Magnesium is one of the body's major electrolytes, essential for metabolism, and an aid to the growth of bone as well as nerve and muscle health. Researchers now believe shortages of magnesium could be responsible for many ailments such as heart disease, heart attacks, angina, hypertension, stroke, PMS - premenstrual syndrome, depression, anxiety and kidney stones, among others. The elderly, pregnant and nursing women, those with osteoporosis, chronic dieters, birth control pill users, smokers and alcoholics are often targets for magnesium deficiency. Professional athletes or anyone who engages in heavy physical labor must keep magnesium levels up, as the mineral facilitates oxygen delivery to working muscle tissue. Magnesium-rich foods include meats, seafood, green vegetables, dairy products, nuts, kidney and lima beans, bananas, peanut butter and potatoes. Dr. Lendon Smith notes that children or teens that seem depressed or are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder often have a magnesium deficiency, and recommends magnesium supplementation in such cases. It has been well established that intravenous magnesium can stop seizures and prevent or relieve convulsions.