Magnesium and Muscle Function

Magnesium plays a role in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, including several directly involved in muscle contraction and relaxation, energy production, and nerve signaling — all directly relevant to athletic performance.

Athletes who train heavily and sweat significantly may lose more magnesium than sedentary individuals, and some evidence links low magnesium status to increased muscle cramping and fatigue, though the research isn't fully conclusive on supplementation reversing these symptoms in people who aren't actually deficient.

Good dietary sources include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains — for most athletes eating a varied diet, food alone covers magnesium needs. Supplementation is worth discussing with a doctor specifically if bloodwork shows a genuine deficiency, rather than added preemptively without evidence of low levels.