Lymphocyte and bone magnesium in alcohol-associated osteoporosis

Serum, lymphocyte and bone magnesium concentrations were determined in 5 alcoholic patients in order to assess their total body magnesium status. Decreased values confirmed the existence of magnesium deficiency in chronic alcoholism. Spinal osteoporosis on X-rays, together with magnesium deficiency and decreased bone magnesium concentration in alcohol-associated osteoporosis match similar findings in involutional osteoporosis.