Under the patronage of Dr. Aliaa Abbas Ali Al-Atar, the President of Northern Technical University, and under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Aashti Mahdi Aref (Dean of the Institute), the Department of Community Health Techniques organized a scientific medical workshop titled “The Importance of Magnesium for the Body and Foods Rich in Magnesium.”

The workshop was presented by Dr. Laila Abdul Sattar Sadiq.

The workshop covered the following topics:

Introduction to the element magnesium and its active role in maintaining vital functions within the body.
The absorption, transport, and excretion of magnesium.
The benefits of magnesium and magnesium-rich foods.
Substances that reduce magnesium levels in the body.
The workshop highlighted that magnesium is one of the essential mineral elements needed by the body to perform its vital functions. An adult requires 300-400 grams of magnesium daily, which is crucial for heart, muscle, and kidney health. Magnesium also contributes to regulating cholesterol levels. Approximately 60% of the magnesium in the body is found in the bones, playing a significant role in their structure. Increased intake of magnesium enhances bone density and plays a fundamental role in energy metabolism. It adds a phosphate molecule to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for the body’s ability to use glucose and for the synthesis of fats, proteins, nucleic acids, and cell membrane transport systems. Additionally, magnesium acts as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes involved in nutrient metabolism and the formation of various compounds resulting from metabolic processes. Insufficient intake of magnesium can lead to several harmful effects and severe symptoms.

The workshop aimed to:

Identify the early and advanced symptoms of magnesium deficiency, including muscle cramps, osteoporosis, thyroid hormone deficiency, coronary heart disease, insomnia and reduced sleep hours, and irregular heartbeats.
Determine the daily dosage of magnesium and identify magnesium-rich foods such as spinach, almonds, quinoa, sunflower seeds, salmon, avocado, and chocolate.
Emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and increasing the consumption of magnesium-rich foods.
Avoid substances that inhibit magnesium absorption.
Consider the use of dietary supplements under the guidance of a physician.
In conclusion, the workshop stressed the importance of a balanced diet, increased consumption of magnesium-rich foods, choosing a suitable time to consume them, avoiding substances that hinder magnesium absorption, and using dietary supplements as directed by a physician.