In Canada, some doctors are calling for human studies of an unnoticed yet simple possible treatment for conditions such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, heart disease and high blood pressure. The treatment consists of supplements of the essential mineral magnesium, a common but overlooked nutrient that may combat some forms of chronic pain, muscle cramps, and even to ward off heart disease and diabetes.

Magnesium is readily available in dark green vegetables, nuts, hard water, and beans. But we use it up in great quantities when we're under stress, and when we eat a poor diet. The recommended daily allowance of magnesium is 600 milligrams a day, but there is evidence that between 50 and 90 per cent of people in North America don't get enough of it. And that could be leading to deficiencies.

Dr. Linda Rapson, who runs a busy Toronto pain clinic and specializes in treating chronic pain, believes that about 70 per cent of her patients who complain of muscle pain, cramps and fatigue are showing signs of magnesium deficiency. So she has been adding it to the diets of most of her patients over the last two years, and noting significant results.

Some patients had been using painkillers and steroids for years to try to ease the pain of their arthritis and fibromyalgia. When they started to use 675 units of magnesium a day, within days, patients reported a surprising change.

Magnesium also has to be prescribed with calcium because they work together to regulate how muscle cells contract and relax. People taking calcium supplements without magnesium may lead to even larger magnesium deficiencies.