A video interview with Carolyn Dean, MD, ND. 

Magnesium as one of the key electrolytes is an excellent example of an energy nutrient that athletes need,

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since it activates enzymes that control digestion, absorption, and the utilization of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Because magnesium is involved with hundreds of enzymatic reactions throughout the body, magnesium deficiency can affect every aspect of life and cause a score of unhealthy symptoms.

Of the 325 magnesium-dependent enzymes, the most important enzyme reaction involves the creation of energy by activating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fundamental energy storage molecule of the body. ATP may be what the Chinese refer to as "qi" or "life force". Magnesium is required for the body to produce and store energy. Without magnesium there is no energy, no movement, no life. When you lose it through sweat and physical stress and exercise you need to make sure you replenish it. Magnesium comes in many forms, one of the most absorbable is in the form of a powdered magnesium citrate which can be dissolved in water.