Why is magnesium so important?

Magnesium is found in all the body's cells and is necessary for cells to produce energy, send nerve signals, and regulate muscle tension. When levels are low, it can be noticed both physically and mentally.

Signs you may need more magnesium

Low magnesium levels rarely cause dramatic symptoms but can show as small, persistent signals in daily life.

• cramps or 'twitches' in calves, feet, or eyelids
• restless body when you are actually tired
• feeling 'wired' even late in the evening
• oversensitivity to stress or stimuli
• difficulty falling asleep or light interrupted sleep
• heavy, 'stiff' feeling in muscles after exercise

Magnesium in the modern diet

The modern Nordic diet often provides less magnesium than before. Less whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes – and more ultra-processed food – means many are at the lower end of the normal range.

Even if you vary your diet, lifestyle, stress, and caffeine use can make the body's needs higher than what you consume daily.

• people who train a lot and hard, with little recovery
• those who drink several cups of coffee or energy drinks daily
• people with prolonged stress
• older adults, where absorption in the intestines may be reduced
• those who rarely eat nuts, seeds, beans, or whole grains

Common misconceptions about magnesium

• "Magnesium is only for athletes." – it is just as important for office workers, parents, and students.
• "If I lack magnesium, the blood test will clearly show it." – most magnesium is inside the cells, not in the blood.
• "One type of magnesium is as good as another." – absorption and tolerance vary between different forms.
• "I notice immediately if I lack it." – mild deficiency can be very subtle and gradual.

Where is magnesium most often noticed in everyday life?

Many use magnesium targeted for specific areas:

• Sleep quality
• Calm in the nervous system
• Recovery after exercise
• Muscle tension
• Stress management
• Energy throughout the day

Common everyday scenarios

Typical situations where magnesium often becomes relevant:

• you go to bed tired, but the body still feels 'wired'
• calves that 'jump' or cramps when you have gone to bed
• feeling drained after a period of high stress
• frequent workouts without feeling properly recovered
• lots of caffeine and little time for regular meals

What can you do in practice?

• 1 Look at your diet over a whole week: how often do you consume nuts, seeds, green vegetables, beans, and whole grains?
• 2 Cut back a little on unnecessary caffeine and try to build in small breaks to reduce stress levels.
• 3 Consider a magnesium supplement if you recognize several of the symptoms – especially with a lot of stress or hard training.
• 4 Choose a bioavailable form and start with a moderate dose in the evening to see how your body responds.

Summary

Magnesium is a quiet background mineral – until levels become too low. Then it can affect energy, sleep, muscle relaxation, and how you handle stress in everyday life.

Whether you choose to adjust your diet, use supplements, or a combination, the most important thing is that you understand the role magnesium plays – and make informed choices for your own body.