What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral present in every cell of the body. Magnesium is a mineral present in every cell of the body. It is indispensable for energy production, muscle and nerve function, and for maintaining the strength of bones. About half of the magnesium supply in our body is found in the bone.

Food is the source of magnesium. It is present in many nutrients, especially in green leafy vegetables such as spinach. The amount of magnesium in blood, cells and bone is kept constant by the body. It is regulated by adjusting absorption (through the intestines) and excretion (with the urine, through the kidneys).

Lowered:

A low concentration of magnesium (hypomagnesemia) may result from:

• inadequate dietary intake of magnesium, especially in the elderly, malnourished people and those with alcohol abuse
• insufficient absorption of magnesium through the intestines, for example, as a result of Crohn's disease (inflammation in the wall of the small intestine)
• Insufficient absorption of magnesium through the intestines due to the use of antacids (small category of patients)
• excessive excretion of magnesium via the kidneys too high or too low an amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood (uncontrolled diabetes)
• reduced activity of the parathyroid gland (hypoparathyroidism)
• prolonged use of diuretics
• prolonged diarrhea
• after surgery
• for severe burns
• in case of preeclampsia

Increased:

An elevated concentration of magnesium is rarely due to diet. Usually, elevated magnesium is the result of problems with excretion or artificial administration. Elevated magnesium can be found in:

• kidney failure
• overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism)
• dysfunctional thyroid
• dehydration
• acidification (too low pH) of the blood in diabetes (diabetic acidosis)
• Addison's disease
• use of magnesium-containing laxatives