Magnesium plays a structural role in bone, cell membranes, and chromosomes (3). Glutathione, an important antioxidant, requires magnesium for its synthesis (3). Several enzymes participating in the synthesis of carbohydrates and lipids require magnesium for their activity. Magnesium is required for a number of steps during synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA), ribonucleic acid ( RNA), and proteins. ATP, the molecule that provides energy for almost all metabolic processes, exists primarily as a complex with magnesium (MgATP) (3). Magnesium is required by the adenosine triphosphate ( ATP)-synthesizing protein in mitochondria. The metabolism of carbohydrates and fats to produce energy requires numerous magnesium-dependent chemical reactions. Magnesium is involved in more than 300 essential metabolic reactions, some of which are discussed below (2). Protein-bound and chelated magnesium serve to buffer the pool of free, ionized magnesium (1). Only the free, ionized form of magnesium (Mg 2+) is physiologically active. Blood contains less than 1% of total body magnesium. Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation after potassium. About 50 to 60% of all the magnesium in the body is found in the skeleton and the remainder is found in soft tissue, primarily in muscle. The adult human body contains about 25 grams (g) of magnesium. Magnesium plays important roles in the structure and the function of the human body. Excessive intake of supplemental magnesium can result in adverse effects, especially in individuals with impaired kidney functions. The tolerable upper intake level ( UL) for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg/day. Dietary sources rich in magnesium include green leafy vegetables, unrefined grains, legumes, beans, and nuts. (More information)Ībout half of the US adult population may have insufficient magnesium intakes to support nutritional adequacy. The use of magnesium supplementation is currently being explored in the management of various conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, asthma and pain. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials also support a role for magnesium in preventing brain damage in premature infants. Magnesium sulfate is used in obstetric care for the prevention of seizures in pregnant women with preeclampsia or eclampsia. Randomized controlled trials have also investigated the role of magnesium supplementation in the prevention of complications following stroke or heart surgery. Preliminary studies have shown that magnesium improved insulin sensitivity in individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Inadequate dietary intakes and/or low serum concentrations of magnesium have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Certain individuals are more susceptible to magnesium deficiency, especially those with gastrointestinal or renal disorders, those suffering from chronic alcoholism, and older people. Severe magnesium deficiency can impede vitamin D and calcium homeostasis.
Magnesium is involved in many physiologic pathways, including energy production, nucleic acid and protein synthesis, ion transport, cell signaling, and also has structural functions.
Magnesium is an essential mineral and a cofactor for hundreds of enzymes.
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