Viridian Names Magnesium "Ingredient of the Year" for 2022

Viridian is pleased to announce that Magnesium is our Ingredient of the Year 2022.

Each year, experts at Viridian Nutrition forecast a nutrient or herb which will be especially significant in the field of nutrition in the year ahead. For 2022 Magnesium has been selected because of its importance in the body, the considerable amount of research and the growing levels of deficiency in the population.

Magnesium is an amazing micronutrient that makes a catalytic contribution to 300+ biochemical reactions in the body. Required for electrolyte balance, hormone production and metabolism, energy production, muscle function in addition to a regulatory role at the cellular level, Magnesium is essential throughout the body. As a result, a low magnesium status has been linked to low mood, poor sleep, fatigue, stress and hormonal imbalance.

Mighty Magnesium

A ticking time-bomb of deficiency

Despite this powerful mineral being widespread in foods, large numbers of people are deficient in Magnesium and a number of studies, including an analysis of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (years 1-6), reveal a ticking time-bomb of Magnesium deficiency in younger males and females (aged in their 20s) with 1 in 5 with a Magnesium intake well below the body’s requirements¹.

The survey concluded that young adults appear to be particularly vulnerable to micronutrient shortfalls from food sources alone. This is potentially due to the increased consumption of refined foods and is not helped by the significant reduction of magnesium content in vegetables – Magnesium content has reduced by 10% in vegetables from 1941 – 2019².

A crusade to end deficiency

After reviewing a vast array of nutrition research, and speaking with leading influencers, Viridian Nutrition has duly recognised Magnesium, naming it the ‘Viridian Ingredient of the Year 2022’ in further anticipation of its positive influence on nutrition and health.

Viridian's Director of Nutrition Aimée Benbow, said: “A key part of my role is nurturing our relationships with ethical laboratories, growers and extractors, and reviewing latest research around the world on the properties of botanicals and nutrients in human health. Magnesium is an absolute giant in the field of nutrition, with a substantial library of research, significant and widespread deficiency, and the potential for supplements to bring enormous nutritional benefit.

“Clearly, improvements in diet are needed across the population together with supplementation strategies to help all adults achieve nutrient targets. This is evident in the research shown by the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey.

“Viridian is at the forefront of nutritional education via specialist health food stores and is rolling out an awareness campaign through our Ingredient of the Year 2022 to alert the general population, including young adults of the significance of Magnesium deficiency.”

Visit your local health store for advice on diet, lifestyle and how magnesium supplements can provide support: www.findahealthstore.com

References:

1. Micronutrient Intakes of British Adults Across Mid-Life: A Secondary Analysis of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6060686/

2. Anne-Marie Berenice Mayer, Liz Trenchard & Francis Rayns (2021): Historical changes in the mineral content of fruit and vegetables in the UK from 1940 to 2019: a concern for human nutrition and agriculture, International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2021.1981831

The information contained in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a health practitioner. Please consult a qualified health practitioner if you have a pre-existing health condition or are currently taking medication. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.