If you think that magnesium’s not working, you could be taking it wrong. Find out about the common mistakes people make with magnesium supplements. There are so many benefits of magnesium—it's the most important mineral, so make sure you’re taking it correctly.

Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions that help prevent common problems such as atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, insomnia, heart disease, leg cramps, and fatigue. Many people are magnesium deficient, but it’s almost impossible to test! Only 1% of your magnesium is in the blood—the rest is inside the cells.

Some common causes of magnesium deficiency include:

•Genetic weakness

•Low stomach acid

•Prediabetes or diabetes

Magnesium depends on vitamin D, which many people have a genetic problem with. Vitamin D deficiency inhibits the proper function of magnesium in the body. You need a minimum of 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily.

Magnesium glycinate has an 80% absorption rate and also helps with sleep. Magnesium controls calcium, so you likely have excess calcium if you're magnesium deficient. Too much calcium causes cramping in the calves, high blood pressure, and arrhythmias.

Smoking, alcohol, soda, refined sugars, starches, and certain medications can all contribute to a magnesium deficiency.

Leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, chocolate, and nuts are the best food sources of magnesium.

You won't see results if you don’t give magnesium enough time to work. It takes at least 1 to 3 months to see results from magnesium.

Digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea can greatly affect your ability to absorb magnesium. Chronic stress and exercise can increase your magnesium requirements.

You can increase magnesium absorption by spreading your doses throughout the day rather than taking it all at once. Try drinking apple cider vinegar mixed with water to acidify the stomach and increase magnesium absorption.