Magnesium is an abundant mineral in the body and is found naturally in many foods, like green leafy vegetables. It is also found in over-the-counter medications, such as laxatives. The average American intake of magnesium, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES Study) is critically low: Many Americans fail to consume the estimated average requirement (EAR) established by the Institute of Medicine.^[1] In addition, more than 57 % of the population does not meet the United States Department of Agriculture requirements for magnesium in the diet. Intracellular magnesium levels are decreased by excessive intake of alcohol, salt, coffee, phosphoric acid found in sodas, diets high in calcium and high stress levels. ^[2] Because of widespread nature of magnesium deficiencies, adequate daily intake of magnesium is critical for proper hydration, stress response, muscle relaxation, promoting healthy blood pressure levels, optimal bone mineral density, and blood sugar regulation. ^[3,4]

The importance of bioavailability is obvious. If consuming a magnesium supplement has little effect on improving the body’s magnesium balance, there is no reason to ingest it. Signs of inferior mineral supplements include the use of cheap, poorly absorbed, rock-salt minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide (See Figure 1). These mineral forms slow and limit absorption, relying on adequate stomach acid to release magnesium ions which then enter the body via passive diffusion. And, because they tend to remain in the intestines longer, these forms of mineral supplements can cause intestinal distress such as constipation (calcium carbonate) or diarrhea (magnesium oxide).

This product provides the additional benefit of highly- absorbed, Albion^® mineral chelates. Albion^® is the world leader in manufacturing highly bioavailable mineral chelates, a specialized form of minerals bound to amino acids. This patented process creates organic mineral compounds which use active absorption mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract to greatly enhance mineral absorption. In a magnesium comparison study reported by Graff et al. at Weber State University, Albion^®’s magnesium amino acid chelate had (See Figure 1)^[5]:

In addition, other comparison studies have shown significantly superior absorption of magnesium chelates compared to other mineral forms:

• At a dose of 400 mg, magnesium chelate significantly reduced or eliminated menstrual abdominal discomfort ^[6]
• Multiple double blind studies found urinary excretion of magnesium chloride higher than magnesium glycinate, proving superior absorption^[7-9]
• Magnesium glycinate is shown to have a reduced laxative effect when compared to other forms of magnesium ^[10]

Mineral chelates are gentle, gut “friendly” minerals that do not cause diarrhea that often accompanies magnesium oxide and other rock-salt forms. Albion^®’s mineral chelates have extensive clinical research proving their superior bioavailability, biologic activity, stability, and improved tolerance.

Studies to date have found that magnesium supplementation maintains healthy blood pressure levels.^[11] Calcium is essential to the contraction of muscles, while magnesium aids muscle relaxation. Insufficient magnesium levels can contribute to constriction of the muscles in blood vessels and trigger changes in blood pressure levels. Several prospective studies have examined associations between magnesium intake and heart health. A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies found that higher serum levels of magnesium were significantly associated with enhanced heart health and optimized blood flow to the heart. ^[12]

Magnesium is integral for the transport of insulin from the bloodstream to cells. Increasing magnesium levels has been shown to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Diets with higher amounts of magnesium are associated with blood sugar balance, due to the role of magnesium in glucose metabolism. ^[13-15] Most investigations of magnesium intake and insulin balance have been prospective cohort studies. A meta-analysis of seven of these studies, which included 286,668 patients, found that a 100 mg/day increase in total magnesium intake promoted insulin balance by a statistically significant 15%. ^[10] Another meta-analysis of eight prospective cohort studies that followed 271,869 men and women for an extended period of time found a significant association between magnesium intake from food and insulin balance.^[16]

Magnesium is involved in bone formation and influences the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, cells responsible for the breakdown and formation of bone. ^[17] Magnesium also impacts concentrations of parathyroid hormone and the active form of vitamin D, which are major regulators of bone homeostasis. Several population-based studies have found positive associations between magnesium intake and the state of bone strength and mineralization in men and women.^[18-19]

