Magnesium in CKD: more than a calcification inhibitor?

Area of Science:

• Nephrology and Mineral Metabolism
• Clinical Biochemistry

Background:

• Magnesium homeostasis is critical for numerous physiological functions.
• Hypomagnesemia is prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, correlating with adverse health outcomes.
• Altered magnesium levels are implicated in vascular calcification, cardiovascular disease, and bone-mineral metabolism disturbances common in CKD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss current clinical data on the impact of magnesium levels in patients with CKD.
• To explore the potential health effects of elevated magnesium in CKD.
• To provide an outlook on the use of magnesium-based phosphate binders for CKD patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and discussion of recent clinical studies.
• Analysis of data linking magnesium levels to various health parameters in CKD.
• Evaluation of existing literature on magnesium-based therapies in CKD management.

Main Results:

• Dysregulated magnesium serum levels, particularly hypomagnesemia, are associated with poor clinical outcomes in CKD.
• Magnesium levels impact vascular calcification, cardiovascular disease, bone-mineral metabolism, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, fatigue, and depression in CKD.
• Magnesium-based phosphate binders represent a potential therapeutic strategy for CKD patients.

Conclusions:

• Maintaining appropriate magnesium levels is crucial for the health status of patients with CKD.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the role of magnesium and optimize its therapeutic use in CKD.
• Magnesium-based phosphate binders may offer benefits for managing hyperphosphatemia and associated complications in CKD.