VIEWPOINT FROM CLINICAL PRACTICE
Magnesium plays a critical role in innate immunoregulation and mainly acts intra-cellularly , decreasing inflammatory cytokine production . It dampens down adrenalin and calcium stress responses , helps to produce GABA ( gammaaminobutyric acid ), and supports ACE2 in the angiotensin system . All of these processes have anti-stress and antiinflammatory effects .
A review article from the Journal of Inflammation Research concluded : “ Animal studies have shown that magnesium deficiency induces an inflammatory response that results in leukocyte and macrophage activation , release of inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins , and excessive production of free radicals …. The primary mechanism through which magnesium deficiency has this effect is through increasing cellular Ca2 +, which is the signal that results in the priming of cells to give the inflammatory response . Primary pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin ( IL ) -1 ; the messenger cytokine IL-6 ; cytokine responders E-selectin , intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ; and acute-phase reactants C-reactive protein and fibrinogen have been determined to associate magnesium deficiency with chronic low-grade inflammation ( inflammatory stress ).“ 4
Chronic inflammation in a weakened immune system can cause thrombosis
Magnesium deficiency and inflammatory symptoms can cause thrombus formation . A magnesium deficiency induces a rise in circulating white blood cells , together with a consequent decrease in B cells as a percentage , which makes the immune response less potent . 5 B and T cells work in tandem to remove pathogens , and to record in cell memory how to counter that foreign element or pathogen , in case there is a future exposure . “ The B Cells have the ability to transform into plasmocytes and are responsible for producing antibodies ( Abs ). Thus , humoral immunity depends on the B Cells while cell immunity depends on the T Cells .” 6
The decrease in the potency of white blood cells , via fewer B and T cells from a low magnesium state , means that more leukocytes are needed to be produced to promote immunity . Recovery from inflammation ( low grade or recurring episodes ) consequently takes a lot longer . Inflammatory states can thus become chronic .
When the immune system is having a war with a pathogen it generates a lot more cytokines and acidic waste products , which then cause more positive charge and platelet adhesiveness . Consequently , activation of the immune system strongly influences blood coagulation and formation of thromboembolism .
According to a review by the American Society of Hematology , “ Leukocytes can be induced to express tissue factor and release proinflammatory and procoagulant molecules such as granular enzymes , cytokines , and damageassociated molecular patterns . These mediators can influence all aspects of thrombus formation , including platelet activation and adhesion , and activation of the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways .” 7
Therefore , excessive white blood cells can form blood clots ; however , magnesium can counter this effect because it is naturally anti-thrombotic . In a review of magnesium as an antithrombotic therapy it was found that “ High dose of intravenous magnesium can inhibit thrombus formation and is associated with suppression of platelet aggregation . Magnesium treatment can dosedependently inhibit a wide variety of agonists of platelet aggregation , such as thromboxane A2 and stimulate prostacyclin synthesis . The molecular basis for these effects is likely modulated via reduction of intracellular calcium mobilisation . Hypomagnesemia also selectively impaired the release of nitric oxide from the coronary endothelium .” 8
Magnesium ’ s role in activating Vitamin D leads to improved immune function
There is a correlation between low vitamin D levels and autoimmune diseases , such as multiple sclerosis , rheumatoid arthritis , diabetes mellitus , and inflammatory bowel disease .
Vitamin D requires magnesium to be activated . Researchers have confirmed that vitamin D supplementation alone will not resolve the immune impotency . Magnesium is needed to both synthesise and activate vitamin D to play a protective role in the immune system .
A recent 2022 review in Frontiers in Endocrinology stated , “ A key mechanism by which vitamin D reduces inflammatory cytokines is by upregulating T regulatory lymphocytes . Magnesium ’ s role in activating vitamin D leads to improved immune function , which can reduce the severity of the cytokine storm in COVID-19 infection .” 9 They concluded that the anti-inflammatory effects of magnesium are potentially responsible for reducing symptoms of asthma patients treated with magnesium , and that adequate magnesium levels have been associated with lower mortality rates in COVID-19 patients and less severe symptoms . 9
Magnesium relaxes the cardiovascular system and relieves asthma
Magnesium is antagonistic to calcium . When there is not enough magnesium to regulate calcium , there is an increase in muscle cramps , spasms and tension – as well as dehydration . Magnesium however attracts water molecules and improves hydration , which facilitates detoxification , improved mitochondrial metabolism , and electrical conduction of cells . This supports pH balance , blood fluidity and flexibility .
The smooth muscles of endothelial linings in the cardiovascular system cannot maintain integrity without sufficient magnesium . If free calcium deposits in the endothelium , the blood
152 | vol28 | no3 | JATMS