Magnesium: A Review of Clinical Use and Efficacy
Abstract
Magnesium is involved in hundreds of essential physiological processes, and adequate levels are therefore vital for general health. Whilst overt hypomagnesaemia appears to be relatively rare, suboptimal levels and inadequate dietary intakes are common, and may lead to an increased risk of chronic disease. Magnesium deficiency can arise from poor diet, malabsorption, kidney disease, alcoholism and drug interactions. Various tests are in use to determine magnesium levels; however, none of them is considered particularly accurate. Serum levels are commonly used and, whilst low serum levels can accurately reflect magnesium deficiency, normal serum levels do not exclude low-grade magnesium deficiency. A combination of serum magnesium, urinary excretion and dietary intake measures appears to be the most practical and accurate way to determine magnesium status. Good food sources include green leafy vegetables, cacao, wholegrains, nuts and seeds. Various dietary components, including certain types of fibre, phytates and oxalates can hinder absorption, which needs to be taken into account. In food supplements, organic formulations appear to be better absorbed than inorganic ones, and absorption is also better with several small as opposed to one large dose. The most common side-effect of magnesium at high doses is diarrhoea. Caution is advised in patients with kidney disease as renal excretion plays an important part in magnesium homeostasis. Magnesium can also interact with a number…
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