Dietary surveys suggest that the western diet likely provides enough magnesium and zinc to prevent frank symptoms of deficiency.

It is more likely for adults in the U.S. to experience silent (subclinical) deficiencies, where the body borrows nutrients from bones, muscles, etc., to keep essential functions running smoothly. The body is truly amazing at prioritizing functions.

Better sleep, recovery after exercise, and improved immune function are just the tip of the iceberg in benefits you can experience from alleviating a magnesium and zinc deficiency.

Magnesium deficiency is difficult to diagnose because of how closely the body regulates magnesium levels.

The US Department of Agriculture states that the average magnesium intake in both women and men is below the RDA values for maintaining a positive magnesium balance.

The body does not store zinc efficiently, so a steady dietary intake of zinc is necessary to maintain healthy zinc levels.

Although zinc deficiency is difficult to determine through testing and is considered less prevalent: dietary surveys suggest the daily intake of zinc is below the RDA for the majority of adults in the U.S. and Australia.

Some vegetarians can require up to 50% more zinc in their diets than the recommended RDA (recommended daily allowance).

This is because zinc is less bioavailable from plant-based sources.

Phytates in beans and whole grains can also reduce zinc intake by binding to zinc in ways that make zinc more difficult to absorb.

Alcohol, Antacids, Bariatric Surgery, Calcium Supplements, Caffeine, Chronic Stress, IBS, Metabolic Disorders including Type I and Type II Diabetes, Diets high in fat or sugar, Estrogen Therapy, Pregnancy, Proton Pump Inhibitors, Statin Therapy, and even Regular Cardiovascular Exercise can all deplete essential minerals magnesium and zinc.

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