The Science of Magnesium and Its Role in Aging and Disease

In this solo episode, I’m taking an in-depth look at magnesium – a critical yet frequently underestimated mineral in our health. Magnesium stands tall among vital nutrients for its significant role in multiple aspects of human physiology. During this podcast, we’ll delve into the widespread negative health effects caused by a lack of magnesium and discuss why increasing your magnesium intake might be key to achieving optimal health. Get the 9-page Cognitive Enhancement Blueprint: CHAPTERS: (01:05) Why the effects of magnesium are far-reaching (03:25) Why athletes need at least 10-20% more magnesium than the RDA (07:30) Why magnesium deficiency & insufficiency are common (08:56) How to determine if you’re getting enough magnesium (09:02) The problem with magnesium blood tests (11:52) Magnesium supplements (14:28) The effectiveness of epsom salt baths (see also 01:09:19) (14:55) Is magnesium threonate better at crossing the blood-brain barrier? (21:46) Why magnesium threonate shouldn’t count toward your RDA goal (22:42) What magnesium supplement do I take? (23:09) The effect of stress on magnesium balance (26:53) Why the energy demands of workouts affect magnesium balance (29:34) Does magnesium supplementation improve sleep? (30:42) Why trials in the field of nutrition are often misleading (34:04) Does higher magnesium intake improve cognition? (35:45) Does magnesium have a role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease? (38:47) The effect of creatine on the brain (and its relationship to magnesium) (39:20) Why magnesium may prevent excitotoxicity in the brain (40:10) Magnesium’s potential for managing migraines (43:19) The role of magnesium in aging (44:17) Why magnesium deficiency impairs DNA repair (45:51) Magnesium’s role in cancer prevention (47:52) Why magnesium is intertwined in genomic stability (50:42) Why we shouldn’t disregard observational data in nutrition (51:30) How magnesium intake affects mortality risk and cancer (54:27) Magnesium in osteoporosis prevention (55:59) Why magnesium intake in early life affects bone accretion (57:44) The effect of magnesium on vitamin D metabolism (01:03:14) Does magnesium treat high blood pressure? (01:06:50) Does magnesium help manage muscle cramps? (01:09:19) Is transdermal absorption of magnesium effective? EPISODE LINKS: Show notes and transcript: PODCAST INFO: Email: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: RSS: Just Me playlist: Clips playlist: SUPPORT THE CHANNEL: Many of the magnificent resources associated with the FoundMyFitness channel exist directly as a result of our premium membership. As a premium member, listeners get access to our exclusive podcast The Aliquot, monthly Q&As, a special summary of scientific research every other week called the Science Digest, and more. Sign up to become a premium member and nurture the existence of all of the otherwise free resources provided by FoundMyFitness at Thank you for watching! SOCIALS: #magnesium