1. The eighth most abundant element in the earth’s crust
MAGNESIUM
The eighth most abundant element in the earth’s crust

2. How it functions in body metabolism
Approximately 50% of total body magnesium is found in bone. The other half is found predominantly inside cells of body tissues and organs. Only 1% of magnesium is found in blood, but the body works very hard to keep blood levels of magnesium constant.
Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involve in energy metabolism and protein synthesis.
Magnesium is excreted through the kidneys.
Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
Helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong

3. Can it be synthesized by the human body or must it come from other sources
Magnesium is a mineral, so therefore just like calcium, magnesium must be absorbed through dietary intake.

4. Food Sources
Green vegetables such as spinach because the center of the chlorophyll molecule(which gives green vegetables their color)
Legumes(beans and peas)
Nuts and seeds
Unrefined grains
Tap water (varies according to the water supply)

5. Daily Requirement (RDA)
ADULT MEN 19 to mg
31 yrs and older 420mg
ADULT WOMEN 19 to mg
31 yrs and older 320mg

6. Deficiency/Disease Treatment
Hypomagnesemia, resulting in low blood calcium levels, muscle cramps,spasms or seizures, nausea, weakness, irritability and confusion
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes
Early signs of magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea,vomiting,fatigue,and weakness

7. Fun Facts “HARD” water contains more magnesium than “Soft” water
Craving chocolate? Take some magnesium to help take the cravings away

8. The most abundant mineral in the human body.
CALCIUM
The most abundant mineral in the human body.

9. How it functions in body metabolism
More than 99% of total body calcium is stored in the bones and teeth where it functions to support their structure. The remaining 1% is found throughout the body in blood, muscle, and the fluid between cells.
Calcium is also critical for the normal transmission of nerve impulses. Calcium flows into nerve cells and stimulates the release of molecules called neurotransmitters.
Calcium also plays the role in muscle contraction, healthy blood pressure, the initiation of blood clotting, and the regulation of various hormones and enzymes.

10. Can it be synthesized by the human body or must it come from other sources
Your body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. You must absorb calcium every day from your dietary intake because your body does not make calcium

11. Food Sources Food Calcium (mg) Fortified oatmeal, 1 packet 350
Sardines, canned in oil, with edible bones, 3 oz.
324
Cheddar cheese, 1½ oz. shredded
306
Milk, nonfat, 1 cup
302
Milkshake, 1 cup
300
Yogurt, plain, low-fat, 1 cup
300
Soybeans, cooked, 1 cup
261
Tofu, firm, with calcium, ½ cup
204
Orange juice, fortified with calcium, 6 oz.
(varies
Salmon, canned, with edible bones, 3 oz.
181
Baked beans, 1 cup
142

12. Daily Requirement (RDA)
Males and females years ,300 mg
Women and men years ,000 mg
Pregnant or nursing women ,300 mg
Pregnant or nursing women ,000 mg
Men and women over ,200mg

13. DEFICIENCY/DISEASESTREATMENT
OSTEOPOROSIS
BONE FRACTURES
CONVULSION
MUSCLE SPASMS
HEART FAILURE
BLEEDER’S DISEASE

14. Fun Facts
There is a widespread concern that Americans are not meeting the recommended intake for calcium. According to the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes of Individuals (CSFII ), the following percentage of Americans are not meeting their recommended intake for calcium:
44% boys and 58% girls ages 6-11
64% boys and 87% girls ages 12-19
55% men and 78% of women ages 20+