Magnesium is an important mineral crucial for many functions in our body. It is
essential for muscle contractions and for transmission of messages by the nerves. It keeps the heart beating steadily, the immune system strong and helps in regulating the body temperature.
Female fertility
With regards to female fertility, studies have suggested that lack of magnesium may result in undue contractions of the fallopian tube making the fertilised egg difficult to implant in the womb. These spasms
are usually not noticeable but may contribute to issues of fertility.
Magnesium helps ensure proper blood supply to the womb and is important for the production of progesterone, the hormone that is important for maintaining the pregnancy.
Magnesium is also a natural stress reliever. Deficiency in magnesium causes the levels of stress hormone, cortisol, to rise. When this happens, our body’s hormonal system goes into disarray. Ovulation is affected
and the chances of conception become reduced.
Male fertility
For male fertility, several recent studies have suggested that improving magnesium levels in our body increases the levels of total testosterone, the hormone responsible for sperm production.
Pregnancy
Magnesium is important in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Low levels of magnesium in the blood have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriages, foetal growth retardation, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and premature birth.
Magnesium in our food
The recommended daily intake of magnesium for women in childbearing years is 300mg a day, increasing to 450mg a day during pregnancy.
Foods that are rich in magnesium include green leafy vegetables, seaweed, wheat bran, almonds, dried figs, whole grains, black beans, edamame and avocado.
While a healthy level of magnesium is important for fertility, a combination of
other factors such as regular exercise , eating a balanced diet and seeking professional help are keys to starting a family.