$Unique_ID{BRK01657}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Where Does Magnesium Come From?}
$Subject{diet magnesium}
$Volume{N-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Where Does Magnesium Come From?


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QUESTION:  Every day I try to learn something new, for there seems to be so
much that is changing in our world of today.  I have read that it is important
for humans to have enough magnesium in their systems for good health.  I would
like to know where magnesium comes from, what foods it might be in and how
much is enough?  Do you think you can put all that information in one column
for me?  Thank you for your kind attention.

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ANSWER:  I will be most happy to provide you with all this information.  There
has been a lot of interest in magnesium lately as investigators discover just
how important it is for your health.  It is involved in a great many enzymatic
processes that produces energy for the body.  Enzymes are proteins that help
speed up chemical reactions that occur in our bodies.  Magnesium may also play
a role in the electrical activity that goes on at the level of the cell
membranes.  You don't need too much to keep up with you body's needs, since
about 350 to 450 mg is the recommended dietary allowance for adults.  This
amount is supplied by the average diet that contains vegetables and meats.
Nuts and whole grains are also good sources for the magnesium needed by the
body.  About 40 to 50 percent of the magnesium contained in the food you eat
is absorbed in the small intestine, and then distributed around the body.
Some of the symptoms that occur when there is too little magnesium in the
system include depression and agitation, seizures, weakness and tremors in the
muscles and difficulty in swallowing.  Of course these same symptoms can be
brought about by many other medical problems, and so the diagnosis will depend
upon the results of testing.  Magnesium deficiency can accompany parathyroid
disease, thyroid disease, some endocrine disorders, kidney problems and cancer
chemotherapy.  In some cases the use of thiazide diuretics (water pills) may
be the principle cause for the low magnesium levels.  Restoring proper levels
of magnesium can be quite simple as there are many preparations available for
this purpose.  In cases of severe deficiency, the intravenous route may be
needed.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
