People often wonder if they are getting enough vitamin C, but rarely do they wonder if they are getting enough magnesium. The answer could be just as vital to health and well being.

The importance of magnesium is still relatively unappreciated. Magnesium is a mineral involved in the interaction of more than 300 enzyme reactions in the body. The supplement plays a critical role in heart health, blood pressure, and strong bones. However, American`s intake of magnesium has fallen over 50% in the last century, according to a study at Cornell Medical Center, and USDA estimates that 75% of Americans do not get enough magnesium in their diet.

Magnesium intake has declined in part because of processed foods, the depletion of magnesium rich soil, and of the good intentions of people loading up on calcium to support bone health.

Naturally found in foods like nuts, seeds and legumes, the recommended daily allowance for magnesium is 320 mg for women and 400 mg for men, but you may need more if you take lots of calcium, drink alcohol, or if you take diuretics because all of those can deplete the body of magnesium.

In addition, magnesium may be able to help you with:

Strong Bones: Magnesium is as vital as calcium for bone health and is essential for normal bone metabolism. Magnesium may become more critical as we age because of possible bone loss.

Heart Health: Magnesium can help strengthen heart health, artery health and help promote HDL, or `good` cholesterol which helps the heart.