Magnesium is an essential mineral that
is necessary for the proper functioning
of all muscles. It is needed by every
cell of your body to help maintain normal
cardiovascular, muscle, nerve, bone, and
cellular function. And, it can also help
relieve muscle spasms, pain, and constipation.
Malic acid is found in abundance in apples
and other fruits. It is also found in
the cells of plants and animals, including
humans. This nutrient plays a key role
in the production of energy in the cells,
also known as ATP. Therefore, it is often
recommended with magnesium for fibromyalgia
and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Magnesium
and Malic Acid for Fibromyalgia
Recent studies have indicated that those with Fibromyalgia
tend to have decreased levels of magnesium in comparison
to the control groups. According to a study published in the Journal
of Nutritional Medicine, Abraham et al hypothesized
that a magnesium deficiency found in muscles cells
could possibly play a role in the development of Fibromyalgia.
The group demonstrated that a daily supplement of
300-600 of Magnesium Malate resulted in improvements
of symptoms, as well as in the number and severity
of tender points.
Magnesium is an essential mineral in over 300 enzymatic
reactions in metabolism. These reactions include those
involved in the Krebs cycle (one of the body's energy
production systems), such as:
- DNA metabolism
- Vital for cell formation
- Activation of B vitamins
- Energy transport and storage
- The breakdown of fatty acids
- Proper nerve function and neurotransmitter
activity
- The formation and maintenance of protein,
fatty acids, and bone.
- The formation of adenosine triphosphate
(ATP), the body's energy source.
Magnesium Malate is a highly absorbable form of magnesium
that provides the benefits of this mineral, along
with the benefits of malic acid, a nutrient found
to contribute to the process of transforming food
into ATP, the body's energy source. Many fibromyalgia
sufferers have stated that the combination of magnesium
and malic acid have been helpful for their symptoms
associated with fibromyalgia.
Magnesium
Malate and Fibromyalgia
The cause of fibromyalgia is not
fully understood. However, some leading fibromyalgia
researchers believe that there is a malfunction in
the body's ability to manufacture energy. The muscles
burn energy faster than it can be produced, which
is compounded by a shortage of the nutrients necessary
to make the energy. This may cause the muscles to
rely too heavily on the inefficient (anaerobic) energy
cycle for much of their energy production instead
of the more efficient (aerobic) energy cycle. Malic
acid plays a key role in the production of energy
in the cells; therefore, it is often recommended with
magnesium for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Some fibromyalgia
patients may be magnesium deficient. An article in
the Journal of Nutritional Medicine pointed out that
many fibromyalgia patients have responded quite favorably
to magnesium malate. Magnesium and malic acid are
important substances in the manufacture of energy
for the human muscle cell.
Case Studies: Magnesium and Malic Acid to Reduce
Fibromyalgia Pain
In a 1992 study 15 fibromyalgia patients received
an oral dose of 1200-2400 mg of malate (malic acid)
and 300-600 mg of magnesium over a four and 8 week
period. Patients reported a reduction in pain across
a tender point index (TPI). Six subjects felt an improvement
in 48 hours.
During another study conducted in 1995, researchers
gave 24 subjects with fibromyalgia a low tablet with
50 mg magnesium and 200 mg malic acid. Scientists
measured pain levels through patient self-assessment
and the tender point index. Results showed that the
low dose, short term trial was not effective to reduce
fibromyalgia pain. However, higher doses over an extended
duration significantly reduced subjects' pain.
Clinical Trial: Magnesium
Malate and Fibromyalgia
There are many people with fibromyalgia that have
reported positive benefits from taking magnesium in
combination with malic acid, as well as studies to
back them up. For example:
In a randomized, placebo-controlled, open-label,
crossover trial (grade I evidence-based), Abraham
et al used a combination of magnesium (300-600 mg)
and malate (1,200-2,400 mg) in 15 patients during
an eight-week period. The results showed a statistically significant
clinical improvement (P < 0.001) in the treatment
group vs. placebo as measured by two outcomes. TPI
scores (± SE) of 19.6 ± 2.1 prior
to treatment decreased to 8 ± 1.1 and 6.5
± 0.74 at four and eight weeks, respectively,
on the mag-malate combination. Conversely, following
an average of eight weeks, six patients were switched
to placebo for two weeks. Their TPI scores increased
significantly (P < 0.001) from 6.8 ± 0.75
to 21.5 ± 1.4. Subjective improvement of
fibromyalgia symptoms occurred within 48 hours of
magnesium supplementation in the mag-malate group;
symptoms worsened in the placebo group.
