Magnesium, next to potassium, is the most abundant intracellular cation. Magnesium is one of the macro minerals that play an essential role in about three hundred biochemical processes that take place inside the animal body including cellular energy generation, nucleic acid (DNA & RNA) synthesis, protein metabolism, maintaining acid-base balance and the functioning of nerves and muscles.

The excessive intake of calcium, phosphorus, oxalate and phytates can interfere with magnesium absorption. Approximately 50 – 60% of magnesium is found in bone with the rest residing in the muscle and soft tissue.

Clinical signs of Magnesium deficiency include: heart disease, diabetes and bone demineralization.

Functions of Magnesium:

  • Affects many cellular functions associated with energy production (ATP), transporting potassium and calcium ions, modulating signal transduction and cell proliferation
  • Essential for muscle contraction, nerve conduction, membrane integrity and vascular tone
  • Regulation of magnesium is through the kidney, gastrointestinal tract and bone
  • Essential for oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity
  • Essential for DNA and RNA metabolism and protein synthesis
  • Vital role in the stability of muscle and nerve cell membranes, cell-to-cell adhesion, extracellular matrix communication, calcium channel regulation in cardiac tissue, lymphocytic proliferation and platelet activation
  • Required for the secretion and function of hormones that regulate bone metabolism
  • Essential for the mineral structure of bones and teeth
  • Has an important role in insulin reaction