ARTICLE

Magnesium : the multipurpose mineral

Bradley McEwen | PhD , MHSc ( Hum Nutr ), BHSc , ND ( Adv ), DBM , DNutr , DSM , M . ATMS , Naturopath , Nutritionist , and Mentor . Adjunct Senior Lecturer , Faculty of Health , Southern Cross University .

Abstract Magnesium is a multipurpose mineral that is involved in energy metabolism , mitochondrial health , cell membrane function , enzyme reactions , activation of various vitamins , musculoskeletal health , the maintenance of normal muscle and nerve function , heart health , and cardiometabolic health . The numerous symptoms of magnesium deficiency include , but are not limited to , muscle cramps and spasms , fatigue , weakness , nervousness , irritability , and various chronic diseases .

Introduction

Optimum nutrition is the foundation for optimum health . ¹ ^, ² Magnesium is a multipurpose mineral that is a favourite among health professionals and is prescribed for a multitude of functions and health conditions . With this in mind , we could dedicate a whole journal issue to the health benefits of magnesium . Instead , this article aims to bring attention to the wide applications of this magnificent mineral .

Functions of magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral for normal biological ³ and metabolic function . ⁴ It is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions . ^4-8 Magnesium plays an important physiological role , particularly in the brain , heart , and skeletal muscles . ⁹

It is involved in the synthesis and metabolism of adenosine triphosphate ( ATP ), ⁵ ^, ⁶ ^, ⁸ ^, ¹⁰ synthesis of adenosine diphosphate ( ADP ), ⁶ 4-8 , 10

DNA , and RNA , and protein . ⁴ ^, ⁶ ^, ⁸ Magnesium is bound to ATP in order to yield the bioactive form of ATP ( Mg-ATP ). ⁶ ^, ⁸ Magnesium is involved in the maintenance of cell membrane function and the sodium-potassium gradient across all membranes , ¹⁰ transmembrane ion flux , ⁶ control of the influx of calcium and potassium influx at the cell membrane , ⁸ gating of calcium channels , ⁶ regulation of intracellular calcium levels , ¹⁰ transmembrane electrolyte flux , ⁸ and cell growth and reproduction . ⁴ ^, ⁷ Magnesium is required for activation and utilisation of vitamin D , ⁶ ^, ⁸ B vitamins , and glutathione , ⁸ and is required as a coenzyme to convert tryptophan to serotonin . ⁶ Magnesium is a natural N-methyl-D-aspartic acid ( NMDA ) antagonist and a gammaamino butyric acid ( GABA ) agonist . ⁶ Additionally , magnesium is involved in hormone receptor binding , ⁶ reduction of inflammation , ⁶ and immune system health . ¹¹

Magnesium plays a major role in energy metabolism . The energetic functions of magnesium include mitochondrial health , ¹¹ stabilisation of mitochondrial membranes , ⁴ ^, ⁷ energy metabolism , ⁴ ^, ⁷ ^, ⁸ utilisation of intracellular energy , ¹⁰ metabolism of carbohydrates , protein and fats , ⁸ ^, ¹⁰ glycolysis , ⁶ ^, ⁸ and oxidative phosphorylation . ⁶ ^, ⁸

140 | vol27 | no3 | JATMS

ATMS Journal Spring 2021 (Public) | Page 20

Magnesium : the multipurpose mineral