A mineral that is essential to enable cells to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATp), the primary energy source for cell functions. Magnesium enters the body through diet. Along with calcium, magnesium is essential for electrical conductivity among cells, particularly in the brain and nervous system and in the heart. There is some evidence that increasing magnesium intake, either through dietary sources or supplementation, enhances neuron communication in the brain. Magnesium and calcium function in concert to balance cell functions. Calcium carries signals that induce activity; magnesium carries signals that terminate activity. Magnesium also helps maintain bone tissue and has a mild muscle relaxant effect.
A healthy adult who eats nutritiously gets enough magnesium through dietary sources; red meat, whole grains, and dark green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, beans, and peas are high in magnesium. The person with parkinson’s who eats small amounts of limited foods often does not get enough magnesium (or other vital nutrients) through dietary sources. As well, difficulty in eating, particularly with chewing and swallowing, curbs food choices, as does the protein restriction that becomes important later in Levodopa treatment. Many doctors recommend a vitamin supplement that includes magnesium for people whose parkinson’s disease is in the mid to later stages. it is possible, however, to have an excess of magnesium, which can cause health problems such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). Most people should not exceed the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium, which is 350 milligrams for an adult, without a doctor’s instruction to do so.
