Science Weekly Should we really all be taking magnesium supplements?
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Feb 17, 2026 Katherine Tucker, Distinguished university professor and founder of the Center for Population Health at UMass Lowell, explains magnesium’s role in the body. They cover what magnesium does, how common shortfalls may be, why modern diets are lower in magnesium, and the pros and cons of supplements versus getting it from food.
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Magnesium's Wide Biological Role
- Magnesium is vital for many bodily functions, notably enzyme activity, bone and muscle health, and neurotransmitter regulation.
- Katherine Tucker emphasizes its roles in vitamin D activation, insulin sensitivity, melatonin production and nervous system calming.
Deficiency Shows Up In Specific Groups
- Severe magnesium deficiency causes clear clinical signs like muscle spasms, arrhythmias and seizures but is rare and usually linked to absorption issues or medication use.
- Low magnesium in older adults associates with lower bone density and reduced brain volumes, though these are observational links.
Meet Targets Through Food First
- Aim for recommended daily magnesium: UK ~270 mg (women) and ~300 mg (men); US ~320 mg (women) and ~420 mg (men).
- Get magnesium from foods like seeds, nuts, legumes, leafy greens, whole grains and dark chocolate rather than relying on supplements.