The Importance of Magnesium in the Body
Magnesium is one of the most important elements in the human body. It acts as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes involved in key metabolic processes, such as protein synthesis, regulation of ion channels, and energy production in the form of ATP. Magnesium also plays a significant role in vascular function, including the regulation of vascular tone, atherosclerosis processes, blood clot formation, vascular calcification, and the growth and migration of cells lining the blood vessels. Additionally, magnesium is crucial for many biological processes, including signal transduction, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, and the production of proteins and DNA.
The human body contains about 25 grams of magnesium, 98% of which is located in soft tissues (38%) and bones (60%). The serum fraction accounts for only 1% of the total magnesium content and is the biologically active part, primarily due to its ionization. It is worth noting that many factors are involved in maintaining magnesium homeostasis, and its deficiency can lead to serious health disorders.
Causes and Effects of Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) is a condition that can develop due to various factors, such as insufficient dietary intake, impaired absorption of magnesium in the gastrointestinal tract, increased renal excretion, or the use of certain medications that may contribute to its loss. Hypomagnesemia is a common yet often underestimated phenomenon among both patients and healthcare professionals.
According to some authors, at least 30% of the adult population does not consume adequate amounts of magnesium in their daily diet. The consequences of magnesium deficiency can be severe, including an increased risk of mortality and the development of many diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, cancer, or bone fractures. Moreover, low magnesium levels in the body can lead to cognitive function disorders, affect mood, and contribute to the deterioration of bone health, especially in older adults.
In older individuals, magnesium deficiency can have serious health consequences, particularly in the context of bone and metabolic health. Inadequate magnesium intake can lead to decreased insulin sensitivity, which in turn can promote the development of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, low magnesium levels can negatively impact heart and vascular function, increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension or atherosclerosis. Furthermore, magnesium deficiency can affect cognitive functions and mood, which is particularly important in the context of healthy aging.
One of the most common effects of magnesium deficiency is its impact on the nervous system. Magnesium deficiency can lead to symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, psychotic behavior, as well as headaches and dizziness. Magnesium is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system, and its deficiency can lead to serious mental and neurological disorders.
Magnesium and Diabetes
Magnesium plays a crucial role in maintaining proper insulin sensitivity, which is extremely important in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Scientific studies have shown that low serum magnesium levels are strongly correlated with the development of type 2 diabetes. Magnesium deficiency affects insulin sensitivity, leading to glucose metabolism disorders and, consequently, the development of diabetes. It has been demonstrated that adequate magnesium levels can improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood glucose levels, and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Furthermore, studies suggest that magnesium supplementation may have a beneficial effect on glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Regular intake of magnesium in adequate amounts can contribute to better control of blood glucose levels, which is crucial in preventing diabetic complications such as diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, or nephropathy. It is also worth noting that magnesium may enhance the effectiveness of diabetes treatment by boosting the action of antidiabetic drugs.
Magnesium and Cardiovascular Diseases
The correlation between magnesium deficiency and cardiovascular diseases is well documented in the scientific literature. Studies have shown that low magnesium levels in the body are correlated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, magnesium deficiency is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, including sudden cardiac death.
Magnesium deficiency can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammatory states, which are key factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Clinical studies have shown that magnesium supplementation can slow down the progression of vascular calcification, which is particularly important in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is worth noting that dialysis patients with higher serum magnesium levels have lower mortality rates, suggesting that magnesium may be an important element in improving prognosis in these patients.
The role of magnesium in cardiovascular disease prevention is therefore invaluable. Regular magnesium supplementation can contribute to improving cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other serious heart diseases.
Magnesium and Respiratory Diseases
Magnesium plays a key role in the functioning of the respiratory system. For nearly a century, it has been known that magnesium is an effective treatment for asthma, helping to reduce the severity of respiratory symptoms. Magnesium affects the smooth muscle cells of the bronchi, modulates their contraction state, and may have anti-inflammatory effects on the airways.
Although the use of magnesium is not a cure-all for asthma, studies have shown that it can be an effective adjunct in the treatment of acute asthma attacks, particularly in children. However, it is important to note that the best therapeutic effects are achieved through intravenous administration of magnesium.
