Magnesium is an essential mineral element for the various biochemical functions performed by cells. Its worth for good health is just being recognized by standard physicians. Since Mg2+ ions have a relatively low ionic radius in proportion to its nucleus size it shows exceptional biochemical activity. Virtually, all chemical reactions within the body need an enzyme system to assist the biochemical reaction to take place. An enzyme system typically consists of 3 components:
•A particular protein molecule,
•A smaller organic compound, that is usually a
vitamin, like pyridoxine
•A charged mineral, like zinc, copper,
manganese or magnesium.
Magnesium is a vital co-factor in more than three hundred enzymatic reactions within the physical body. Each mineral when dissolved in fluids has a characteristic electrical charge, referred to as its valence. Minerals with a charge of plus one, or univalent cations, include sodium and potassium. Minerals with a charge of plus two, or bivalent cations, are copper, zinc, manganese and magnesium. Potassium and magnesium are the most plentiful cations found inside the cells of the body with magnesium being the most plentiful bivalent cation.
In USA, magnesium supplementation is dramatically underutilised by standard physicians and is more vital in patient medical care than most physicians understand.
Till recently, in conventional medicine magnesium has been solely used by obstetricians as injectable magnesium sulphate extensively in the treatment of high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia and eclampsia of pregnancy. Recently medical practitioners have become interested in the possible use of magnesium in treating of patients with acute heart attacks, heart arrhythmias, diabetes, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome various cardiovascular diseases and various different disorders.
Symptoms of magnesium Deficiency?
Magnesium deficiency may affect nearly every organ system of the body. With regard to skeletal muscle, one can experience twitches, cramps, muscle tension, soreness, including back aches, pain in neck region, tension headaches and jaw joint (or TMJ) dysfunction.
Also, one may experience chest tightness or a peculiar sensation that he cannot take a deep breath. Symptoms which involve impaired contraction of smooth muscles are constipation; urinary spasms; menstrual cramps; problem in swallowing or a lump within the throat-especially aggravated by intake of sugar; photophobia, especially problem adjusting to oncoming bright headlights in the absence of eye disease; and loud noise sensitivity from stapedius muscle tension in the ear.
Importance of Magnesium in Human Biochemistry