Magnesium – an important mineral in prevention and therapy

Jürgen Vormann, Munich

The essential mineral magnesium is of great importance for both intracellular and extracellular physiological functions. If the magnesium concentration is too low or too high this has unfavourable consequences for intracellular metabolism.

The cell has mechanisms to keep the intracellular magnesium concentration as constant as possible. Magnesium deficits can be caused by inadequate supply in food, disturbances in absorption or excessive elimination of magnesium through the kidneys. Magnesium deficiency can greatly exacerbate many diseases with multifactorial aetiology – such as cardiovascular diseases or migraine. Magnesium deficiency is therefore an important risk factor and adequate magnesium supply is needed to assure magnesium balance.

Keywords: magnesium concentration, calcium antagonist, osteoporosis, osteoporosis, supplementation

Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs Umschau 12/08 ab Seite 726.