Magnesium-OK

[Nutrition Adviser Product Information]

Rationale

Wassen Magnesium-OK is a multivitamin and mineral combination product with emphasis on magnesium, vitamin B6 and zinc. This product has been found particularly helpful by women in their reproductive years.

Brief overview of the main ingredients

Magnesium

Magnesium has been shown to be in short supply in the average Western refined diet.

Magnesium plays a part in the following physiological functions:

• energy production
• nerve and muscle function
• adrenal function (important for stress adaptation)
• hormone function
• balance of brain chemicals
• essential fatty acid metabolism
• calcium metabolism

Food sources of magnesium

Soya beans, Brazil nuts, peanuts, dried brewers yeast, wholemeal flour, brown rice, sunflower seeds and green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 plays a part in the following physiological functions:

• protein metabolism
• essential fatty acid metabolism
• energy production

Vitamin B6 is required for protein and tissue synthesis in the body. Enzymes that regulate hormones are composed of protein, as are particular binding proteins that transport and control bio-availability of steroid hormones, which may partly explain the importance of safe guarding vitamin B6 levels in the body for proper hormone function.

Food sources of vitamin B6

Meats, fish, egg yolk, wholegrain cereals, bananas, avocados, nuts, seeds and some green leafy vegetables.

Zinc

Zinc plays a part in the following physiological functions:

• cell replication
• immune function
• essential fatty acid metabolism

Food sources of zinc

Oysters, seeds, nuts, eggs, meat and whole grains.

Combined function of vitamin B6 and zinc

• required for protein metabolism involving hormones and brain chemicals
• required for essential fatty acid metabolism

How does Magnesium-OK affect those taking it?

In 1993 an open study was carried out on behalf of Wassen International Ltd., involving 204 participants (18-50 years) to establish the effect of Magnesium-OK.

A variety of symptoms were assessed including:

• breast discomfort
• swollen, bloated abdomen
• depression
• irritability
• anxiety and tension
• clumsiness and accidents
• tiredness
• food cravings
• and others

Seventy percent of the participants reported a useful or excellent response to a variety of symptoms including breast discomfort, which often had not responded to other treatment. (1)

A nutritional approach to health care is often preferred as the risk of side-effects is minimised.

Statistics

A minimum of 40% of women in the UK experience symptoms, which coincide with their menstrual cycle.

Five to ten percent are severely effected with gross disruption to their family or working life. (2,3)

The monthly cycle and low magnesium

• Women who suffer from PMS often have lower red blood cell and monocyte magnesium levels compared to those free from symptoms. (4, 5,6)
• Magnesium deficiency may cause adrenal hyperplasia, resulting in elevated aldosterone levels and consequently a tendency towards water retention. (7)
• Magnesium modulates glucose induced insulin secretion; a deficiency may contribute to Pre-Menstrual Syndrome. (7)
• B vitamins require magnesium to be converted to their active form. (8)

Magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6 and hormone balance

• Hormone receptors for oestrogen require magnesium (9)
• Magnesium is required for the break down of oestrogen in the liver, a deficiency of this mineral could therefore promote oestrogen excess. (9)

Nutrients and essential fat metabolism

• Defects in essential fatty acid metabolism have been shown to exist in PMS sufferers and correction of these defects by suitable supplementation is known to be helpful. (10,11)
• Magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc and ascorbic acid are co-factors amongst other nutrients in essential fatty acid metabolism. (12,13,14,15)
• Prostaglandins, which are hormone like substances, are produced as end products of essential fatty acid metabolism. Certain types may influence mood and have been shown to play a part in breast discomfort as well as painful periods. (16,17)

Magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6 and brain chemical balance

• A deficiency of the brain chemical dopamine may be caused by magnesium deficiency. PMS is associated with relative dopamine depletion in the brain. (18)

Overview of the function of the ingredients in Magnesium-OK

Magnesium

The mineral magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the body overall and the second most common mineral found intra-cellularly after potassium. The major holding store for magnesium in the body is bone, which comprises approximately 60% of the overall body content. The rest is found within the soft tissue cells, where it functions mainly to stabilise the structure of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) in ATP-dependent enzyme reactions. Approximately 300 metabolic enzyme reactions require magnesium, including those involved in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, essential for energy production. Others include various phosphatases and reactions in protein and nucleic acid synthesis. Magnesium (Mg2+) also plays a role either in opposition or in tandem with calcium in neuromuscular functions. (19,20)

