Magnesium is an essential dietary mineral that is required for optimal function of the cardiovascular system, nervous system, skeletal muscle, digestive tract, and uterus. Seventy-five percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium. Inadequate magnesium affects the heart, blood vessels, bones and blood sugar balance. Magnesium deficiency increases with age because of inadequate intake from the diet, poor absorption and certain drugs known to deplete magnesium