$Unique_ID{BRK01441}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What Does Magnesium Do in the Body?}
$Subject{magnesium diet}
$Volume{N-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Does Magnesium Do in the Body?


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QUESTION:  Although I have always been interested in good nutrition, I don't
remember reading too much about magnesium years ago.  Now I frequently see
mention of it as an essential to good health.  Just what does magnesium do in
the body, what happens if you don't have enough, and what foods are a good
source of this element?

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ANSWER:  As research into the physiology of the body mechanisms has advanced,
more and more articles have been written that reveal that magnesium is an
important element in some of the chemical reactions that take place in our
systems.  It seems that its most important role is in certain enzymatic
reactions, chemical processes that the body needs to produce energy.  Only a
small amount of the element is necessary and the recommended dietary allowance
for adults is 350 mg to 450 mg per day.  Such quantities are contained in the
average balanced diet that contains meat and vegetables, but grains and nuts
are good sources of magnesium.  The symptoms of magnesium deficiency do not
develop unless the deficiency is severe.  When sufficient reserves are not
present, depression, agitation and even psychosis, may occur.  Muscle weakness
may develop, as may tremors and difficulty in swallowing.  The rhythm of the
heart may become disturbed, and physicians can detect the presence of
hypomagnesia (low magnesia levels) by changes in the pattern of the
cardiogram.  These low levels may be a result of certain medications such as
diuretics (water pills) and certain antibiotics.  It may also result from
disease where the absorption of magnesium in the gastrointestinal tract is
impaired.  Some kidney as well as endocrine disorders may produce similar
situations.  Of course chronic poor nutrition as seen in alcoholism, or after
severe infections or burns may also be the reason for low magnesium.  When the
diagnosis is made, magnesium may be given either as oral preparations, or in
cases of severe deficiency, as an intravenous medication.
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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.