Furthermore, magnesium has gained renewed interest in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. It has been shown that magnesium can improve respiratory function in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, helping to alleviate symptoms such as hypoxia and reducing the risk of respiratory complications. Studies suggest that magnesium deficiency may contribute to the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and prolong hospitalization.
Magnesium and the Immune System
Magnesium plays a key role in the functioning of the immune system. It is an essential cofactor in many immune processes, such as immunoglobulin synthesis, T cell adhesion, and macrophage response to cytokines. Magnesium deficiency can lead to weakened immune responses, which can increase susceptibility to infections and lead to chronic inflammatory states.
Animal studies have shown that magnesium deficiency can contribute to the improper activation of the innate immune system while weakening the adaptive system, resulting in inflammatory states and an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, magnesium has gained renewed interest as potential support in treating patients with respiratory complications. It has been shown that magnesium deficiency may contribute to the exacerbation of COVID-19 symptoms and prolong hospitalization. Studies suggest that population-wide magnesium deficiencies may have contributed to the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Magnesium and Cancer
The relationship between magnesium and cancer risk is complex and multifaceted. Although studies indicate a potential link between low magnesium levels and an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancer, there is also evidence suggesting that magnesium may have both positive and negative effects on cancer development.
Animal studies have shown that magnesium can inhibit tumor growth at its primary site while promoting the development of metastases in various rodent models. Magnesium plays a key role in the proper functioning of the immune system, and chronic inflammatory states can promote the development and spread of cancer.
In the case of colorectal cancer, studies have shown that adequate magnesium supplementation can prevent its development and recurrence. Moreover, magnesium deficiency may increase the risk of liver cancer, particularly in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
It is also worth noting that magnesium may have significance in cancer treatment. Experimental studies suggest that magnesium can enhance the anticancer effects of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), leading to the inhibition of cancer cell growth.
Magnesium and Neuropsychiatric Diseases
Magnesium plays a central role in the functioning of the nervous system. Its presence is essential for the proper functioning of the blood-brain barrier and neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which influence neuronal plasticity, learning, and memory.
Magnesium deficiency is associated with the severity and presence of many psychiatric disorders, such as insomnia, irritability, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, psychotic behavior, as well as headaches and dizziness. Magnesium is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system, and its deficiency can lead to serious mental and neurological disorders.
For over 30 years, studies have indicated a link between dementia and hypomagnesemia. Changes in magnesium metabolism have been observed in individuals with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. It has been shown that patients with Alzheimer's disease have lower serum magnesium levels and decreased magnesium content in various tissues.
Experimental studies have shown that supplementation with magnesium-L-threonate can protect against hippocampal neuronal apoptosis, prevent neuroinflammation, and reduce beta-amyloid deposition in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, magnesium-L-threonate can improve learning abilities and short- and long-term memory.
However, there is still a lack of extensive research on the impact of magnesium on cognitive health in humans. Studies on dialysis patients have shown a U-shaped relationship between mild cognitive impairment and serum magnesium levels, partly reflecting the specific features of this patient group. Although few clinical trials have been conducted in this area, some
studies suggest that people who consume a magnesium-rich diet may have a lower risk of cognitive decline.
Summary
Magnesium is a crucial element that plays a central role in many biological processes. Magnesium deficiency is a common problem that can lead to serious health consequences, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurological disorders, and even cancer. Magnesium supplementation is a simple and inexpensive way to improve health and prevent many diseases.
It is recommended that the daily diet provide an adequate amount of magnesium, which usually amounts to about 500 mg per day. This is particularly important in the context of health prevention and maintaining well-being. Every physician should consider magnesium supplementation for their patients, especially in cases where the risk of magnesium deficiency is increased, such as in older adults, patients with chronic diseases, or those taking medications that may lower magnesium levels.
Source:
Pethő, Á.G.; Fülöp, T.; Orosz, P.; Tapolyai, M. Magnesium Is a Vital Ion in the Body—It Is Time to Consider Its Supplementation on a Routine Basis. *Clin. Pract.* 2024, 14, 521–535. https://www.mdpi.com/2039-7283/14/2/40
