Magnesium & Micronutrients in Everyday Life – Interview with Dr. and Mrs. Schmidt

You both run a holistic practice together and focus, among other things, on vital substance therapy. What does that mean, and why is this form of therapy particularly important today, Dr. Schmidt?

Vital substances, also known as micronutrients, are the so-called active substrates in the human body. These include, in particular, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals—an incredibly wide range of biologically active substances. These vital substances are involved in all of our body’s metabolic reactions, from energy production to cell renewal. Therefore, vital substances are an ideal and necessary complement to medical therapies to optimize patients’ well-being.

Ms. Schmidt, macronutrients provide our body with energy, whereas micronutrients do not. Why are they still so essential for our body?

Your question reflects a very common perception, but one that isn’t entirely accurate. Of course, macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—are the actual sources of energy. But our body must first break them down and make them usable, and that’s exactly where micronutrients come into play. Take coenzyme Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid, for example. The latter helps maintain normal cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, there are countless other micronutrients that serve as essential cofactors in nearly all metabolic processes.

You offer vital substance therapy in your practice, Dr. Schmidt. Do many of your patients take advantage of these options, or is this still more of an insider tip?

Well, I wouldn’t describe either nutrient therapy or the broader field of nutritional medicine as an insider tip. Since I began my medical practice, I’ve seen a very positive trend overall; more and more people are aware of how important an optimal supply of nutrients is for health and well-being. Accordingly, there is high demand for reputable counseling based on current scientific findings and optimally tailored to individual needs and medical issues.

Dr. Schmidt, during nutrient therapy, many different vitamins and minerals are taken. What makes magnesium particularly important?

Magnesium is certainly one of the best-known minerals—many athletes appreciate magnesium’s contribution to normal muscle function, and many older people are also familiar with its effect against nighttime calf cramps. Furthermore, magnesium plays an essential role in numerous other metabolic processes. These range from energy production, protein synthesis, and electrolyte balance to maintaining healthy bones and teeth. This mineral also makes an important contribution to the normal functioning of the nervous system and mental health. This makes magnesium a true all-rounder that can be used to address a wide variety of issues.

In one of your books, you write that magnesium is truly needed for many processes. This makes a deficiency all the more significant. How does a magnesium deficiency manifest in the body, Ms. Schmidt?

One of the well-known deficiency symptoms has already been mentioned by my husband: muscle cramps, especially in the legs and after physical exertion. A prolonged magnesium deficiency can also lead to reduced stress tolerance, heart problems, vision problems, and muscle twitching.

Ms. Schmidt, you’ve written a comprehensive guide to micronutrient therapy. What are the best natural ways to get magnesium?

Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, in particular, are good sources of magnesium. All types of nuts are also well-suited. There are really many ways to incorporate magnesium-rich foods into your daily diet—and magnesium-enriched mineral water makes for a healthy beverage to accompany them.