Magnesium (Mg)

Main Characteristics

• Magnesium (Mg) is the second most abundant intracellular cation.

• It participates in many cellular functions, including the transport of potassium and calcium ions, in addition to modulating transduction signals, energy metabolism and cell proliferation.

• It is an essential element that plays a fundamental role in enzymatic activities. It acts as a cofactor in more than 300 metabolic reactions, such as in the stability of the neuromuscular and cardiovascular membrane and as a physiological regulator of hormonal and immunological function, in addition to neural conduction and muscle contraction.

• Magnesium deficiency is related to impairments in cellular immune function.

• Evidence indicates that magnesium plays a key role in immunity, acting in both the innate and acquired immune response.

• 60% of the magnesium found in our body is distributed in the bones.

• Approximately 1/3 of magnesium can be mobilized to maintain the mineral's homeostasis in other tissues, in situations of deficiency, either due to inadequate intake or the presence of pathologies.

• Participates in carbohydrate metabolism and is also involved in regulating insulin secretion and action.

 

Main Functions and Mechanisms of Action

• Protection against Cardiovascular Diseases: Magnesium participates in the formation of nitric oxide, inhibits platelet aggregation, blocks calcium uptake and relaxes blood vessels. In addition, its deficiency is related to increased intracellular calcium, formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxygen radicals, further increasing cardiac risk.

• Improvement of conditions related to inflammatory processes: Magnesium deficiency leads to increased intracellular calcium, activating phospholipase A2, which increases the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. In addition, increased intracellular calcium activates the transcription factor NF-Kappa B, another factor responsible for increased production of pro-inflammatory substances.

• Improvement of symptoms of depression, insomnia and hyperactivity: Magnesium is essential for the formation of serotonin, since the hydroxylase enzyme responsible for the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin is dependent on this mineral, in addition to vitamins B6, B12 and B9.

• Prevention of Insulin Resistance and Diabetes: Magnesium deficiency causes an increase in intracellular calcium, which in turn stimulates insulin production, thus increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to peripheral insulin resistance. In addition, several enzymes involved in glucose metabolism are dependent on magnesium.

 • Prevention of Osteoporosis: Magnesium is important for bone formation. Hypomagnesemia reduces calcium absorption and active vitamin D depends on hydroxylase, an enzyme dependent on this mineral.

• Reduction of crystals in the urine: Magnesium, being alkaline, prevents blood acidification, which leads to an increase in calcium concentration and the formation of crystals.

• Reduction of muscle fatigue, cramps and improvement of muscle recovery during physical activity training: Magnesium is involved in the processes of muscle contraction and relaxation, due to the function developed by the Calcium/Magnesium pump.

• Contribution to the improvement of PMS and migraines: This nutrient participates in the formation of nitric oxide, an important vasodilator substance, thus improving symptoms.

• Improvement of symptoms related to asthma: The administration of magnesium promotes bronchodilation and improves lung function.

 

Bioavailability

• One of the factors that interfere with the Bioavailability of minerals concerns the interactions that occur between them.

According to some authors, interactions between minerals can occur directly, when competitive phenomena generally occur during intestinal absorption or tissue use, or indirectly, when one mineral is involved in the metabolism of another, so that the deficiency of one leads to impaired function of the other. Some of these interactions can have profound implications for human health.

• Magnesium is depleted in the body due to the action of thyroid hormones, acidosis and aldosterone. When there is depletion of phosphate and potassium, there is also depletion of magnesium.

• Calcitonin, PTH and glucagon increase the reabsorption of magnesium from the glomerular filtrate.

 

Possible interactions

• Some medications interfere with magnesium absorption. These are: loop and thiazide diuretics, tetracycline and neomycin antibiotics, lanolin, oral contraceptives, estrogen (ERT) and hormone (HRT) replacement therapy.

Interaction between nutrients

• High intake of calcium and phosphate inhibits magnesium absorption.

 

Scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of supplementation

• In a study with patients with severe preeclampsia, magnesium sulfate was administered in order to determine the benefits for eclampsia and it was confirmed that magnesium sulfate, compared to placebo, was better in preventing eclampsia and, probably, in reducing the risk of maternal death.

 • In another study, the importance of magnesium in preventing osteopenia and osteoporosis in adults was demonstrated, as well as its need for correct calcification of bones in childhood and adolescence. The effects of magnesium may be mediated through its action as a calcium antagonist or by being a cofactor of enzyme systems that involve the flow of sodium and potassium through the cell membrane. However, it is still uncertain whether the administration of magnesium serves simply to correct a deficiency state or when it is used to obtain a specific pharmacological effect. It is also believed that the supply of adequate amounts of magnesium is important for the functioning of the immune system, since it is necessary for carrying out numerous metabolic processes of fundamental importance for all cells in our body, including immune cells.

• Several studies show that magnesium deficiency can affect antioxidant defenses and increase oxidative stress, in addition to activating NF-Kappa-B

Risks of overdose

• Its toxicity can occur through the abusive use of supplements.

• Caution should be exercised with magnesium supplementation in patients with: liver disease, decompensated heart disease and renal failure. (In the case of altered renal function, there is a loss of the ability to control magnesium homeostasis, which can lead to magnesium overload).