Magnesium 101

Magnesium 101: The Mineral Your Body (and Mind) Crave

What it is, why we need it, and how GEM delivers the goods

Magnesium might just be the most underrated mineral in your wellness routine. It’s involved in over 600 enzymatic reactions in your body — and that’s just as a cofactor. It’s also an activator in another 200. From mood to sleep to energy, magnesium does it all.

But here's the kicker: nearly 50% of Americans are falling short on magnesium intake^[1] — and not just by a little. Most people are only getting about half the recommended daily amount. Why? A combination of poor soil quality, stress, and modern diets low in leafy greens, beans, and whole grains.

😵💫 Stress Steals Your Magnesium

Feeling stressed? You're not alone — and your magnesium levels may be paying the price. During stress, your body actually excretes magnesium through urine. The more stress, the less magnesium you retain.

Low magnesium may cause your nerves to fire off too many signals, leaving you feeling wired, irritable, or anxious. It's no wonder it’s known as a calming mineral.

In fact, nearly 49% of Americans report frequently experiencing stress^[2] — with women feeling the impact even more. And poor sleep? Closely tied to low magnesium and stress levels.

💤 Sleep, Mood & More

Magnesium helps your body produce melatonin, the hormone that regulates your circadian rhythm and supports deep, restful sleep. It also supports muscle relaxation — a must for winding down at night.

In terms of mood, magnesium supports the function of the stress hormone cortisol, calms adrenaline spikes, and is involved in neurotransmitter regulation. It's been shown to help ease PMS symptoms like fatigue and irritability, and it’s one of the most studied nutrients for menopause support.

🦴 Bones & Energy, Too

Magnesium contributes to bone density and helps your body absorb calcium — both critical as we age. It also supports normal muscle function, which is especially important if you’re active (or just chasing kids around).

It’s also a major player in energy production. Magnesium helps activate ATP, the molecule your cells use for fuel, and plays a key role in how your body metabolizes carbohydrates and fats. Basically, if you're tired, magnesium might help.

🍼 Nursing? You May Need More

Magnesium is particularly important for new moms. It's often depleted during pregnancy and postpartum, and supports not only your energy and mood, but may also contribute to healthy milk production. Consider it a multitasking mineral for a multitasking phase of life.

✨ How GEM Delivers Magnesium

Each GEM Bite is formulated with a gut-friendly, bioavailable blend of magnesium formats — no synthetic powders or chalky pills here.

• Daily Bite (Cacao & Lemon Raspberry - subscriber exclusive flavors): 205mg of magnesium hydroxide (from Irish seawater)
• Chill-Out Bite: 230mg from magnesium L-threonate, malate, and hydroxide
• Sleep Bite: 215mg from magnesium L-threonate and malate

We use multiple forms — like malate for energy, hydroxide for density, and L-threonate for brain health — so your body can absorb and actually use what you’re getting.

🧠 What’s So Special About L-Threonate?

One word: brainpower. Magnesium L-threonate (used in both our Sleep and Chill-Out bites) was developed at MIT to cross the blood-brain barrier — and it's shown clinically studied benefits^[3] like:

• Improved memory and attention after 6–12 weeks
• Significantly reduced self-reported stress (up to 167%)
• Deeper, more restorative sleep
• Reduced "brain age" by up to 9 years

💛 Final Takeaway

Magnesium does more than just “calm you down” — it fuels your sleep, energy, mood, bones, and brain. With so many women falling short on this essential mineral, it’s one we made sure to include in every single GEM Bite. Because when your magnesium is covered, everything else gets easier.

Sources

1. NHANES 2013–2016. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
2. Gallup Stress Survey
3. Magtein® Clinical Studies on Magnesium L-Threonate