$Unique_ID{BRK01441}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Does Magnesium Do in the Body?}
$Subject{magnesium diet ill defined symptoms symptom nutrition foods element
enzymatic balanced diets meat vegetables sources grains nuts deficiency
depression agitation muscle weakness tremors swallowing heart rhythm
hypomagnesia magnesia diuretics kidney endocrine nutritions dietary food
deficiencies}
$Volume{N-26}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   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 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.