EC Nutrition

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral in the human body which plays a fundamental role in energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis and metabolic interactions with other nutrients including calcium, potassium and vitamin D. Mg deficiency can manifest as hypokalemia and hypocalcemia, leading to a host of neurological symptoms such as nystagmus and convulsions and cardiac symptoms including arrhythmia. Of considerable public health concern, low Mg intake and deficiency have been reported in various populations across the globe with different countries suggesting different recommended intakes of Mg. The current scientific literature indicates a number of potential adverse health consequences of low or deficient Mg status throughout the life course, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and depression. However, given the heterogeneity in the populations recruited to interventional trials, doses and duration of Mg supplementation and disease states, there has been limited confirmatory evidence of the efficacy of Mg or the optimal intake for different populations. This review considers the current evidence-base on causes and consequences of Mg deficiency and the potential therapeutic utility of Mg in the treatment and prevention of human disease.

 Keywords: Magnesium; Blood Pressure; Cardiovascular Disease; Diabetes; Cancer; Osteoporosis; Migraines; Depression; Cognitive Function; Dementia

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