Probably the role many of us are familiar with concerning magnesium is in its frequent combination with calcium. This combination is often used because magnesium promotes a better absorption of calcium by the body. Also, magnesium helps the body to make more efficient use of calcium, allowing calcium to more readily perform its many tasks.

A study done by Penland and R.E. Johnson, as well as another by A. Nicholas, have shown that magnesium may help reduce symptoms of PMS. It is generally thought that magnesium, taken with calcium by women prior to their menstrual periods, may confer even greater efficacy than when either is taken alone. In addition, studies by P.D. Turlapaty and B.M. Altura, as well as L.T. Iseri et al, show that magnesium is important in maintaining heart health.

On its own, magnesium is also a strong antioxidant. It is able to counter the effects of free radicals, especially as they affect the little energy factories in the cell, the mitochondria. By helping protect the mitochondria from free radical damage, magnesium thereby closes off another avenue that leads to aging. By helping regulate the operating levels of calcium, magnesium plays an indirect role in keeping the heart beating in a normal rhythm.

Magnesium is also necessary for the action it has on a host of enzymes in the body. Because too much magnesium is not good for us, and may induce nausea and vomiting, we are well advised to monitor our intake of magnesium.

On the other hand, because of magnesium's necessity to the body, we are equally well advised to get adequate amounts of it.