Abstract
Magnesium is a significant factor in a whole range of metabolic reactions, particularly in energy production, in mitochondrial function, being a part of enzyme cofactors and modulating the function of transport pumps and cell membrane channels. Magnesium deficiency is very common in the population of industrialized countries, ranging around 33% in all male and female age groups.
The diagnosis of magnesium depletion in the body is difficult, given that this ion is present in biological systems in several fractions and, furthermore, because its maximum is contained intracellularly. The clinical symptomatology of magnesium depletion is very broad, ranging from minimal complaints to life-threatening arrhythmias.
Proper magnesium supplementation follows strict rules, particularly in terms of the route of administration (oral or parenteral). The occurrence of hypomagnesaemia, mainly in industrialized countries, remains a major phenomenon causing substantial health problems, and is underrated from both the clinical and preventive viewpoint.