Hi
Being a physician with AF, I have investigated Mg supplements and written in detail the need to select a Mg supplement that has a scientific basis for its selection. The reasoning for my comment is as follows:
1. Almost all manufactureres do not publish pharmacokinetic data that provides the following information: (a)% absorption ;(b) time of action; (c) does it provide stable blood concentrations of Mg over prolonged time intervals such as 24 hours per dose .
2. The key in evaluating any Mg supplement is knowing the % of elemental Mg ( Mg ++) in each dose. Mg++ is the element that is essential for all cells to produce energy needed to function, and when discussing AF it is essential for pacemaker heart cells to produce sinus rhythm. For example if Mg gluconate has 10% elemental Mg then a capsule of 500 mg of Mg gluconate provides 50 mg of elemental Mg. A male requires 420 mg of Mg ++ daily. You would then need appx 8 of those capsules but if the absorption of Mg gluconate is 20 % then only 80 mg Mg++ is absorbed. The majority of Mg manufacturers do not label i the amount of Mg++ per dose.
3. If the manufacturer doesn’t label they manufacture under current good manufacturing practice (cGMP), that means each dose imay not be standardized to contain the same amount of Mg.
4. All the above should indicate the need to select foods that are fortified with Mg and there are tables listing foods containing the amount of Mg++ per ounce.
5. A dose containing more than one ingredient makes it impossible to figure out Mg++ per dose.
If there is ever a warning buyer beware , it’s choosing a Mg supplement.. I am disappointed to admit most physicians as well as most pharmacists are not knowledgeable about Mg supplement pharmacology ,and consequently may not be able to inform their patients on how to choose the best Mg supplements. Most iimply Mg supplements are equivalent so buy the cheapest brand at your pharmacy or health food stores. Most of my friend buy Mg oxide because it is cheap and they are unknowingly buying a great laxative.
