What does magnesium do?

From the NIH page on magnesium:

1. Magnesium helps regulate 300 enzyme systems in the body.
2. One thing it's required for is energy and bone production. 
3. It plays a part in nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm.

Who is at risk for magnesium deficiency?

1. People with gastrointestinal diseases (Crohn's, Celiac, possible food allergies)
2. People with type 2 diabetes. 
3. Alcoholics.
4. Older adults, as they seem to eat fewer magnesium-rich foods.

Magnesium has something to do with regulating the hunger response. I used to get sudden hunger as if my blood sugar dropped off a cliff, and I'd get pretty hangry. Now that I'm taking magnesium every morning, that has stopped. In fact, in my 36 hour fast the other day I felt hungry, but fantastic, and not hangry.If you're getting sudden hunger but you have tested your blood sugar (as I did) and it's normal, try taking magnesium each day.