Staying Healthy
What you should know about: Magnesium
Many Americans take magnesium supplements, which are sometimes marketed as super pills that help a long list of ailments including muscle tension, low energy, and trouble sleeping. But think twice before you reach for this mineral in pill form. "The main reason to take this is a documented low body magnesium, usually identified by a low blood level," says Dr. Bruce Bistrian, chief of clinical nutrition at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Magnesium amounts in food | |
1 ounce dry roasted almonds | 80 milligrams |
½ cup frozen spinach (cooked) | 78 milligrams |
¾ cup bran flakes cereal | 64 milligrams |
1 medium baked potato w/skin | 48 milligrams |
½ cup canned kidney beans | 35 milligrams |
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
