Magnesium, an abundant mineral in the body, is naturally present in many foods, added to other food products, available as a food supplement and present in some drugs (such as antacids and laxatives). Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate various biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium is necessary for energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis. It contributes to the structural development of bone and is required for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and antioxidant glutathione. Magnesium also plays a role in the active transport of calcium and potassium ions through cell membranes, an important process for nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm.

An adult body contains about 25 g of magnesium, with 50% to 60% in the bones and most of the rest in the soft tissues. Less than 1% of the total magnesium is found in the blood serum and these levels are kept under strict control. Normal magnesium concentrations in serum vary between 0.75 and 0.95 mmol (mmol) / L. Hypomagnesemia is defined as a serum magnesium level of less than 0.75 mmol / L. Magnesium homeostasis is in much controlled by the kidney, which usually eliminates about 120 mg of magnesium every day in the urine. Urinary excretion is reduced when the magnesium level is low.

Magnesium, an abundant mineral in the body, is naturally present in many foods, added to other food products, available as a food supplement and present in some drugs (such as antacids and laxatives). Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate various biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium is necessary for energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis. It contributes to the structural development of bone and is required for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and antioxidant glutathione. Magnesium also plays a role in the active transport of calcium and potassium ions through cell membranes, an important process for nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm.

An adult body contains about 25 g of magnesium, with 50% to 60% in the bones and most of the rest in the soft tissues. Less than 1% of the total magnesium is found in the blood serum and these levels are kept under strict control. Normal magnesium concentrations in serum vary between 0.75 and 0.95 mmol (mmol) / L. Hypomagnesemia is defined as a serum magnesium level of less than 0.75 mmol / L. Magnesium homeostasis is in much controlled by the kidney, which usually eliminates about 120 mg of magnesium every day in the urine. Urinary excretion is reduced when the magnesium level is low.