What is Magnesium?

Answer:
Magnesium is a natural chemical element, and

is labeled with atomic number 12. Magnesium is highly water-soluble, and is the third most plentiful element in ocean waters.

Magnesium ions are necessary for all living cell structures, and deficiencies in magnesium are associated with such diseases and ailments as asthma, ADHD, and others.

Alcoholism sometimes sets up a magnesium deficiency; those who imbibe frequently could benefit from taking magnesium supplements, though it is always important to check with health professionals in such matters.

Certain forms of magnesium are used in some medicinal products, such as milk of magnesia, and some forms are also used in dietary supplements.

Magnesium is found in such foods as leafy green vegetables, nuts, coffee, tea, spices, cocoa, cereal, and others.

Although magnesium is a very common natural element, and is found naturally in many foods; modern crop management techniques, synthetic soil fertilizers, and some of the processing which many foods go through can significantly diminish the magnesium's value by the time the food reaches the table.

In the United States, only about 30% of all Americans are getting the recommended daily allowances of magnesium, according to the USDA.

Because magnesium metal is very light and strong, it is also commonly used in structural materials; especially in aircraft and other situations demanding great strength from lightweight components.