Med Hypotheses 2001 Feb;56(2):163-70

The multifaceted and widespread pathology of magnesium deficiency.

Johnson S.

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.

PMID: 11425281 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]