Zinc

This mineral is involved in more than 300 enzyme systems in the body. Zinc plays a part in virtually every aspect of immunity, which includes T cells and thymic hormone levels as well as white blood cell count and is used to make one form of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme. (21,22) There is increasing evidence that obtaining sufficient levels of zinc during pregnancy is of particular importance. Low maternal zinc levels have been associated with low birth weight. Zinc is required for certain enzymes involved in regulating the replication, transcription and translation of DNA. (23) Another role of zinc is its action as a vital co-factor in the conversion of essential dietary oils and fatty acids to hormone-like substances referred to as prostaglandins.

Potassium

Potassium is an enzyme co-factor in the conversion of blood sugar to glycogen. It is also needed to maintain the body's acid and alkaline balance.

Potassium works with sodium to regulate the body's water balance. Nerve and muscle functions suffer when the sodium/potassium balance is off. (24)

Copper

Copper is required for the conversion of iron into haemoglobin. It is also essential for the utilisation of vitamin C. (24)

Manganese

Manganese is involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. It is also involved in the production of one form of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. (24)

Selenium

Working with vitamin E, this mineral is used as a co-factor in the function of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase. This enzyme plays a protective role against the damage done by free radicals. (24)

Chromium

Chromium is used by the body for the production of 'glucose tolerance factor' (GTF). GTF is a compound made up of, in addition to chromium, vitamin B3 plus a trio of amino acids. GTF works in tandem with the pancreatic hormone, insulin, to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. (24)

Vitamin B6

The main function of this vitamin is its role in the formation of body proteins and essential fatty acid metabolism. The requirement for vitamin B6 is dependent on protein intake, which makes a deficiency more likely among those who have a high protein diet. (25) Other factors that may increase the requirement for this vitamin include certain food colourings (tartrazine), certain drugs, oral contraceptives and alcohol. (26) Vitamin B6 and magnesium enjoy a special relationship, as both nutrients require each other's presence for optimal function and absorption. Vitamin B6 deficiency has been found to intensify magnesium deficiency as both nutrients act as co-factors for a number of enzymes. (27) One study showed that simply adding extra vitamin B6 as a daily food supplement could raise intracellular magnesium levels. (28)

Vitamin D

This vitamin is normally produced in the skin from sunlight. However those who don't get much exposure to sunlight may need extra vitamin D in the form of supplementation. Vitamin D is essential for normal calcium metabolism. (29)

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is primarily an anti-oxidant vitamin. It prevents damage caused by oxidation to polyunsaturated fatty acids found in cell membranes. (30)

Vitamin C

Vitamin C appears to be involved in a number of actions. It plays a role in the maintenance of healthy connective tissue and bones. It is also needed by the adrenal gland for the production of cortisol. Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties. (29)

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 is involved in energy production and carbohydrate metabolism. (29)

Vitamin B2

This vitamin is involved in the production of energy. It is also involved with an enzyme called glutathione reductase, which helps maintain glutathione a major protector against free radicals. (31)

References:

1. Brush M. G.,Use of a vitamin-mineral supplement in the management of premenstrual syndrome, The British Journal of Clinical Research, 1993,Vol. 4, pp 219 -224

2. Brush M. G., Understanding Premenstrual Syndrome, London, Pan, 1984

3. Brush M. G., Goudsmit E. M. editors. General and social consideration in research on menstrual cycle disorders with particular reference to PMS. In: Functional disorders of the menstrual cycle, Chichester; Wiley, 1988, 1-13

4. Abraham G. E., Lubran M.M., Serum and red cell magnesium levels in patients with premenstrual syndrome, Am J. Clin. Nutr., 1981, 34, 2364-2366

5. Sherwood R. A. et al., Magnesium and the premenstrual syndrome, Ann. Clin. Biochem., 1986, 23, 667-670

6. Facchinetti F. et al., Reduction of monocyte's magnesium in patients affect by premenstrual syndrome. J. Psychosm Obstet Gynaecol, 1990, 11, 221-229

