Magnesium Deficiency In The Pathogenesis Of Disease: Early Roots Of Cardiovascular, Skeletal, And Renal Abnormalities (topics In Bone And Mineral Disorders)

There is a large and rapidly growing body of literature on the importance of mag­ nesium in biochemical and physiological processes. There is also much evidence that magnesium deficiency, alone and in combination with agents that interfere with its utilization, is associated with functional and structural abnormalities of mem­ branes, cells, organs, and systems. The manifestations of the changes caused by magnesium deficiency depend upon its extent and duration and on variable factors. Among the conditions that increase the risk of magnesium deficiency are (1) meta­ bolic factors that affect the absorption, distribution, and excretion of this mineral; (2) disease and therapy; (3) physiologic states that increase requirements for nutrients; and (4) nutritional imbalances. Excesses of nutrients that interfere with the absorption or increase the excretion of magnesium-such as fat, phosphate, sugar, and vitamin D-can contribute to long-lasting relative magnesium deficiency. All have been implicated in several of the diseases considered in this book. Whether their influence on the need for magnesium is a common denominator remains to be investigated further. Abstract: The importance of magnesium in physiologic and biochemical processes is demonstrated by the functional and structural abnormalities that accompany magnesium deficiency. Although subclinical magnesium deficiency is difficult to diagnose, magnesium-responsive signs have been associated with cardiac and neurologic disorders. Deficiency during pregnancy, infancy and childhood may contribute to cardiovascular and skeletorenal pathology in adults, in light of epidemiologic evidence. Magnesium in hardwater areas may be protective in cardiovascular disease; its therapeutic value in heart disease is discussed. The role of magnesium in hormonal and mineral imbalances, arteriosclerosis, myocardial changes, cardiac dysrhythmia, bone wasting, bone disease, and renal damage is reviewed. A case is presented for the use of magnesium in prophylaxis, or as an adjunct to therapy. An appendix describes tests for magnesium deficiency and case reports of infantile ischemic heart disease