Magnesium
MAGNESIUM is a metallic element used centuries ago by the Romans who claimed that "magnesia alba" cured many ailments. These healing white salts were found in the district of Magnesia in Greece. The element took its name from that location. In 1926, magnesium proved to be an essential nutrient for animals, but not until the 1933-44 period of experimentation did it also prove to be essential for humans.
Magnesium is a major mineral required for more than 300 enzyme reactions involved in the conversion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, to energy. It assists in the manufacture of proteins and genetic material in the cells and is essential for proper nerve and muscle functioning, playing a role in neuromuscular transmission and activity. It aids in the formation of thyroxin, the principle hormone of the thyroid gland, and in the removal of such toxins, as ammonia from the body. It is also an anti-stress mineral necessary for calcium and Vitamin C metabolism, as well as for that of phosphorus, sodium, B1 (thiamin), biotin, and potassium.
Magnesium is important for bone structure, proper digestion, and food utilization eliminating fatigue, improving memory, quickening reflexes, and reducing nervous irritability. About 60% of the estimated 24 grams of magnesium found in the body is concentrated in the bones and teeth, with the rest in muscles and soft tissues and a small amount in both intracellular and extracellular (blood and lymph) fluids. Magnesium blood levels are regulated by the kidneys and excreted in both urine and feces. Magnesium is a component of chlorophyll in green plants. By removing the germ and outer layers of grains and nuts, 80% of this mineral is lost.
Blood, hair, and serum samples of some ADD (attention deficit disorder) children displayed low levels of magnesium. When given supplements, a significant decrease in their hyperactive behavior was noted. With autistic children, Vitamin B6 helped normalize the function of nerve cells, but, when magnesium was given along with the B6, effects were greater than when B6 was given alone.
There are no reported cases of magnesium toxicity resulting from taking supplements and occurs only from taking antacids, laxatives, and prescription drugs containing magnesium. The magnesium in these drugs is not the same compound as that used in supplements. Very low levels of magnesium can display the same symptoms as abnormally high levels of blood calcium. Supplements can prevent and help dissolve oxalate kidney stones, but it is toxic to those with abnormal kidney function. Like calcium, magnesium bonds with oxalates, assisting in the production of oxalate kidney stones. However, it is an excess of calcium that actually produces the stones in the first place. Studies showed that the combination of Vitamin B6 and magnesium oxide prevented the stones and decreased them by 92%. Studies are showing that magnesium may save the lives of heart attack victims by relaxing the muscles within the blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow to the heart and preventing heart muscle cells from suffering further injury.
Magnesium deficiencies usually occur as a result of malabsorption (such as the rare disorder called 'primary idiopathic hypomagnesemia') or other disorders that result in significant losses of fluids and electrolytes, including some kidney diseases that affect the reabsorption of cations (positive-charged ions). Various stages of malnutrition, as a result of alcoholism, contribute to a magnesium deficiency as does certain medical therapies that disturb electrolyte balance. These therapies include naso-gastric suctioning, magnesium-free IV feedings, and the use of such medications as loop diuretics and cardiac glycosides. A rapid loss of body fluids, as in the case of burns, increases the need for magnesium as well as other nutrients. A magnesium deficiency can produce what is called "magnesium tetany," a form of convulsion in which the nerves and muscles are affected. In addition, high protein diets and high intakes of calcium increase the need for magnesium.
RDA cannot be determined since magnesium reacts with other nutrients in complex ways making it difficult to establish a pattern, but a basic rule of thumb is 4.5 mg./kg. of body weight for adults, increasing the amount during pregnancy and lactation.
Note: Large amounts of magnesium taken over extended periods can produce problems especially if calcium intake is low and the phosphorus intake is high. This is a special concern in children who can develop kidney disorders as the rate of excretion slows.
Summary:
Names include: Mg, Mg+2, Mg++, and element 12. It may appear on commercial labels as "magnesium phosphate" or "magnesium sulfate."
Deficiency symptoms include: salt cravings, emotional agitation, nervousness, stress, bone deformities, deterioration of teeth, calcium/sodium deposits in tissues, deterioration of kidneys/skin, fatigue, decreased blood levels of calcium/potassium/magnesium, deterioration of heart endocardium, muscle cramps or spasms, knotting of muscle fibers, muscle twitching or tremors, mental changes, dizziness, nerve pain, shooting pains, colic, increased blood pressure, stillbirths, female infertility, rapid heart beat, confusion, hallucinations, disorientation, listlessness, nausea and vomiting, depressed tendon reflexes, anorexia, convulsions, with coma being the extreme if deficiency worsens.
Toxicity symptoms include: slow heartbeat, fatigue, weakness, muscle tremors, decreased reflexes, anesthesia (a loss of feeling or sensation), diarrhea, and coma.
Inhibitors include: diuretics, alcohol, streptomycin, cardiac glycosides.
Helpers include: Vitamins B6, C, D, boron, calcium, phosphorus, protein.
