog? Azith (and other macrolides) can deplete magnesium. Also, you need to separate them by a couple of hours (like probiotics).

 

Fightingmom, can you post your smoothie recipe? I don't know if dd will eat it (if it LOOKS green), but maybe I can get ideas.

 

I was reading reviews of "natural calm" ... It helps sleep so I might try it myself.

[philamom]

Yeah...did you see the link in my other thread (the cholesterol thread) from a cystic fibrosis blog? Azith (and other macrolides) can deplete magnesium. Also, you need to separate them by a couple of hours (like probiotics).

 

Fightingmom, can you post your smoothie recipe? I don't know if dd will eat it (if it LOOKS green), but maybe I can get ideas.

 

I was reading reviews of "natural calm" ... It helps sleep so I might try it myself.

I know they sell a very nutritious chocolate green smoothie at Whole Fields. You can buy it in individual packets to see if your dd would like it. My dd balked at it, but I need to try it again - maybe add a bananna or something.

 

edit- it's called Chocolate Green Superfood. Comes in berry and orange too.

Edited April 4, 2012 by philamom

[fightingmom]

I have something like natural calm called Magnesium Serene. If I'm not mistaken it had a higher concentration of magesium in each serving so I think I was stretching my dollar a little farther. Here's a link:

http://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Magnesium-Serene-Flavor/product-reviews/B003552WSU/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

 

I sometimes toss it in the smoothies, and I think it does help. Could be placebo effect, but I swear it does. I get crazy restless leg syndrome and it seems to help with that too.

 

Here is a link to some smoothie "recipes": http://www.greendivamom.com/2008/12/14/12-great-tasting-green-smoothie-recipes/

 

The beauty of these is you can really do whatever you want. Just add about 2 cups (overtime this just becomes two handfuls) of fresh greens (I prefer organic baby spinach, but sometimes use kale, too). Most recipes call for water, and it's probably the best and healthiest, but I find them to taste much better with juice. Not the "juice" we are used to in stores that is mostly sugar though. I go for the organic, puree type of juices that are usually mango or pear, like these:

http://www.scojuice.com/products/juices/pear_nectar

http://www.scojuice.com/products/juices/orange_mango

 

Delicious. These juices are expensive, but I only add a cup or two per blender full so I get a few days out of each bottle. There is one I really like that comes in a box, too. I will look at the name if you are interested.

 

I always put the spinach and juice in first and blend (sometimes toss in a few baby carrots, too). This way it chops up the spinach and makes it into more of a juice and you don't want up with chunks of green floating in your smoothie.

 

Then...the fun part, I toss in whatever I feel like. I buy a lot of organic frozen fruit from wholefoods or trader joes and have bags and bags of blueberries, strawberries (though I just read here that they contain histamine, so do those sparingly if that's a worry), mango -- YUM, pineapple, blackberries or raspberries -- but these can get seedy, so probably not a favorite for the kiddos, even frozen banana slices. I don't measure this, I toss i a few handfuls of each and always add a fresh banana because you can't beat the consistency - they make the smoothie smooth.

 

I don't add any ice, unless I use all fresh fruit. If you use the frozen, then you don't need ice. If you are worried about the green factor, go for the strawberries or blueberries. Blueberries work great for color change in the smoothies.

 

And, then anything I buy that is in capsules or powder form...or liquid, I can always disguise in these.

 

I EVEN make a chocolate peanut butter smoothie WITH the spinach and both my son and husband LOVE them. Can't even taste it.

Edited April 4, 2012 by fightingmom

[philamom]

Sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing.

[EAMom]

Yeah...did you see the link in my other thread (the cholesterol thread) from a cystic fibrosis blog? Azith (and other macrolides) can deplete magnesium. Also, you need to separate them by a couple of hours (like probiotics).

 

Fightingmom, can you post your smoothie recipe? I don't know if dd will eat it (if it LOOKS green), but maybe I can get ideas.

 

I was reading reviews of "natural calm" ... It helps sleep so I might try it myself.

I know they sell a very nutritious chocolate green smoothie at Whole Fields. You can buy it in individual packets to see if your dd would like it. My dd balked at it, but I need to try it again - maybe add a bananna or something.

 

edit- it's called Chocolate Green Superfood. Comes in berry and orange too.

 

OKay, I'll go check out the chocolate green superfood. Maybe I could make a Mocha milkshake with that and some coffee ice cream?

[fightingmom]

I have found that the green superfoods have a Stronger taste than the raw veggies. Though many have turmeric and other potentially valuable supps....

[EAMom]

I have found that the green superfoods have a Stronger taste than the raw veggies. Though many have turmeric and other potentially valuable supps....

 

I ended up buying a tub of the Amazing Meal http://amazinggrass.com/product/9/Amazing-Meal-Chocolate-Infusion-15-servings.html which was on sale at Whole Foods,

 

and 1 packet of the Chocolate Green Superfood. http://amazinggrass.com/product/25/Chocolate-Green-SuperFood-30-servings.html

 

The Chocolate Green Superfood (CGS) definitely tastes more "grassy" than the Amazing Meal (AM).

 

It's a little hard to compare the two nutritionally, the serving size for one (CGS)is 8 grams

the serving size for the other (AM) is 32 grams. So you really need to multiply the nutrional content of the CGS by 4 if you want to compare it to the AM.

 

It looks like CGS has more greens, the AM has a mix of greens and anti-oxidant fruit/veggies...which might be why the CGS tastes more "grassy".

 

They also had samples (to drink) of the Amazing Meal vanilla chai flavor, I thought it was good. http://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Grass-Meal-Vanilla-12-4-Ounce/dp/B003TJLUJY

Edited April 5, 2012 by EAMom

[fightingmom]

I have found that the green superfoods have a Stronger taste than the raw veggies. Though many have turmeric and other potentially valuable supps....

 

I ended up buying a tub of the Amazing Meal http://amazinggrass.com/product/9/Amazing-Meal-Chocolate-Infusion-15-servings.html which was on sale at Whole Foods,

 

and 1 packet of the Chocolate Green Superfood. http://amazinggrass.com/product/25/Chocolate-Green-SuperFood-30-servings.html

 

The Chocolate Green Superfood (CGS) definitely tastes more "grassy" than the Amazing Meal (AM).

 

It's a little hard to compare the two nutritionally, the serving size for one (CGS)is 8 grams

the serving size for the other (AM) is 32 grams. So you really need to multiply the nutrional content of the CGS by 4 if you want to compare it to the AM.

 

It looks like CGS has more greens, the AM has a mix of greens and anti-oxidant fruit/veggies...which might be why the CGS tastes more "grassy".

 

They also had samples (to drink) of the Amazing Meal vanilla chai flavor, I thought it was good. http://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Grass-Meal-Vanilla-12-4-Ounce/dp/B003TJLUJY

 

Thanks for sharing. That chocolate one looks good! I have a tub of green super food form trader joes, I need to finish up first and then maybe I'll try that one.

Actually, come to think of it, the one I have is berry flavored and I can use that with fruits. Maybe I'll get this chocolate one for my chocolate/peanut butter smoothies.

[fightingmom]

And, being that chocolate is high in magnesium and someone here mentioned peanut butter was high in tryptophan - perhaps a lovely choco/pb smoothie will be a good weapon for the back pocket.