From Epsom Salt to a Beneficial Mineral ; Magnesium

Introduction: One of the most popular medical drugs with healing ability is Epsom salt that is hydrated magnesium sulphate;MgSo4.7H2o. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and the second intracellular cation after potassium. In minute amounts it is necessary for body’s proper metabolism and function. Magnesium homeostasis in the body is maintained by a delicate interplay among intestinal absorption, skeletal resorption, renal reabsorption and urinary excretion. At cellular level magnesium is a cofactor as well as an activator in almost all enzymatic systems that regulates diverse biochemical reactions. In addition, magnesium is essential for the conversion of vitamin D into its active form which in turn activated vitamin D can increase intestinal absorption of magnesium and calcium influencing the growth and maintenance of bones. Serum magnesium concentration estimation is a poor predictor of intracellular magnesium content and may not accurately reflect the status of body’s total magnesium content. The present article will review magnesium deficiency and its role in vitamin D activations. Methods: An integrated review format was chosen for present article and many medical and scientific literature on magnesium and its essential role in health and interaction/s with vitamin D were reviewed. Findings: Results indicated that chronic magnesium deficiency is common among the general population as well as in the hospitalized patients. It may induce a wide range of clinical complications. Investigations have indicated that the activities of three major vitamin D converting enzymes and vitamin D binding proteins are magnesium dependent. Furthermore, magnesium deficiency leads to reduced 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D and impaired parathyroid response. In general, the effectiveness of vitamin D is significantly reduced when magnesium homeostasis in the body is not maintained. Conclusion: It is concluded that chronic magnesium deficiency should always be considered in different clinical complications. Taking magnesium supplementations could be beneficial to prevent recurrence of the diseases. Moreover, the general population should be encouraged to consume magnesium-containing foods to reduce disease burden. Further investigations are necessary in regard to vitamin D and magnesium interaction/s. They may include observations to determine the adequate magnesium dose as well as studies on the more effective type of magnesium supplementation for vitamin D processing.