Cited by 113Magnesium in Health and DiseaseMagnesium Alloys: Properties and ApplicationsTrace Elements in Health

The multifaceted and widespread pathology of magnesium deficiency

Johnson, S.·2001·Medical Hypotheses

Abstract

Even though Mg is by far the least abundant serum electrolyte, it is extremely important for the metabolism of Ca, K, P, Zn, Cu, Fe, Na, Pb, Cd, HCl, acetylcholine, and nitric oxide (NO), for many enzymes, for the intracellular homeostasis and for activation of thiamine and therefore, for a very wide gamut of crucial body functions. Unfortunately, Mg absorption and elimination depend on a very large number of variables, at least one of which often goes awry, leading to a Mg deficiency that can present with many signs and symptoms. Mg absorption requires plenty of Mg in the diet, Se, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamins B6 and D. Furthermore, it is hindered by excess fat. On the other hand, Mg levels are decreased by excess ethanol, salt, phosphoric acid (sodas) and coffee intake, by profuse sweating, by intense, prolonged stress, by excessive menstruation and vaginal flux, by diuretics and other drugs and by certain parasites (pinworms). The very small probability that all the variables affecting Mg levels will behave favorably, results in a high probability of a gradually intensifying Mg deficiency. It is highly regrettable that the deficiency of such an inexpensive, low-toxicity nutrient result in diseases that cause incalculable suffering and expense throughout the world. The range of pathologies associated with Mg deficiency is staggering: hypertension (cardiovascular disease, kidney and liver damage, etc.), peroxynitrite damage (migraine, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, etc.), recurrent bacterial infection due to low levels of nitric oxide in the cavities (sinuses, vagina, middle ear, lungs, throat, etc.), fungal infections due to a depressed immune system, thiamine deactivation (low gastric acid, behavioral disorders, etc.), premenstrual syndrome, Ca deficiency (osteoporosis, hypertension, mood swings, etc.), tooth cavities, hearing loss, diabetes type II, cramps, muscle weakness, impotence (lack of NO), aggression (lack of NO), fibromas, K deficiency (arrhythmia, hypertension, some forms of cancer), Fe accumulation, etc. Finally, because there are so many variables involved in the Mg metabolism, evaluating the effect of Mg in many diseases has frustrated many researchers who have simply tried supplementation with Mg, without undertaking the task of ensuring its absorption and preventing excessive elimination, rendering the study of Mg deficiency much more difficult than for most other nutrients.

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Crossref · 10.1054/mehy.2000.1133

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Authors
Johnson, S.
Corresponding author
Johnson, S.
Venue
Medical Hypotheses
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2001-02
Volume
56
Issue
2
Pages
163-170
ISSN
0306-9877 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2137926327
Cited by
113
References
14
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 8
FWCI
3.36
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Medical Hypotheses (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Magnesium in Health and Disease
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › Magnesium Alloys: Properties and Applications
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Trace Elements in Health
Keywords
hypomagnesemia, magnesium uptake, magnesium metabolism, magnesium supplementation, hypertension, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, calcium deficiency, osteoporosis, dietary fat, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, vitamin B6, selenium, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma
MeSH terms
Humans, Magnesium, Magnesium Deficiency

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