cytokines , acute-phase proteins , and free radicals also increase . Magnesium deficiency appears to affect the function of mast cells and their ability to secrete histamine . Several studies have also shown a significant relationship between low magnesium and severe COVID-19 symptoms , influenza , asthma and other respiratory issues .
Magnesium supplementation has been shown to improve bronchodilation , including lung function in asthma patients , via calcium antagonism and relaxation of the smooth muscles of the endothelial linings , helping to mitigate an exaggerated inflammatory response . Magnesium is an important cofactor for the synthesis of immunoglobulin ( Ig ), C3 convertase , adhesion of immune cells , antibody-based cytolysis , IgM lymphocyte binding , macrophage response to lymphokines , and T helper – B cell adherence .
Numerous enzymes rely on magnesium as a necessary cofactor . It is essential in the synthesis of all proteins , including enzymes , hormones , collagen and elastin . Magnesium deficiency is associated with premature ageing and frailty of skin , hair , nails , bones and teeth - that is , the whole integumentary system .
When redox is out of balance free radicals from metabolic wastes accumulate , causing pH to drop and attracting pathogens to that environment , which can further increase the acidic load and compromise redox . If the liver is under too much stress and detoxification is sub-optimal , toxins can escape into the lymphatic system , promoting skin conditions like eczema , psoriasis , dermatitis , and itchy rashes .
Magnesium deficiency is associated with depressive symptoms in fibromyalgia and the impaired memory function related to neuropathic pain . “ High Mg also decreases BBB [ blood brain barrier ] permeability and promotes BBB clearance of Aβ from the brain … Neuroinflammation has a relevant pathogenic role in neurodegeneration , seizures , migraine chronification , traumatic brain injuries and ischemic stroke .” 3 A personalised magnesium supplementation program helps to reduce the Ca : Mg ratio , which lowers inflammation and significantly boosts cognitive function .
Care should be taken with detoxification therapies so as not to overload the system , and to ensure adequate antioxidant support is available – especially sufficient magnesium ! Apropos antioxidants , magnesium has a synergistic effect with ascorbic acid by increasing its potency . This is an important consideration because those with impaired endothelial innings may not tolerate high doses of vitamin C . In addition , the liposomal version of vitamin C is better tolerated , as lipids are membrane protective .
Magnesium regulates levels of intracellular free calcium and pH balance
When magnesium is low , ion channels loosen and become compromised , allowing too many calcium ions to enter the cell from the extracellular spaces . This coincides with loss of cell water and potassium , and the resulting excessive contraction of muscle fibres can cause muscle and heart rhythm disturbances , as well as electrical conductance issues . Magnesium however is antagonistic to calcium and also brings hydration back to the cell , with improved membrane charge and function keeping valuable potassium in .
Calcium leaching out of bones and settling in soft tissue is a responsive reaction to a redox imbalance , because it is an alkalising mineral . If oxidative stress becomes excessive and ROS is not effectively neutralised , and if there are not enough antioxidant supports to donate electrons to quell free radicals , then free calcium is systemically released from bones , as this cation is attracted to electron deficient molecules – such as those of inflamed endothelial linings .
If calcium deposition becomes chronic , eventually the endothelial linings of the vascular system , as well as other tubular systems in organs like kidneys and bladder , become more rigid and lose integrity and flexibility . If kidney tubules stiffen , they lose efficiency to recycle magnesium and other alkaline minerals , thereby losing alkalising capacity , which contributes to acidosis and worsening health conditions .
Vitamin D
Vitamin D3 ( cholecalciferol ) is a fat-soluble hormone that is essential for bones , the immune system , cardiovascular function and brain health . Most endogenous vitamin D is produced in the skin via exposure to direct sunlight in the presence of cholesterol sulphate and magnesium ions . We can absorb vitamin D from certain foods like butter , eggs and seafood , but dietary amounts are usually not enough to supply all that we need , except in certain cultures with a high oily fish diet . In most cases , we rely on the sun for the majority of our vitamin D supply .
Magnesium is a cofactor for vitamin D synthesis , and its deficiency can lead to a decrease in vitamin D formation from its precursors . This leaves the immune system ’ s T-cells , B-cells and antigenpresenting cells short of supply and suboptimal , as all have vitamin D receptors . This weakens the immune system .
Researchers Cheung et al . 5 discovered enhanced efficacy of treatment of obese individuals suffering inflammatory conditions when magnesium and vitamin D were supplemented together . They found that “ the MagD group experienced the greatest increase in serum 25OHD concentrations ( 6.3 ± 8.36 ng / mL ; P < 0.05 ). There was a decrease in systolic blood pressure ( 7.5 ± 8.26 mmHg ; P < 0.05 ) for individuals who had a baseline systolic blood pressure of > 132 mmHg in the MagD group .” 5
Caution should be exercised with vitamin D supplementation alone when magnesium status is low , because vitamin D mobilises free calcium , and calcium is a magnesium antagonist . This high
214 | vol30 | no4 | JATMS