ABSTRACT
Magne sium (Mg) has direct and indirect effects on blood pressure, both of which are substantial. Directly, Mg causes blood vessels to relax and dilate, which is necessary for normal blood pressure. Indirectly, proper Mg status allows the cellular balance, transport, and utilization of other “electrolytes” such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. Low potassium alone can cause high blood pressure. Blood pressure medications “lower” blood pressure, whereas proper Mg micronutrient supplementation has the ability to “normalize” it. Anti-hypertensive medications decrease the Mg dose necessary to significantly lower a high blood pressure. This appears to be true for beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers, which have all been shown to “spare” or conserve Mg by decreasing Mg in the urine. Specifically, these anti-hypertensive drugs conserve serum, lymphocyte, and intracellular Mg. A low Mg status impairs proper calcium metabolism, affecting blood pressure and cardiovascular health. When cells’ natural calcium channel blocker, Mg, becomes deficient, calcium will rush abnormally into cells.
