Optimal nerve function is critical to overall health, physical function and performance, with calcium and magnesium two nutrients vital to supporting the nervous system.
Our nervous system is a complex communication network that connects our brain, which acts as the body’s control center, to the nerves that carry messages around our body to regulate various bodily actions and functions, from reflexes and movement to organ function and complex thoughts and feelings.
Our nervous system collects information from inside and outside our body through sensory receptors, sending impulses to the brain and spinal cord for processing and integration.
They integrate sensory information, using it to sense sensations, think, perceive and experience the world around you, make decisions and coordinate responses. This includes complex processes such as learning, memory and decision making.
Our nervous system also sends signals to muscles and glands, triggering actions such as movement and balance regulation, hormone secretion, digestion, and changes in heart rate and breathing.
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Powerful minerals
With such a complex and vital role in everyday life, supporting your nervous system with the right nutrients is critical for optimal function, performance, overall health and well-being.
Magnesium and calcium are two critical minerals needed for nerve function and nervous system health.
Magnesium plays a key role in nerve transmission1 and is involved in the control and release of neurotransmitters2the chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells.
For example, Magnesium helps maintain the balance of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABAwhich are necessary for the proper functioning of the brain.
In addition, magnesium has a protective effect on the nerves. Through its anti-inflammatory properties3, Magnesium can help reduce inflammation in the nervous system, promote nerve health and support myelin sheath production4a protective covering around nerve fibers that ensures efficient signal transmission.
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The calcium binding
Magnesium also works synergistically with calcium to support nerve function. Calcium needs magnesium for efficient absorption and utilization, and magnesium helps regulate calcium channels to ensure proper nerve signaling and prevent excessive calcium influx, which can lead to cell death5.
Like magnesium, calcium also plays a critical role in nerve signaling6allowing nerve cells to communicate effectively and helps regulate the release of neurotransmitters7.
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Combine and conquer
The best way to get all the magnesium and calcium your body needs is through a balanced diet that includes a variety of natural whole foods, such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, dairy products and fish with bones.
A combined calcium and magnesium supplement such as Biogen Calmag Max can help meet your nutritional needs, especially if you are deficientoffering many potential benefits for optimal nerve function and overall nervous system health.
Supporting nerve signaling and neurotransmitter balance, a calming supplement can help improve overall nerve health and function.
Taking a combined supplement can also help ensure you’re getting adequate levels of both minerals, reducing the risk of nerve problems associated with deficiency.
If you think you have a nutritional deficiency or a nervous system problem, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
References:
- Kirkland AE, Sarlo GL, Holton KF. The role of magnesium in neurological disorders. Nutrients. 2018 Jun 6 10(6):730. doi: 10.3390/nu10060730. PMID: 29882776; PMCID: PMC6024559.
- Maier JAM, Locatelli L, Fedele G, Cazzaniga A, Mazur A. Magnesium and the Brain: A Focus on Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Dec 23, 24(1):223. doi: 10.3390/ijms24010223. PMID: 36613667; PMCID: PMC9820677.
- Moslehi N, Vafa M, Rahimi-Foroushani A, Golestan B. Effects of oral magnesium supplementation on inflammatory markers in middle-aged overweight women. J Res Med Sci. 2012 Jul;17(7):607-14. PMID: 23798918; PMCID: PMC3685774.
- Zhang J, Zhang B, Zhang J, Lin W, Zhang S. Magnesium promotes peripheral nerve regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021 Aug 11 9:717854. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2021.717854. PMID: 34458271; PMCID: PMC8385315.
- Benjamin J. Behers, Brett M. Behers, et al. Magnesium and potassium supplementation to reduce systolic blood pressure in the normotensive general population: A systematic review and subgroup meta-analysis of optimal dose and duration of treatment, Nutrients, 16, 21, (3617), (2024).https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213617.
- Brini M, Calì T, Ottolini D, Carafoli E. Neuronal calcium signaling: function and dysfunction. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2014 Aug;71(15):2787-814. doi: 10.1007/s00018-013-1550-7. Epub 2014 Jan 19. PMID: 24442513; PMCID: PMC11113927.
- Südhof TC. Calcium control of neurotransmitter release. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2012 Jan. 1;4(1):a011353. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a011353. PMID: 22068972; PMCID: PMC3249630.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sports or health and fitness, Pedro is most likely out training for his next marathon or ultramarathon. Worked as a fitness professional and marketing and comms specialist. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