7. Cantin M., Hyperaldosteronisme secondaire au cours de la carence en magnesium. In: Durlach J. (*Ed) First Int. Sympos. on Magnesium Deficit in Human Pathology, Paris, F. Vittel, 1973: 451- 60

8. Abraham G. E. Management of the premenstrual syndrome; rationale for a nutritional approach In: Bland J. (Ed) A year in Nutritional Medicine, New Cannon, CT: Keats Publishing, 1986

9. Fukai F. Murayama A., Association and disassociation of oestrogen receptor binding factors is regulated by Mag2+ J. Biochem, 1984, 95, 1227-30

10. Brush M.G. et al., Abnormal essential fatty acid levels in plasma in women with premenstrual tension, Am. J. Obstet Gynec., 1984, 150, 363-366

11. Brush M. G., Efamol (gamma-linolenic acid) in the treatment of the premenstrual syndrome. In: Horrobin D. F., editor, Clinical uses of essential fatty acids. Montreal, Eden, 1982: 155-161

12. Nugteren D. H., Conversion in vitro of linoleic acid into gamma linoleic acid by rat liver enzymes, Biochim Biophys Acta, 1962, 60, 656-657

13. Witten P. W., Holman R. T., effect of pyridoxine on essential fatty acid conversion, Arch Biochem, Biophys, 1952, 41, 266

14. Cunnane S. C., Manku M. S., Horrobin D. F., Accumulation of linoleic and gamma linolenic acid in tissue lipids of pyridoxine deficient rats, J. Nutr. 1984, 114, 1754-1761

15. Cunnane S. C. et al., Role of zinc in linoleic acid desaturation and prostaglandin synthesis. Prog. Lipid Res, 1981, 20, 157-160

16. Horrobin D. D., Abnormalities in plasma essential fatty acid levels in women with premenstrual syndrome and with non-malignant breast disease. J. Nutr. Med. 1991, 2, 259-64

17. Horrobin D. F. the Role of Essential Fatty Acids and Prostaglandins in the premenstrual syndrome , J. Reprod Med., 1983, 28 (7) 465-68

18. Barbeau A. et al., Deficience En Magnesium et Dopamine Cerebrale, In: Durlack J (Ed.) First Int. Sympos on Magnesium Deficit in Human Pathology, Paris, F Vittel, 1973; 149-52

19. Maria C. Linder (Ed.), Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism with Clinical Application- Second Edition, Prentice Hall International Inc., 1991

20. Michael F. Ryan, The role of magnesium in clinical biochemistry: an overview, Ann Clin Biochem, 1991, Vol 28, pp 19-26

21. Dardenne M., et al., Contribution of zinc and other metals to the biological activity of the serum thymic factor, Proc. Natl Acad Sci, 79, 5370-5373,1982

22. Bogden J. D. et al., Zinc and immunocompetence in the elderly: Baseline data on zinc nutriture and immunity in unsupplemented subjects, Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 46, 101-109, 1987

23. D. Bryce-Smith, Zinc deficiency - the neglected factor, Chemistry in Britain, 1989 (August), pp 783-786

24. Dr. Robert Erdmann & Meirion Jones, Minerals The Metabolic Miracle Workers, Century Hutchinson Ltd. 1988, p64-67

25. K. Tucker et al., Potassium, magnesium, and fruit and vegetable intakes are associated with greater bone mineral density in elderly men and women, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1999, Vol. 69, pp 727-36

26. Murray, M. T., Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Prima Publishing, 1996, pp 100-110

27. M. S. Seelig, Consequences of magnesium deficiency on the enhancement of stress reactions; preventive and therapeutic implications (a review), Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 1994, Vol. 13, (5), pp 429-46

28. D. P. Lauler, Introduction: Magnesium-Coming of Age, The American Journal of Cardiology, 1989, Vol. 63 (April 18), pp 1G-3G 29. Dr. Stephen Davies & Dr. Alan Steward, Nutritional Medicine, Pan Books Ltd, 1987, pp 35-36

30. Department of Health, Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the United Kingdom, Report on Health and Social Subjects 41, HMSO, 1991

31. Sheldon Saul Hendler, The Doctors' Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia, Arrow Books Ltd. 1991, p48