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Magnesium in Infectious Diseases in Older People

Ligia J Dominguez1, Nicola Veronese1, Fernando Guerrero-Romero2

  • 1Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy.

Nutrients
|January 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency, common in aging, impairs immune function and increases infection risk. This review highlights Mg

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Reduced magnesium (Mg) intake and absorption, common with aging, leads to deficiency.
  • Chronic Mg deficiency is linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and increased susceptibility to infections.
  • Mg plays a crucial role in immune cell function, immunoglobulin synthesis, and vitamin D metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical role of magnesium (Mg) in immune system function.
  • To explore the link between Mg deficiency and infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
  • To discuss Mg transport systems in immune cells and their relevance to primary immunodeficiencies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on magnesium, immunity, and infectious diseases.
  • Analysis of Mg's role in immune cell processes and vitamin D activation.
  • Examination of genetic defects in Mg transport and their clinical implications.

Main Results:

  • Mg is essential for T and B cell function and immunoglobulin synthesis.
  • Mg deficiency is associated with increased risk and severity of viral and bacterial infections.
  • Genetic defects in Mg transport, like MAGT1 deficiency causing XMEN, reveal Mg's importance in immunity.

Conclusions:

  • Magnesium is vital for a robust immune response and combating infections.
  • Mg deficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis and complications of COVID-19.
  • Maintaining adequate Mg levels is crucial for immune health, especially in aging populations.
Keywords:
COVID-19aginginfectious diseasesinflammationmagnesiumoxidative stressvitamin D

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