Magnesium-OK

[Questions & Answers]

What is in Magnesium-OK that may be of benefit to women in their reproductive years?

The main ingredients in Magnesium-OK are the two minerals magnesium and zinc together with vitamin B6. These nutrients play a special role in the maintenance of hormonal balance. It would appear that magnesium and vitamin B6 have a special relationship, a theory which was further supported in a study where the supplementation of vitamin B6 on its own significantly increased levels of magnesium in plasma and red blood cells.

According to UK government surveys it would appear that magnesium is generally in low supply in the diet. This may, in part, be due to a higher consumption of refined cereal products.

My friend has recommended Magnesium-OK to keep me on an even keel throughout the month. How long will I need to take Magnesium-OK before I know that this product is of benefit to me?

In our experience it usually takes up to 8 weeks for a benefit to be noted. It would appear that vitamin and mineral supplements have to be taken over a period of time to help adjust minor nutritional imbalances.

I've started taking Magnesium-OK and my urine has gone bright yellow. Is this normal?

This is a perfectly harmless side-effect of taking vitamin B2 and nothing to worry about.

I take a calcium supplement, can I still take Magnesium-OK?

Magnesium-OK can safely be combined with calcium provided safety limits for the active ingredients of both products are not exceeded. Calcium supplements often provide additional magnesium, zinc and other co-factors.

As minerals tend to compete for absorption it may be best to take the calcium supplement at a different time than Magnesium-OK. As the body does a lot of repair and re-building at night it is recommended that calcium is taken in the evening preferably with a meal.

I have had a hysterectomy, is Magnesium-OK still suitable for me?

Magnesium-OK is principally a magnesium food supplement with other co-factor nutrients. This product has been found to be particularly useful by women in their reproductive years, but can be taken by all age groups.

Please note that we have a product called Confiance, which has been formulated specially for women going through menopause and beyond, which may be a better choice for those who have had a hysterectomy.

I am going through menopause, can I still take Magnesium-OK?

Yes. Magnesium-OK has been specially formulated for women in their reproductive years, but it can be taken by all age groups. Our product Confiance is probably more suited to women going through menopause and beyond.

How long can I take the product, is it suitable to be taken on a long-term basis?

Provided the dosage instructions for Magnesium-OK are followed this product can be taken on a long-term basis.

If you are taking other food supplements please ensure that the daily safety limit for the active ingredients of the products is not exceeded.

Can I take herbal products or phytooestrogens with Magnesium-OK?

In theory, it is perfectly acceptable to combine Magnesium-OK with phytooestrogen products and/or herbal preparations, but we cannot comment on any possible synergistic interaction.

Can I take Magnesium-OK if I am planning pregnancy, if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?

Whilst all ingredients found in Magnesium-OK are deemed safe for food supplements, which are classed as a food, we always recommend that those planning pregnancy, who are pregnant or breast-feeding consult their doctor prior to taking any food supplements. There are a number of multivitamin and mineral products on the market that have been designed specially for this time of life, however, we are not able to offer such a product at present.

Studies carried out in Germany and the US indicate that sufficient magnesium intakes are important during pregnancy.

Can I take Magnesium-OK with the pill?

Some studies indicate that the body's requirement for nutrients such as vitamin B6 and vitamin C are increased when taking hormone preparations.

There is no reason why Magnesium-OK could not be taken at the same time as the pill. However, we always recommend that those on any form of prescription medication let their doctor know what they are taking.

Can I combine Magnesium-OK with EPO?

It is perfectly safe to combine Magnesium-OK with evening primrose oil. We have found in some instances that the need for evening primrose oil has been eliminated upon taking Magnesium-OK, as this product provides some of the co-factors required for the conversion of dietary oils into GLA (gamma linolenic acid), the active component of evening primrose oil.

My pharmacist recommended Magnesium-OK for me as I was looking for a magnesium product, however, I just noticed that it is a product for women and I am a man.

Magnesium-OK is first and foremost a magnesium food supplements with other co-factors such as vitamin B6 for example. It would appear that magnesium and vitamin B6 have a special relationship. One study showed that by simply taking vitamin B6 on its own, red blood cell and plasma magnesium levels were increased.

Whilst we have aimed this product primarily at women in their reproductive years, who report back to us that they find it very beneficial, this product is suitable for both men and women. We do have another product called Magnesium-B, which has been designed for both men and women, providing 300 mg of magnesium, 10 mg of vitamin B6 with additional B-vitamins.

I have noticed that Magnesium-OK provides 2500 times the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) ) of Vitamin B6. Is this not too much?

Vitamin B6 belongs to the B-vitamin group, which are water soluble and tend to be safe even if taken many times the RDA. There was a controversy a few years ago concerning the intake of high doses of vitamin B6. It would appear though, that provided the daily consumption of vitamin B6 does not exceed 100 mg it should be safe. One advantage of Magnesium-OK is that it provides vitamin B6 with other nutrients needed for the metabolism of this vitamin.

Daily intake levels of 500 mg or more of vitamin B6 may lead to neuropathy, a condition affecting the nerves. The first symptoms of this are numbness and pins and needles in the fingers and toes. Provided vitamin B6 supplementation is discontinued at the first onset of the symptoms this condition is completely reversible.

We always recommend that those who experience unusual symptoms when taking our products to discontinue taking them and to consult their doctor to rule out any other cause of their symptoms.

Can I take Magnesium-OK with a vitamin and mineral supplement?

If you are taking other food supplements please ensure that the daily maximum safety limit for the active ingredients of the products are not exceeded.

Click here to view advice on upper safe levels for supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

When is the best time to take Magnesium-OK?

We recommend that Magnesium-OK is taken with food either with breakfast or at lunchtime. The B-vitamins may have a stimulating effect, as they are involved in energy production and in sensitive individuals this may affect sleep.

Are there any side-effects with Magnesium-OK?

This product is usually very well tolerated. As with any food, there is always a possibility that individuals may have a sensitivity to one or more ingredients contained in the product. We always recommend that in the event of any unusual symptoms being noted upon taking our products they should be discontinued and if necessary a doctor consulted to rule out any other cause for the symptoms.

The B-vitamins may have a stimulating effect, which may affect sleep, so it is best to take the product in the morning or at lunch time. Vitamin B2 can cause urine to go bright yellow, which is a completely harmless reaction.

I am allergic to gluten, can I take Magnesium-OK?

Magnesium-OK is completely gluten-free and is suitable for coeliacs.

I am allergic to dairy products, can I still take Magnesium-OK?

Magnesium-OK is completely free from ingredients sourced from dairy milk products.

Which are good food sources of magnesium and B6?

Magnesium: Millet, whole grains, nuts, seeds, green vegetables

Vitamin B6: Cereal (muesli), bran, liver, pulses