Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It is an alkaline earth metal found in nature in mineral form, mainly as dolomite and magnesite. It is the eighth most abundant element in the earth’s crust and is essential for the life of living beings.
Magnesium has numerous applications in industry, especially in the manufacture of metal alloys for the aerospace and automotive industry, as well as in the production of cement and glass. It is also used in medicine as a laxative and as a dietary supplement to treat magnesium deficiency.
In terms of health, magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in muscle, nervous, and cardiovascular function. It has also been shown to have benefits in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Medical indications
Magnesium is used in medicine to treat various medical conditions and is prescribed in different forms such as oral supplements, intravenous or topical injections to apply to the skin. Some of the medical indications for magnesium are:
Magnesium deficiency: Magnesium is an essential mineral that the body needs for proper functioning. Magnesium deficiency can cause symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, anxiety, and sleep problems.
High blood pressure: Magnesium may help lower blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension. It can also improve vascular function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Type 2 diabetes: Magnesium may improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Migraines: Magnesium can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines in some people.
Anxiety: Magnesium may help reduce anxiety symptoms in some people by acting as a muscle and nerve relaxant.
It is important to remember that you should always consult a doctor before taking any magnesium supplement or using it to treat a specific medical condition.
Does it have effects on teeth, bones and joints?
Yes, magnesium is an important mineral for bone, denture and joint health.
In bones, magnesium helps maintain healthy bone structure by increasing bone mineral density and improving calcium absorption. Magnesium deficiency may be associated with increased bone loss and an increased risk of bone fractures.
In teeth, magnesium plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of tooth enamel. Magnesium deficiency can weaken enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay.
In joints, magnesium helps reduce inflammation and may be beneficial for people with arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions. In addition, magnesium is also important for muscle function and can help reduce cramps and muscle stiffness.
It is important to note that magnesium is not a treatment for specific dental, bone or joint conditions and a healthcare professional should always be consulted before taking any magnesium supplement or using it to treat a medical condition.
Contraindications
Magnesium is generally safe when taken in recommended doses, however, there may be some contraindications in certain cases. Some of the contraindications of magnesium are:
Kidney failure: People with kidney failure should exercise caution when taking magnesium supplements, as they can build up in the body and cause serious side effects.
Heart rhythm disorders: Magnesium can affect heart rhythm and can be dangerous for people with certain heart rhythm disorders.
Chronic diarrhea: Magnesium can have a laxative effect and worsen chronic diarrhea.
Allergies: Some people may be allergic to magnesium and experience symptoms such as rashes, itching, and shortness of breath.
Drug interactions: Magnesium may interact with certain medications, including antibiotics, diuretics, and blood pressure medications.
It is important that before taking magnesium supplements or using it to treat a specific medical condition, consult with a physician to determine if it is safe and appropriate for each individual case.
Side effects
Mg is generally safe when taken in recommended doses, but in some cases, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Mg include:
Diarrhea: Mg can have a laxative effect and cause diarrhea.
Nausea and vomiting: Some people may experience nausea and vomiting when taking Mg supplements.
Abdominal pain: Mg can cause abdominal pain and cramping in some people.
Fatigue and muscle weakness: Mg can have a relaxing effect on muscles, which can cause fatigue and muscle weakness in some people.
Low blood pressure: Mg can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness and fainting in some people.
Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to Mg and experience symptoms such as rashes, itching, and shortness of breath.
It is important to remember that you should always consult a doctor before taking any Mg supplement or using it to treat a specific medical condition. If you experience any side effects, you should consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Daily dose
The RDA of Mg varies depending on age, gender and other individual factors, but in general, a daily Mg intake of around 400-420 mg is recommended for adult men and 310-320 mg for adult women. Children and adolescents also need different amounts of Mg, depending on their age and gender.
Mg dosages may vary depending on how it is used. To treat Mg deficiencies, your doctor may recommend higher doses of Mg supplements. In these cases, the recommended dose can vary between 200-600 mg per day.
It is important to note that the dose of Mg needed can vary depending on age, gender, health status and other individual factors, so it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting to take Mg supplements or modify the intake of Mg in the diet.
Recent studies
There are many recent studies on Mg and its role in health. Here are some examples:
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adequate intake of Mg was associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
- A study in the journal Nutrients found that Mg supplements may improve symptoms of depression in older adults.
- A study in the journal PLOS ONE found that Mg supplementation can reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function in overweight older adults.
- A study in the journal Nutrients found that Mg can improve athletic performance in endurance athletes.
- A study in the journal Diabetes Care found that Mg can improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
These are just a few examples of the many recent studies that have investigated the role of Mg in health. Research continues and it is important to continue research to better understand how Mg can benefit human health.