1. Moshfegh A, Goldman J, Ahuja J, Rhodes D, LaComb R. 2009. What We Eat in America, NHANES 2005-2006: Usual Nutrient Intakes from Food and Water Compared to 1997 Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.
2. Johnson S. The multifaceted and widespread pathology of magnesium deficiency. Med Hypotheses 2001; 56(2): 163-70.
3. Ryder KM, Shorr RI, Bush AJ, Kritchevsky SB, Harris T, Stone K, Cauley J, Tylavsky FA. Magnesium intake from food and supplements is associated with bone mineral density in healthy older white subjects. J AM Geriatr Soc 2005; 53(11):1875-80.
4. Gobbo LCD, Imamura F, Wu JH, Otto MCO, Chiuve SE, Mozaffarian D. Circulating and dietary magnesium and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am J Clin Nutr 2013; published online May 29, 2013.
5. Graff et al. Magnesium: wide spread benefits. Albion Research Notes 1992; 1(2):1.
6. Abraham GE, Primary dysmenorrhea, Clin Ob Gyn, 21:139-145, 1978.
7. Abrams SA, et al., Advances in Magnesium Research Nutrition and Health, Op Cit, 109-114, 2001.
8. Schuette SA, Lashner BA, Janghorbani IY. Bioavailability of Magnesium diglycinate vs. magnesium oxide in patients with ileal resection. J Parent Ent Nutr, 18:430-435, 1994.
9. Roussouw J, Brummelen R. The bioavailability of four magnesium preparations. Publication pending.
10. Institute of Medicine (IOM). Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Fluoride. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1997.
11. Rude RK. Magnesium. In: Coates PM, Betz JM, Blackman MR, Cragg GM, Levine M, Moss J, White JD, eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2010:527-37. 12. Rude RK. Magnesium. In: Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, Tucker KL, Ziegler TR, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 11th ed. Baltimore, Mass: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2012:159-75.
12. Dickinson HO, Nicolson D, Campbell F, Cook JV, Beyer FR, Ford GA, Mason J. Magnesium supplementation for the management of primary hypertension in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006: CD004640.
13. Del Gobbo LC, Imamura F, Wu JHY, Otto MCdO, Chiuve SE, Mozaffarian D. Circulating and dietary magnesium and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am J Clin Nutr 2013;98:160-73.
14. Larsson SC, Wolk A. Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. J Intern Med 2007;262:208-14.
15. Rodriguez-Moran M, Simental Mendia LE, Zambrano Galvan G, Guerrero-Romero F. The role of magnesium in type 2 diabetes: a brief based-clinical review. Magnes Res 2011;24:156-62.
16. Schulze MB, Schulz M, Heidemann C, Schienkiewitz A, Hoffmann K, Boeing H. Fiber and magnesium intake and incidence of type 2 diabetes: a prospective study and meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med 2007;167:956–65.
17. Rude RK, Singer FR, Gruber HE. Skeletal and hormonal effects of magnesium deficiency. J Am Coll Nutr 2009;28:131–41. 19. Tucker KL. Osteoporosis prevention and nutrition. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2009;7:111-7.

Stress is defined as any disturbance –extreme cold or heat, psychological stress, sleep deprivation, work overload, physical trauma, as well as toxic exposure- that can trigger the stress response. The body’s stress response system is comprised of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Prolonged stress triggers the HPA axis and consists of three stages: 1: alarm, 2: resistance, and 3: exhaustion. The initial, short-lived phase is the body’s normal fight-or- flight response to danger, characterized by elevated cortisol levels. The subsequent resistance phase allows the body to continue buffering extended stress exposure, long after the initial fight-or-flight response has dissipated. Hormones released by the adrenals, such as cortisol and DHEA, help support the resistance reaction. Extended periods of stress not only burden the system, creating an imbalance in cortisol and DHEA production, but can result in mental and physical fatigue, nervous tension, irritability and poor memory- all of which are characteristic of stage 3. This product offers a unique blend of herbs, adrenal concentrate and micronutrients that support the adrenal glands, as well as the body’s ability to counter-act the negative effects of stress.

Rhodiola rosea has been categorized as an adaptogenic herb due to its ability to increase resistance to a variety of stressors.^[1] Rhodiola has been studied extensively and is widely used in Eastern Europe and Asia to help support the nervous system, mood regulation, mental clarity, work performance and the sleep cycle.^[1] Within the central nervous system, Rhodiola has demonstrated an ability to preserve levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled study examining the effects of Rhodiola on fatigue and stress, 161 patients aged 19 to 21 years received Rhodiola twice daily resulting in a significant reduction in fatigue. ^[2] An additional study using Rhodiola extract in students showed significant improvements in mental performance, greater mood stability and improved sleep patterns. ^[3]

