October 26/St. Louis/Company Release -- According to the “Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010,” magnesium is an essential mineral for the body that many Americans may not be getting enough of. In fact, up to three-fourths of the U.S. population consumes less magnesium than is recommended.

This shortfall could drive consumers to look for magnesium fortification in a variety of foods. To help get ahead of this next potential trend, food manufacturers can try Mag-nificent®, a product from ICL Performance Products LP.

Benefits of Magnesium
Magnesium can be found in a variety of foods such as vegetables, nuts, seeds, cooked dry beans and peas, and milk products. It supports the formation of bone and teeth by assisting with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It is especially important that children receive an adequate amount of this vital mineral due to the importance of magnesium for bones and teeth.

In addition to assisting with bone and teeth formation, this essential mineral is important in preventing heart attacks. Magnesium and calcium control the heartbeat. Calcium causes the heart to contract while magnesium relaxes the heart. When the body is deficient in magnesium, the beating of the heart is inconsistent. As a result, the heart cannot relax and may spasm or cramp up, creating increased potential for a heart attack. Americans can take precautions against this by increasing their magnesium intake.

“Magnesium also has a critical function for people suffering from type 2 (adult onset) diabetes,” says Nadeen Myers, food phosphate specialist with ICL Performance Products LP. “It ensures the proper conversion of blood sugars to energy by supporting insulin production.”

Making sure food products contain adequate amounts of this mineral is vital in helping meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). This is especially important considering that processed foods are typically lower in essential minerals such as magnesium.

The RDA for Americans ranges depending on age. Adult males should have 400mg of magnesium for ages 19-30 and 420mg for those over 31 years of age. Adult females should have 310mgs for ages 19-30 and 320mg for those over 31 years old. Getting the proper RDA can help keep consumers healthy.

Recommended Dietary Allowances for Magnesium for Children and Adults

The Next Trend
Food manufacturers can get a jump on providing more magnesium in a variety of products with Mag-nificent, which supplies the essential minerals magnesium and phosphorus in one ingredient to support the recommended dietary guidelines.

“Mag-nificent can help in the formation of bone and teeth by assisting with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus,” Myers said. “It contains two of the three minerals specified for the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), and can be used in infant formulas, geriatric beverages, nutritional supplements, vitamins and ready-to-eat cereals.”

This product also is compatible for use with calcium phosphates to create a balance of all essential minerals. In addition, it provides pH control and flow conditioning, and helps with muscle relaxation after workouts. Mag-nificent also can help prevent depression and dizziness.

Mag-nificent complies with the specifications in the Food Chemicals Codex, is Kosher certified and is classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration when used in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices.

Food manufacturers can find out more about the importance of magnesium by reading the “Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010” report at http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010-DGACReport.htm.

For more information:
ICL Performance Products LP * St. Louis, Mo.
Nadeen Myers * nadeen.myers@icl-pplp.com
(314) 918-4914 * www.icl-perfproductslp.com/

From the November 15, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition