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Magnesium. An update on physiological, clinical and analytical aspects
N E Saris1, E Mervaala, H Karppanen
1Institute of Biomedicine, PO Box 9, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. saris@penger.helsinki.fi
Summary
Magnesium is vital for cellular functions and its deficiency is common. Supplementation may benefit various diseases, with improved assays aiding health and disease understanding.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cellular Physiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Growing interest in magnesium's role in medicine, nutrition, and physiology.
- Magnesium influences cellular functions like ion transport, signal transduction, and metabolism.
- Decreased magnesium intake is observed globally, particularly in Western countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe magnesium and calcium ion binding characteristics.
- To review magnesium's cellular mechanisms, absorption, excretion, and hormonal effects.
- To highlight the importance of magnesium status in various diseases and the development of analytical methods.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on magnesium-binding characteristics.
- Analysis of cellular transport, absorption, and excretion mechanisms.
- Examination of instrumentation and analytical procedures for magnesium assays.
Main Results:
- Magnesium affects numerous cellular processes and ion transport.
- Magnesium deficiency is prevalent, necessitating attention to intake.
- Various diseased states show altered magnesium status.
- Advancements in magnesium assay instrumentation and procedures have been developed.
Conclusions:
- Magnesium plays a critical role in maintaining health.
- Magnesium supplementation can be beneficial in specific conditions.
- Accurate measurement of magnesium levels is crucial for clinical applications and research.
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