Eleutherococcus senticosus has been identified as a strong adaptogenic herb and is widely used in China to support general health, memory and endurance. ^[4] In addition to its ability to improve stress resilience and fight fatigue, Eleuthero has exhibited immune supporting effects. ^[5] In a double -blind study, 45 healthy volunteers received Eleuthero or placebo for 30 days. A cognitive challenge test was given to assess stress response, and heart rate. Unlike placebo, subjects receiving Eleuthero demonstrated a 40% reduction in heart rate in response to the stressor. ^[6] Eleuthero has also been shown to improve performance in runners. In a study on performance athletes, Eleuthero extract (2 or 4 mL) given 30 minutes prior to a race significantly reduced race time (48.7 minutes) compared to the control group (52.6 minutes). ^[7]

Schizandra berry extract is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries in China and Russia to help support mental clarity, stress response and emotional wellness. In a double- blind, placebo-controlled study, athletes who were given an adaptogenic blend including Schizandra chinensis extract or placebo, had increased concentrations of nitric oxide, a molecule which causes the blood vessels to expand resulting in increased circulation, increased blood flow and nutrients throughout the body and healthy blood pressure. ^[8] The researchers concluded that Schizandra berry enhances physical performance in athletes. ^[8] Schizandra berry has also been shown to support learning and memory and may have a protective effect on brain health. ^[9]

The primary components in licorice root that support adrenal health include glycyrrhetic acid and glycyrrhizin. Licorice has also been shown to block 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of cortisol to the inactive cortisone. ^[10] When taken in small doses, licorice root extract can be used to maintain cortisol levels, an important factor for individuals that need to support adrenal hormone production and maintain healthy inflammatory pathways. ^[10] Adrenal Concentrate^† For thousands of years, glandular concentrates have been used in medicine to supply key nutrients to support the body. The concept of glandular therapy states that similar organ extracts from animals will support the same organ within humans by stimulating its activity. Adrenal bovine concentrate allows for rejuvenation of the adrenal stress system in a balanced and efficient manner.

Adrenal gland function, as well as the synthesis of cortisol, is dependent on an adequate supply of several vitamins. Vitamin C plays a major role in neurotransmitter production and supports general health of the adrenals. ^[11] Under stressful conditions, vitamin C and B complex vitamins are readily used and excreted from the body. ^[10] Within the B vitamin family, pantothenic acid breaks down into Coenzyme A, which is essential for the production of energy from ingested carbohydrates, fats and proteins. ^[12] In a study evaluating the effects of pantothenic acid and glutathione production, pantothenic acid was found to increase CoA levels in the body, leading to increased ATP production. ^[12] Niacin also plays a vital role in many metabolic functions in the body, including supplying energy to cells and assisting in the production of adrenal hormones. ^[10]

1. Rhodiola rosea. Altern Med Review 2002;7 (5):421-423.
2. Shevtsov, VA, Zholus BI, et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine 2003; 10(2-3):95-105.
3. Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov, et al. A double blind, placebo controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine 2000;7:85-89.
4. American Botanical Council. American Botanical Council. Eleuthero root. http://www.herbalgram.org. 2002.
5. Eleutherococcus senticosus. Altern Med Review 2006;(11):2.
6. Facchinetti F, Neri I, Tarabusi M. Eleutherococcus senticosus reduces cardiovascular response in healthy subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Stress Health 2002;18:11-17.
7. Halstead BW, Hood LL. Eleutherococcus senticosus /Siberian ginseng: An introduction to the Concept of Adaptogenic Medicine. Long Beach, CA: Oriental Healing Arts Institute; 1984:28.
8. Panossian AG, Oganessian AS, et al. Effects of heavy physical exercise and adaptogens on nitric oxide content in human saliva. Phytomedicine 1999; 6(1):17-26.
9. Kang SY, Lee KY, et al. ESP-102, a standardized combined extract of Angelica gigas, Saururus chinensis and Schizandra chinensis, significantly improved scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. Life Sci 2005; 76(15):1691-1705.
10. Guilliams TG, Edwards L. Chronic Stress and the HPA Axis. The Standard 2010;9(2).
    Patak P, Willenberg HS, Bornstein SR. Vitamin C is an important cofactor for both adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. Endocr Res 2004; 30(4):871-875.
11. Slyshenkov VS, Dymkowska D, Wojtczak, L. Pantothenic acid and pantothenol increase biosynthesis of glutathione by boosting cell energetics. FEBS Lett 2004; 569 (1-3):169-172.