Magnesium is necessary for every major biologic process in the body, including the production of energy from sugar and the manufacture of genetic material. It is important for muscle contraction, nerve conduction and blood-vessel tone. Magnesium interacts with calcium to regulate how much calcium enters cells to control such vital functions as heartbeat Low intakes of magnesium have been associated with high blood pressure and heart disease.
Q Has magnesium been used successfully to treat any diseases?
A Yes. Intravenous magnesium, given during a heart attack, cuts in half a person's chances of developing arrhythmia,or irregular heartbeat, or of dying from heart stoppage, several studies have shown. The researchers for one of these studies say that intravenous magnesium 'is simple, cheap and free of serious side-effects' and works as well as drugs given to dissolve blood clots. In another study, people who received intravenous magnesium after heart bypass surgery were less likely to develop heartbeat problems and required less time on respiratory support than those not getting magnesium.
Chronic magnesium deficiency in animals has been shown to result in microscopic changes in the heart arteries, as well as in scar like changes in the heart
Q Has magnesium been used to treat any other problems?
A In a recent study, supplementation with 4.5 grams of magnesium a day improved insulin response in the body, making it easier for older people to metabolize sugar, and so maintain lower blood levels of both insulin and sugar, The researchers believe adequate amounts of magnesium allow insulin to move into cells more easily, thereby improving the cells' ability to bum sugar for energy. Magnesium also apparently improves insulin secretion.
Q You mentioned blood pressure. How is magnesium associated with that?
A Several studies suggest that magnesium deficiency may contribute to high blood pressure. And magnesium supplements or intravenous magnesium therapy can lower blood pressure by relaxing constricted blood .vessels.
Q Is magnesium used to treat any other illnesses?
A In one study, British researchers noted that people with chronic fatigue syndrome had abnormally low red-blood-cell magnesium levels. When 15 of these people were given injections of magnesium sulphate every week for six weeks, seven reported great improvement, and all but three reported some improvement in energy, less pain and less anxiety when compared with a similar group not receiving supplemental magnesium. Most researchers, however, believe further study is needed to see if the effect continues and to determine if oral magnesium might offer similar benefits.
Magnesium is essential for normal bone structure. Most of the magnesium in the body is in the bones. In one small study, magnesium given along with calcium significantly increased bone-mineral density in post-menopausal women on oestrogen therapy. At least two studies indicate that intravenous magnesium relieves wheezing and improves lung function in people with asthma. And in one study, oral magnesium treatment for two weeks prior to menstruation was found to relieve both premenstrual and menstrual symptoms, both physical and emotional.
Q Do most people get enough magnesium in their diets?
A Less than half of the magnesium in the diet is absorbed. Deficiency is rarely due to inadequacies in the diet, ana Is more likely to be due to losses from persistent diarrhoea, It may also occur in chronic alcoholism, in which losses are caused by increased excretion, decreased intake, vomiting and diarrhoea. It can occur in people on dialysis for kidney failure and in severely malnourished children.
MAGNESIUM
QUICK-REFERENCE GUIDE
RNI
Men: 350 mg Women: 2.50 mg
Sources
Whole grains, nuts, avocados, beans and dark green, leafy vegetables.
Signs of Deficiency
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, tremors, loss of coordination, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, dizziness, apathy, depression, irritability and irregular heartbeat The clinical picture may resemble delirium tremens.
Risks for Deficiency
Long-term use of diuretics or digitalis; tube or intravenous feeding; renal (kidney) dialysis; pregnancy; severe malnutrition; diabetes, intestinal absorption problems; prolonged diarrhoea and alcoholism,
Possible Toxicity Problems
Magnesium has a good safety record. Symptoms of overdose have been seen with abuse of magnesium-containing antacids and in people with kidney problems. These symptoms include low blood pressure, lethargy, weakness, slight slurring of speech, unsteadiness, fluid retention, nausea and vomiting, cardiac arrest, respiratory paralysis and death. The lowest level on record causing harm to an individual with healthy kidneys is 1,700 mg a day. People with kidney problems should not take supplemental magnesium.
