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Clinical Study- Report
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Fast food, diuretics, alcohol,
caffeine, refined and processed food,
weight loss programs, influenza and
the fast-paced stressful lives of
everyone today creates
the need for
magnesium and potassium
supplementation.
Even certain drugs can contribute to
potassium deficiency.
Magnesium is
an essential macromineral, like
calcium, and quickly leaves the body.
Decreased levels of magnesium have
been shown to be related to high blood
pressure, kidney stones, heart disease
(especially heart attacks due to
coronary artery spasm), fatigue and
PMS syndrome.
Potassium
is an essential mineral, absorbed
quickly in the small intestine and
functions with magnesium and calcium
in the regulation of neuromuscular
activity. It is essential for normal
growth, to stimulate nerve impulses
for muscle contraction and preserve
proper alkalinity of the body fluid
and regulates the water balance and
acid- base balance in the blood and
tissues. |
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Magnesium Potassium is also given as part
of a treatment for autism or hyperactivity in kids along with
Vitamin B6. It may reduce broncho constriction in asthma patients by
relaxing the bronchial tubes. It fights the causes of fatigue: B6, Magnesium and Potassium Aspartates
increase stamina and alleviate fatigue.
Some indications that benefit from Magnesium Potassium Aspartate:
In Health and Healing, Dr. Julian
Whitaker refers to recent tests in which Potassium Magnesium
Aspartate increased energy levels by 50% and speeded up burning of
fat.
Dr. Lawrence Resnick, endocrinologist and
cardiologist at Cornell University Medical Center in New York has
discovered that every individual with high blood pressure has lower
than normal levels of magnesium inside their cells. The
intracellular magnesium, called free magnesium, differs from
magnesium in the blood stream, which is known as circulating
magnesium. Furthermore, this low level of magnesium inside the cells
occurs not only in hypertensives, but in people who are obese and in
diabetics. Resnick's discovery may help explain why these three
conditions are so often found in the same individual .
Dr. Elson Haas, M.D., author of Staying
Healthy With Nutrition , states supplementing magnesium has been
shown to be very helpful in alleviating many symptoms related to the
menstrual period. PMS symptoms, menstrual cramps, irritability,
fatigue, depression, and water retention have been lessened with
magnesium, usually given along with calcium and often with Vitamin
B-6.
Dr. Haas also stressed the importance of
potassium. Potassium is a very significant body mineral,
important to both cellular and electrical functions. It is one of the
main blood minerals. Potassium is very important in cellular
biochemical reactions and energy metabolism; it participates in the
synthesis of protein from amino acids in the cell. Potassium also
functions in carbohydrate metabolism; it is active in glycogen and
glucose metabolism, converting glucose to glycogen that can be
stored in the liver for future energy. Potassium is important for
normal growth and for building muscle.
Dr. Kruse performed clinical research on 200 individuals and showed an
improvement in over 85% of the individuals. He also analyzed the results in various grouping of the individuals.
Seven of his participants, for example, were women who had just delivered babies
and were given potassium-magnesium aspartate when they left the hospital. Each of these seven women, stated “…that
they felt very good and that by comparison, with previous postpartum periods, they had much greater feeling of well
being and were much better able to complete the usual chores attendant on a new infant in the family.”
At a subsequent visit, after the trial had ended, these seven women reported “…that
they felt they had been helped greatly rather unexpectedly, but that they were beginning to feel rather tired at this
point. These seven women stated that they felt more fatigued and tired than they had during the three weeks postpartum
when they were taking the active substances.”
Another subgroup detailed by Kruse was a group of 27 individuals who had just experienced
a severe viral infection (influenza). Such individuals often experience an inability to regain strength, undue desire to sleep,
and a severe washed-out feeling. Of the 27 patients in this group given the potassium-magnesium aspartate, 23 reported for follow-up.
According to Kruse, “The response was generally consistent throughout the entire group. Their muscular weakness, their fatigue, the
washed-out feeling, and the desire to sleep, seemed to subside very quickly.”
There was also a group of 25 women who were in the early stages of menopause. Kruse
reported, “Of these 25, I found only one woman who stated she was doubtful as to whether or not the aspartates were helping
her. When given placebos as part of the investigation, “it was clear to them that there was a letdown and they would always
ask what was the matter with the last batch of pills.”
Kruse also singled out an older age group of 11 individuals aged 55-65.Two of these individuals
had fractures. They were reported to be “interestingly responsive when given the aspartates after removal of the cast and the beginning
of rehabilitation.” Of the other nine individuals in this group, Kruse sated, “The element of fatigue, when pronounced in these people, did
definitely respond to the aspartates.
The following comments are taken from the summary section of the research paper: “During a ten
month period, 200 individuals were given the magnesium and potassium salts of aspartic acid. Some of these patients suffered only fatigue
but in most, fatigue various pathologic or functional entities.”
“Results indicate that this material in its potassium and magnesium salt forms, is physiologically effective.
It is notable that regardless of the source or type of fatigue the aspartates, in general, are helpful. The aspartates do help the individual
who is preoccupied with the fatigue itself, or who notices it to such an extent that it interferes with normal tasks in ordinary living.”
”In many cases the aspartates were given in conjunction with other medications, with results better than anticipated
from the other materials alone. Placebo substitution, employed in approximately half of the series, usually resulted in reversion to the condition existing prior to use of the aspartates.
“The potassium and magnesium salts of aspartic acid, although not a panacea, afford the first truly effective physiologic treatment for chronic fatigue, whether
or not it is associated with organic disease. Proper selection of the patient is essential. The compound should not be used indiscriminately. The patient in need of psychiatric care only is not
likely to respond. The compound is not a substitute for other therapy required by the body (as in hypothyroidism or other medical conditions).”
Daniel Shaw, MD performed one of the few studies that measured changes in the muscles and nerves
in response to potassium-magnesium aspartate. He showed differences in the electrical responses of nerves and muscles
of fatigued individuals as compared to trained athletes. He compared the electrical responses of fatigued individuals
before and after administration of potassium-magnesium aspartate.
Improvement was noted in 86% of the group and their subjective improvement was strongly correlated with
changes in the electrical responsiveness in their muscles and nerves. From the summary of their research paper: “The
potassium and magnesium salts of aspartic acid have been investigated for treatment of fatigue in more than 2000
patients in the united States. This investigation demonstrated subjective and objective evidence of relief of fatigue,
whether or not organic disease was associated. Positive and negative subjective results correlated well with objective
data obtained with the electronic rheotome.”
P.E. Formica, MD published a research paper on the use of potassium-magnesium aspartate in 100
patients (84 women and 16 men) between the ages of 18-74 years. Results showed that “A positive response was obtained
in 87% of the treatment periods with the active compound. The therapeutic response developed gradually. The patients
reported that in four to ten days (54 per cent by the 7th day) they became aware of a definite increase in energy and
strength.”