Before what are the effects of supplementing magnesium with milk you must know that one of the most abundant minerals in the body is magnesium. More than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body depend on magnesium. Magnesium is essentially required for protein synthesis, muscle contraction, reproduction, insulin metabolism, regulating blood pressure, DNA and RNA synthesis, reproduction, cardiac excitability, nerve transmission, and neuromuscular conduction.
Role of magnesium
Disparities in magnesium reserves may result in unwanted nervous, cardiac, or neuromuscular disorders. Magnesium mineral has an important role in the body’s disease prevention and treatment as it is responsible for many functions within the human body. Almost major lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and some other diseases like, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [PMID: 26404370] and migraine headaches are associated with magnesium deficiency. [PMID: 31691193]
Do you think that magnesium with milk can help improve your absorption of nutrients? Milk is an excellent nutrient-rich fluid food made by the female mammary glands of all mammals. It’s the main source of dietary magnesium for growing young mammals including human babies even before they can consume solid foods. It is observed that some components in the milk such as casein and lactose support the absorption of magnesium [PMID: 26404370]. Cow milk or goat milk is also used in the treatment of magnesium deficiencies and certain conditions.
It is observed that magnesium ingested can be retained by the body for current needs only and cannot be stored. Thus, higher absorption of magnesium is usually followed by a higher excretion. But the best way to improve the absorption of magnesium with milk is to add other sources of magnesium to it. For optimum absorption of magnesium, eat several small meals throughout the day.
A carefully crafted balanced diet rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium with milk may help absorb these minerals required for vital functions of the body.
Supplementing magnesium with milk in adults
Milk is a good source of magnesium. You can drink it or take it as a supplement. To ensure the maximum health benefits of magnesium, you should take the supplement magnesium sulfate along with the milk. The supplement is easier to absorb than magnesium itself and will get into the bloodstream faster. This will ensure you get the most out of the magnesium in milk. (supplements can be taken with doctor’s consultation).
However oral magnesium supplement may hinder the calcium absorption [PMID: 22051430]. Hence it is recommended to take natural magnesium rich foods with milk. If required separate calcium supplement is also warranted under doctor’s advice.
Since adults can chew more things than children you can experiment with a variety of foods rich in magnesium. For these reasons, it is best to consult your nutritionist about the possible combination of milk products with magnesium rich foods.
Following may be the health benefits of supplementing magnesium with milk in adults.
– Maintaining a healthy blood pressure level. High blood pressure is a very common problem for people of all ages, especially for people who already have existing kidney problems. High blood pressure is a sign that the kidney is not working well and needs to be repaired.
– Fighting heart diseases. High blood pressure, diabetes, and heart conditions are common among diabetics. Diabetics also tend to have weak bones and a weak heart. Weak bones and heart diseases may eventually lead to fractures and kidney stones, which are fatal diseases. Magnesium, thus, helps prevent these from happening. Magnesium is also needed to strengthen the kidney and keep its filtering system working well.
Strengthening bones and muscles. It has been said that magnesium works hand in hand with calcium to promote bone strength. When taken with milk, it can strengthen the teeth and strengthen the bones. Magnesium also plays a major role when it comes to muscle growth and development. When taken together, these two minerals work in tandem to promote overall wellness and health.
All in all, magnesium has many health benefits that can be enjoyed by everyone. If you want to enjoy all these benefits, you should consume milk on a regular basis
Supplementing Magnesium with Milk May help brain development
Does magnesium with milk improve brain function? It’s a valid question since milk is a completely natural food made by the female mammary glands. It’s the main source of essential nutrients for growing newborn mammals, which include breastfed human babies just before they can consume solid food.
Milk provides the necessary amounts of several essential minerals, including calcium, protein, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Of these, only calcium is needed in sufficient quantities to promote healthy teeth and bones. Zinc and magnesium on the other hand are needed to prevent brain disorders and improve brain functioning [PMID: 30294845].
In order to support brain development, several nutrients are needed. These include niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (B vitamins), inositol (choline), and magnesium. Niacin and inositol are known as vitamin B3 and are beneficial for brain growth.
However, studies reveal that insufficient amounts of magnesium in the body may lead to poor brain growth and function. In fact, insufficient magnesium can be detrimental to brain development, causing memory loss, decreased attention span, decreased motor skills, and lower IQ. To address the need for an adequate amount of magnesium in infants, it is ideal to supplement food high in magnesium with milk. [PMID: 30294845]
Giving your baby magnesium
Milk is a natural source of magnesium, and you’ll be able to quickly provide your baby with the adequate amount needed. However, the best way to provide your infant with proper amounts of magnesium is by giving foods or cereals fortified in magnesium with milk.
But don’t worry if are a new parent. You can still get your baby plenty of nutrients by eating lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and even foods fortified in magnesium with milk. Start with some bland foods that are rich in magnesium and later as your baby grows up, introduce some fruits such as strawberries, pineapples, and apples.
Once your baby is consuming large quantities of fresh food, gradually move him towards solid foods. Before doing this, make sure his weight is not too big for his age. Starting with vegetables and fruits, slowly move him to cereals, bread, and meats.
