If you're feeling tired all the time, there could be a very simple fix to something that's probably missing from your diet.
UK-based GP Dr Ahmed has taken to his TikTok page (@dra_says) to explain the possible reason many of us feel tired on a regular basis.
The doctor says 'many people' are suffering 'ongoing fatigue' from not consuming enough magnesium.
Why do we need magnesium?
According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, roughly half of 11-18 year old females and over a quarter of 11-18 year old males are not consuming the recommended intake of magnesium.
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"Magnesium is a cofactor in over 300 chemical enzyme systems in the body. It has a role in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation and glucose management. Hence, if you're deficient, you may well be feeling tired," Dr Ahmed said.
"Because of over farming, chronic diseases and medication, the prevalence of magnesium deficiency is vast across the human population.
"I think in people who are tired all the time, and have tried everything, and all the blood has come back normal, and otherwise fit and well, trying a magnesium supplement will be a good option, and may well give them some benefits."
What is the recommended magnesium intake?
The NHS recommends that men aged 19-64 in the UK should consume 300 mg of magnesium per day, and women aged 19-64 consume 270 mg.
"Are you tired all the time? You tried everything, nothing's working. All your tests have come back normal. But wait, before you stop and try nothing, there's this one mineral that's probably low, even if it comes back normal in your blood test, that you'll benefit from, if you try," he explained.
"Even if you've done the magnesium blood test and it comes back normal, that isn't very accurate, and I'll explain why.
"Only one percent of magnesium is in your blood. The vast majority of it is intracellular, or inside your cells. So, even if your magnesium blood level is within the normal range, you can still be deficient in it."
"The only way to accurately measure your magnesium levels is by doing a 24 hour urine collection. And because of the cumbersome nature of doing this is, it is very rarely done."
Dr Ahmed's recommended magnesium supplements
Dr Ahmed has recommended some magnesium supplements. These include:
magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium L-Threonate, magnesium taurate or magnesium sulfate.
Topics: Health
Anish Vij