Magnesium Is a Vital Ion in the Body-It Is Time to Consider Its Supplementation on a Routine Basis
Ákos Géza Pethő1, Tibor Fülöp2,3, Petronella Orosz4,5
1Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary.
Clinics and Practice
|March 25, 2024
Summary
Magnesium deficiency is an underappreciated risk factor for numerous diseases. Ensuring adequate magnesium intake and body levels through supplementation is crucial for preventing conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Biochemistry
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Magnesium's role in human health is often overlooked by both the public and medical professionals.
- Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) are a significant, yet modifiable, risk factor for various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical importance of magnesium in preventing disease.
- To review evidence linking magnesium deficiency to a spectrum of health conditions.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar.
- Keywords included 'magnesium' and specific disease areas like 'diabetes', 'cardiovascular disease', 'neurology', and 'cancer'.
Main Results:
- Evidence from reviews, animal studies, and human observational data consistently links magnesium deficiency to disease development.
- Magnesium deficiency contributes to conditions across cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, neurological, and oncological systems.
Conclusions:
- Magnesium deficiency is a significant contributor to numerous disease processes.
- Magnesium supplementation is undervalued and underutilized as a simple, cost-effective health intervention.
Keywords:
COVID-19bone diseasecardiovascular diseasechronic diseasesdiabetesinflammationmagnesiummineral metabolismrenal diseaseMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Electrolytes
10.2K
In humans, electrolytes play a vital role in various physiological processes. Balancing electrolyte levels is essential for normal body functions; their imbalance can be life-threatening. The major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They are primarily involved in physiological processes, such as nerve signal transmission, membrane trafficking, muscle contraction, buffering body fluids, and balancing water levels in the body.
Role of Sodium
One...
Role of Sodium
One...
10.2K
Minerals
306
Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
Major...
Major...
306
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
3.9K
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
3.9K
Ionic Bonds
118.4K
Overview
When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
Opposing Charges Hold Ions Together in Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonds are reversible electrostatic interactions between ions...
When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
Opposing Charges Hold Ions Together in Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonds are reversible electrostatic interactions between ions...
118.4K
Roles of Electrolytes: Sodium and Potassium
391
Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and overall bodily homeostasis. Sodium balance is primarily regulated by kidney function, which adjusts sodium elimination to match dietary intake and maintain proper electrolyte levels. Sodium is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid (ECF) and is found in salts such as sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Although cellular plasma membranes are relatively impermeable to sodium, its role in...
391
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
3.3K
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
3.3K


