Magnesium participates in muscle contraction, energy metabolism, nervous system function and electrolyte balance. For athletes, even small imbalances can influence how the body responds to training.
Deficiency is not always obvious. Symptoms such as excessive fatigue, cramps, poor sleep or reduced tolerance to training can have many causes, but mineral status is one factor worth considering.
This article reviews magnesium's role in sport, when intake may be insufficient and why supplementation should be considered within the wider context of diet, hydration and training load.