Many practitioners have found it to be useful in
a pain reduction regimen for this disease at a higher
dosage (up to 600 mg magnesium and 2,400 mg malic
acid).
References
1. Prescott EE, et al. Red blood
cell magnesium and fibromyalgia. Scand J Rheum 1992;
94:31.
2. Abraham GE, Glechas ID. Management
of fibromyalgia: A rationale for the use of magnesium
and malic acid. J Nutr Med 1992; 3:49-59.
3. Abraham GE, Glechas ID. Management
of fibromyalgia: A rationale for the use of magnesium
and malic acid. J Nutr Med 1992;3:49-59.
4. Croftord LJ, Appleton BE. Complementary
and alternative therapies for fthrornyalgia. Curr
Rlteurnatol Rep 2001 Apr;3(2): 147-56 Source: (http://www.tsangenterprise.com/malicmag.htm)
5. Friedberg F, Jason IA. Chronic
fatigue syndrome and Palm O, Mourn B, Jahnsen J, Gran
JT. Fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain in patients
with inflammatory bowel disease: a cross sectional
population survey. J Rheumatol 2001 Mar;28(3):590-4
6. Russell J, Michalek J, Flechas
J, et al. Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with
SuperMalic: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
crossover pilot study. J Rheumatol 1995;22(5):953-
Supplement Facts
Capsules per Container: 200 Capsules, 625 mg
Serving Size: Six (6) Capsules
Servings per Container: 33
Suggested Use: 6 capsules daily
Supplement Facts for 625 mg
Capsule
Serving Size: 6 capsule(s) |
| |
Amount |
%DV* |
| Calories
Total Carbohydrates
Dietary Fiber
Protein
Magnesium (as magnesium malate)
Malic Acid (as magnesium malate
and malic acid) |
10
3 g
1 g
1 g
433 mg
2.5 g |
**
<2%
4%
2%
110%
† |
|
* Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based
on a 2,000 calorie diet.
** Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: gelatin (capsule),
microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and
colloidal silicon dioxide.
Hypoallergenic: Contains no yeast, dairy,
egg, gluten, corn, soy, or wheat. Contains no sugar,
starch, salt, preservatives, artificial colors, flavor,
or fragrance.
Warning: If you are pregnant, may become
pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your health care
professional before using this product. Do not use
if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Manufactured by Source Naturals
The Benefits of Magnesium
Malate
Magnesium Malate is a compound of magnesium
and malic acid, clinically shown to soothe and energize
muscle cells. Malic acid is a natural fruit acid that
is present in most cells in the body and is an important
component of numerous enzymes key to ATP synthesis
and energy production. Therefore, magnesium malate
may be helpful in those suffering from fatigue due
to fibromyalgia.
Magnesium is an essential mineral in over
300 enzymatic reactions in metabolism. These reactions
include those involved in the Krebs cycle (one of
the body's main energy production processes), energy
storage, the breakdown of fatty acids, protein synthesis,
DNA metabolism, neurotransmitter activity, and hormone
regulation. Magnesium is stored primarily in the bones
and plays a role in the absorption of calcium by the
bones.
Functions of
Magnesium
While the exact method of action regarding the intake
of magnesium is not known, it is crucial for many
functions in the body. For example, it can help activate
almost all the enzymes of the glycolytic and Krebs’s
cycle, which transforms fat and sugar into high-energy
phosphate (ATP), as previously mentioned.
Low levels of ATP are commonly found in those with
fibromyalgia and may play a significant role in the
origin of fibromyalgia symptoms. Without
magnesium, ATP is broken down easily into ADP an inorganic
phosphate, which is less efficient than ATP in generating
energy for cell metabolism and transport. This process is important
in the brain, which stores 20% of total body ATP.
A low level of magnesium leads to a low level of ATP,
which may cause a decline in cognitive function.
Both magnesium and malic acid, a non-toxic organic
dicarboxylic acid, are known to be involved in ATP
synthesis under aerobic and hypoxic conditions, which
is the basis of the combined use of malic acid and
magnesium in treatment of fibromyalgia.
Along with calcium, magnesium is crucial for adequate
muscle metabolism and function. When a magnesium deficiency
is present, one may experience excessive muscle tension,
which leads to muscle spasms, restlessness, tics,
and twitches. Studies have shown that tender points
in fibromyalgia muscles are deficient in ATP. Additionally,
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy indicates
abnormally high-energy phosphate metabolism in exercising
fibromyalgia muscles.
