Magnesium Malate
Soothes Muscles by Supporting
Energy Production
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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.
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