When I went to my GP a few months ago to ask what could help with my tiredness and sleep problems, she told me: “a little magnesium wouldn’t hurt.” And, she was right.

A new 2024 study found a “direct correlation between low magnesium levels in blood (less than 18mg/L) and increased DNA damage, even after adjusting for gender and age.”

And TikTok has caught on. Over 500,000 videos feature the tag #magnesium, with countless wellness influencers proselytising on the benefits of the supplement. In one video with almost 60,000 views, a young woman says that magnesium is the one thing she “could no longer live without.” “I just started taking magnesium three months ago and I can confidently say that it is life changing,” she said, before she described the way it had transformed her sleep, her anxiety, her energy levels, and even her hair growth.

Even Gwyneth Paltrow has hopped aboard the magnesium train, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “I think magnesium is a great place to start. It’s never going to hurt you. We’re all magnesium deficient to some degree. And it can be really helpful.”

To be honest, I was a little skeptical of this supplement hype that’s taken off over recent years (they’re good to compensate for any nutrient deficiencies, but you shouldn’t take them indiscriminately). However, informing yourself and consulting a doctor, if necessary, is a must for me. So armed with the intel from my doctor, I felt confident to give magnesium a go.

What are the benefits of magnesium?

Even though you’ve heard of magnesium, you’d be forgiven for being a little unclear on its benefits. Magnesium is a mineral that occurs naturally in the body and supports various vital functions, such as the cardiovascular system, muscle regeneration and energy production. Magnesium also supports the relaxation process, as JSHealth founder, Jessica Sepel, told us. “It is optimal for maintaining a good mood and supporting our nervous system, as well as being a strong ally in stress management. It stimulates GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that helps to reduce the body’s stress response and create a sense of calm and relaxation,” she said.

This is why it is often recommended to take magnesium before bed – which is exactly what I did.

A quick overview of all the benefits of magnesium:

  • Supports vital functions, such as the cardiovascular system
  • Boosts muscle regeneration
  • Can have a positive effect on energy levels
  • Supports the nervous system
  • Helps to cope with stress and provides a feeling of relaxation

How to integrate magnesium into your diet

As with all other food supplements, magnesium can also be found in food and can also be increased in the diet if you want to. According to the German Society for Nutrition “an estimated value of 350 mg per day for men and 300 mg per day for women is derived for adults aged 19 to over 65 years”, which can be easily achieved with a targeted diet.