Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in many body functions as well as being a constituent of bones and teeth. It is an essential element of cellular metabolism and is an enzyme activator. Other body actions include relaxing nerve impulses and muscle contractions; supporting relaxation and contributing to restful sleep. Signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include fatigue, mental confusion, irritability, weakness, muscle spasms, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping or a feeling of weakness. The Physician's Desk Reference for Nutritional Supplements states that recent data of inpatient and outpatient populations suggests that magnesium deficits may exist in 12Percent to 40Percent of individuals. There are many different forms of magnesium, and no compelling data about absorption differences. However, there are reported differences in how different forms affect the gastrointestinal tract. Forms and functions of some of these include oxide tends to firm stools in some individuals and loosen stools in others, glycinate a very gentle form of magnesium that is easier on the system, citrate tends to loosen stools, sulfate tends to loosen stools chloride tends to loosen stools. Individual results may vary. Your physician should recommend the form that's right for you.Magnesium supplements usually have their beginning as minerals that have been influenced by our environment. For that reason, the purity of magnesium raw materials is important. Magnesium, like calcium, can have undesirable impurities present. Kirkman's magnesium is Ultra Tested, which means it is tested for more than 950 environmental contaminants, the highest standard of purity testing in the world.