Every organ, especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys, needs this essential trace element. The body contains about 25 g of magnesium, and 60% of it is in the teeth and bones. Without magnesium, the neuromuscular system could not function (in theory, if a person lacked this trace element, the heart could not beat). No protein molecule can be formed without magnesium. It regulates calcium, zinc, potassium, copper, vitamin D levels.

If a person does not get enough magnesium with food, it cannot be the cause of magnesium deficiency (if reserves are depleted, magnesium stops being excreted from the body). A deficiency really occurs due to various diseases:

- Prolonged diarrhea as there occurs depletion of magnesium through the intestines;

- Kidney disease, which increases the excretion of all trace elements;

- Increased levels of calcium, which is a physiological “opponent” of magnesium. The more calcium is in the body, the less magnesium is in the body, and vice versa; 

- taking medications which promote the exit of magnesium from the body (antibiotics, diuretics).

Magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) leads to serious health problems. In clinical practice, its deficiency occurs much more often than it is diagnosed (about 10% of inpatients).

During pregnancy, hypomagnesemia causes toxemia, miscarriage and premature birth.

Magnesium regulates the tone of the vascular wall, helps to relax it and lower blood pressure. In addition, it prevents thrombosis. Therefore, patients suffering from high blood pressure, thrombosis, stroke or heart attack need to know their magnesium content.

Magnesium regulates other elements, and when its concentration decreases, electrolyte imbalance occurs. Such a condition is manifested by drowsiness, confusion, hand tremors and even seizures and heart rhythm disturbances.

  Increased magnesium levels in the blood are also detrimental to the patient's health. This condition is possible as a result of renal and adrenal insufficiency, overdose of magnesium and lithium-containing drugs, hepatitis.

Heart failure occurs at magnesium concentrations of 5-10 mEq/L; respiration stops at 115 mEq/L; heart function stops over 25 mEq/L.

Read more: "Do not forget about Magnesium!", "Role of Magnesium in the human body "