Minerals
Magnesium
Involved in 300+ enzymatic reactions. Almost half of adults fall short.
Magnesium is essential for energy production, DNA repair, nerve function, and muscle contraction. It plays a key role in regulating blood pressure, blood sugar, and sleep quality. A 2017 meta-analysis in BMC Medicine found that higher magnesium intake was associated with a 10% reduction in heart disease risk, 12% reduction in stroke risk, and 26% reduction in type 2 diabetes risk.
Dosage
RDA: 400-420mg for adult men, 310-320mg for adult women
Optimal for longevity: Longevity-focused practitioners often recommend 400-600mg daily from food and supplements combined.
Deficiency signs
~48% of Americans consume less than the estimated average requirement for magnesium
- Muscle cramps and twitching
- Poor sleep quality
- Anxiety and irritability
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue despite adequate rest
Top food sources
Research
Fang X et al. (2016). Dose-response relationship between dietary magnesium intake and cardiovascular disease risk. BMC Medicine, 14(1), 210.
Track your magnesium intake
Biohack logs magnesium alongside 22 other longevity nutrients in every meal.
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