Furthermore, magnesium inhibits many nerve receptors,
such as 5HT3 or NMDA, which are related to the origin
of certain types of fibromyalgia pain and can help
regulate the release of neuro-hormones such as adrenaline,
which increases with the occurrence of stress-related
events.
Magnesium
Malate: Metabolic Energy and Metal Cleansing
Magnesium Malate is a highly absorbable form of magnesium
that provides the benefits of this mineral, along
with the benefits of malic acid, a nutrient found
to contribute to the process of transforming food
into ATP, the body's energy source. Malic acid is
a metabolite in the Krebs cycle, as mentioned above,
which is responsible for the biochemical reactions
that produce 90 percent of the energy in the cells
of the body.
This compound is most highly esteemed for helping
to:
- Produce energy
- Soothe muscles
- Eliminate aluminum
Malic acid is known to cross the blood-brain barrier
and bind to aluminum, helping to draw this metal away
from a particular enzyme so magnesium can plug into
the receptor sites instead, supporting nerve cell
growth and communication. The harmful aluminum can
now be flushed out of the brain and the body.
Other Uses
PMS
Blood levels of Magnesium have been lower in females
with PMS and since it can help relax muscle tissues
and may be involved in neurotransmitters responsible
for improved moods, women with PMS may find it helpful.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Levels may be low in CFS sufferers. Magnesium that
is bound to an organic compound called malic acid
is absorbed from the body in higher amounts and may
have an effect in reducing the pain of CFS.
Diabetes
It has been observed that most diabetics have low
levels of this mineral. Magnesium supplementation
can also improve insulin production in elderly people
with type 2 diabetes.
Headaches – Migraines
Magnesium is an essential mineral and is needed for
muscle relaxation; therefore, it has been shown to
be very useful in all types of headaches, especially
the types that may be hormonally related.
Muscle Relaxation and Stress
Magnesium has been shown to help with muscle relaxation,
heart health, and normal stress responses. Magnesium
also works with vitamin B6 in several enzymatic pathways
in the body, so it can be beneficial to take them
together.
References
1. Heaton FW. Role of Magnesium in
Enzyme Systems. In: Sigel H, ed. Metal Ions in Biological
Systems.
2. Eisinger J, et al. Glycolysis
abnormalities in fibromyalgia. J Am Coll Nutr 1994;
13:144-148.
3. Abraham GE, Glechas ID. Management
of fibromyalgia: A rationale for the use of magnesium
and malic acid. J Nutr Med 1992;3:49-59.
4. Russell IJ, et al. Treatment of
fibromyalgia syndrome with Super Malic: A randomized,
double blind, placebo controlled, crossover pilot
study. J Rheumatol 1995; 22:953-958.
5. Simms RW, et al. 31P - NMR spectroscopy
of muscle in fibromyalgia syndrome patients and sedentary
controls. Arthritis Rheum 1993;37:794-800.
6. Russell IJ. Neurohormonal aspects
of fibromyalgia syndrome. Rheum Dis Clin North Am
1989;15: 149-168.
7. Eisinger J, et al. Biochemical
abnormalities in fibromyalgia: An open door to novel
therapeutic approach. Rev Rheum 1993;60:454-455.
More References
Mitani, K. 1992 “Relationship between...aluminum
load...and magnesium status.”Magnesium Research
5(3):203-13
Yoshida, S. 1991 “Environmental factors in
western Pacific foci...role of Aluminum(Al)...”
Rinsho Shinkeigaku 31(12):1310-2
Costello, RB.; Moser-Veillon, PB. 1992 “A review
of magnesium intake...” Magnesium Research 5(1):61-7
Yasui, M; Yase, Y; Ota, K; Garruto, RM. 1991 “Aluminum
deposition... from the Kii Peninsula of Japan.”
Neurotoxicology 12(3):615-20
GE, Glechas ID. "Management of fibromyalgia:
A rationale for the use of magnesium and malic acid."
Journal of Nutritional Medicine,1992;3:49-59.
Russell IJ, et al. "Treatment of fibromyalgia
syndrome with Super Malic: A randomized, double blind,
placebo controlled, crossover pilot study." Journal
of Rheumatology, 1995; 22:953-958.
"The Team Value of Magnesium and Malic Acid,"
Marc D. Braunstein, Oralchelation.com. Accessed 11/6/08.
