Still getting cramps despite eating well? Magnesium is easy for runners to lose, and guessing your dose can backfire.
You eat the greens. You buy the magnesium flakes. You might even take a supplement before bed. So why are you still waking up at 3am with calf cramps or feeling wired but tired after a hard evening session?
For runners, magnesium is a spark plug for the body. It is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions, including muscle contraction, DNA repair, and turning the food you eat into the energy (ATP) that powers your stride.
Here is what many people don't realise: runners lose magnesium at a higher rate than the average person.
Many runners simply double their dose of magnesium when they feel a cramp. However, magnesium works in a delicate balance with calcium and sodium. Taking too much of one without knowing your baseline can backfire, causing more muscle weakness and digestive issues.
A standard blood test for magnesium (serum magnesium) is a start, but it doesn't always show the full picture of your cellular stores. By tracking your electrolyte and mineral levels, you get a window into your hydration and muscle health that a GPS watch simply can't provide.
This article is general information for runners and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Always speak with your GP or a qualified health professional before starting high-dose mineral supplementation.
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