MINERALS: Magnesium

Functions of Magnesium
Deficiency of Magnesium
People with an increased risk of Magnesium
Clinical uses of Magnesium
Recommended dietary allowance for Magnesium
Food sources of magnesium
References

Magnesium

Functions of Magnesium

Plays an important role in regulating the neuromuscular activity of the heart.
Maintains normal heart rhythm.
Is necessary for proper calcium & Vitamin C metabolism.
Converts blood sugar into energy.

Deficiency of Magnesium

Because the kidneys are extremely efficient in maintaining homeostasis of magnesium, a primary deficiency in healthy individuals is uncommon. Symptomatic deficiency is often observed in the presence of a predisposing disease state, such as severe malabsorption, chronic alcoholism, renal dysfunction, hyperparathyroidism, or the use of certain medications. Clinical manifestations of magnesium deficiency include hypertension, arrhythmias, neuromuscular manifestations, and personality changes occur during deficiency.

People with an increased risk of Magnesium

Groups at risk include the elderly, pregnant women and anyone who takes regular strenuous exercise. Magnesium levels are depleted by too much salt, alcohol, protein or calcium.

Clinical uses of Magnesium

Treatment of tachycardia and electrolyte depletion.
Management of premature labor.
Prophylaxis and treatment of seizures in toxemia of pregnancy and hypomagnesemia associated with such conditions as alcoholism, Crohn's disease and hyperthyroidism.
Magnesium is an active ingredient in antacids and laxatives.

Recommended dietary allowance for Magnesium

Food sources of magnesium

Good dietary sources of magnesium include legumes, whole grain cereals, nuts, dark green vegetables, and cocoa. Hard water and mineral water may be important sources of magnesium.

References

Mauskop, A. & Altura, B. M. (1998) Role of magnesium in the pathogenesis and treatment of migraines. Clin. Neurosci. 5: 24-27.
Paolisso, G. & Barbagallo, M. (1997) Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and insulin resistance: the role of intracellular magnesium. Amer. J. Hyperten. 10: 346-355.
Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes, Institute of Medicine (1997) Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride. National Academy Press, Washington, DC.