Issue 4 2018
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ingredients<br />
25<br />
than magnesium and is therefore<br />
an absolutely priority for the<br />
healthy growth of babies’ bones.<br />
For adults, though, it makes more<br />
sense to enrich their daily diets<br />
with magnesium and balance<br />
their mineral intake according to<br />
grown-up metabolic requirements.<br />
However, consumers want<br />
functional products that both<br />
deliver health benefits and, at<br />
the same time, taste good as<br />
well. Thus, manufacturers often<br />
face challenges when enriching<br />
functional food with magnesium,<br />
particularly because of the<br />
unpleasant alkaline taste caused<br />
by many magnesium salts. Other<br />
problems during magnesium<br />
fortification are associated with<br />
protein coagulation and the<br />
foaming property of the mineral.<br />
Furthermore, competition with<br />
calcium absorption might pose<br />
a particular problem for the<br />
magnesium fortification of dairy<br />
products.<br />
Ca:Mg: finding the right balance<br />
Although optimising magnesium<br />
supply is key, calcium intake<br />
should not be forgotten. An adult<br />
human body contains 1000–1300<br />
g of calcium, compared with 19–<br />
24g of magnesium. This results<br />
in an average Ca:Mg ratio of<br />
50:1–70:1 in our bodies. Despite<br />
this difference, magnesium – as<br />
its natural antagonist – acts<br />
as a strong counterpart to<br />
calcium. These two minerals are<br />
responsible for partly contrasting<br />
tasks in human body, particularly<br />
when it comes to muscle<br />
The RDI of<br />
calcium is 800mg,<br />
approximately<br />
double that of<br />
magnesium,<br />
resulting in an<br />
optimal Ca:Mg<br />
ratio of two to one<br />
contraction and relaxation. When<br />
entering muscle cells, calcium<br />
causes tension and stimulates<br />
the muscle fibres to contract.<br />
Magnesium counters this effect<br />
by helping muscle cells relax.<br />
Acting as a ‘gatekeeper’ on<br />
the cell surfaces, magnesium<br />
contributes to the proper<br />
distribution of calcium in human<br />
cells. Thus, magnesium ensures<br />
that calcium is primarily stored<br />
in our bones, simultaneously<br />
ensuring that the concentration<br />
of calcium in our muscle cells,<br />
blood vessels and connective<br />
tissue remains at a low level.<br />
Without sufficient magnesium,<br />
we are unable to control the<br />
distribution of calcium. Thus,<br />
when the concentration of<br />
calcium in our muscles increases,<br />
we experience cramps and<br />
pain. Additionally, excessive<br />
calcium levels may also lead to<br />
calcification of the arteries and<br />
elevated blood pressure – and can<br />
even result in a higher likelihood<br />
of suffering a stroke. Thus, a<br />
healthy electrolyte balance<br />
includes a proper equilibrium of<br />
calcium and magnesium in our<br />
bodies. The RDI of calcium is<br />
800mg, approximately double<br />
that of magnesium, resulting in<br />
an optimal Ca:Mg ratio of two to<br />
one.<br />
A driver with big effects<br />
Although the main magnesium<br />
reserves are found in the bones<br />
and skeletal muscles, almost<br />
nothing happens in the body<br />
without this mineral. It plays a<br />
crucial role in nearly 325 enzyme<br />
reactions, including carbohydrates<br />
and fat metabolism, and is<br />
essential for the production<br />
SunActive ®<br />
Mg ensures<br />
homogeneous<br />
distribution<br />
of insoluble<br />
magnesium<br />
pyrophosphate<br />
in liquid<br />
formulations by<br />
creating a stable<br />
dispersion.<br />
issue four <strong>2018</strong> www.foodmagazine.eu.com
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