Chronically tired? Feel like you’re in a mental fog? Feeling anxious? These are all symptoms that may be based on one nutrient missing from your diet: magnesium. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), magnesium is one of the most essential minerals for humans, so much so that it regulates more than 300 of the body’s biochemical reactions. It’s the fourth most prevalent mineral in our bodies and is responsible, at least in part, for countless functions that lead to good health.

Magnesium deficiency has been shown in studies to cause a wide range of health conditions, from heart arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation (AFib) to increased blood sugar levels, putting people at risk for Type 2 diabetes. Chronic deficiencies can affect all aspects of your health, from your teeth and bones to personality, memory function, and muscle function.

Despite this, more than half of Americans (56 percent) are magnesium deficient. Why is that? This widespread deficiency may be the result of an increase in the consumption of processed foods, meats and dairy products and decreased consumption of green vegetables, which are rich in magnesium.

What Does Magnesium Do for Me?

As previously mentioned, magnesium helps regulate various biochemical reactions. It aids in muscle and nerve function, helps control blood glucose and helps regulate blood pressure. It is used in energy production, helps bone health, and plays a role in DNA and RNA synthesis. It also aids transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, which helps the muscles contract and promotes a normal heart rhythm.

Magnesium also supports a healthy immune system and plays a role in keeping bones strong. Studies show that magnesium has a positive effect on the treatment of disorders like cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes.