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Magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the body, with about 50 % present in the bones associated with calcium and phosphate. Magnesium functions as an activator for various physiochemical processes, including phosphorylation, protein synthesis, and DNA metabolism. It is also involved in neuromuscular conduction and excitability of skeletal and cardiac muscle.Increased serum magnesium concentrations occur in renal failure, acute diabetic acidosis, dehydration, or Addison’s disease. Hypermagnesemia has a depressing effect on the central nervous system, causing general anesthesia and respiratory failure. It alters the conduction mechanism of the heart, causing cardiac arrest. Hypomagnesemia may be observed in chronic alcoholism, malabsorption, severe diarrhea, acute pancreatitis, diuretic therapy, prolonged parenteral fluid therapy without magnesium supplementation, and kidney disorders such as glomerulonephritis and tubular reabsorption defects. Decreased serum magnesium concentrations may result in tetany, convulsions, and cardiac arrhythmias.

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