The Role of Magnesium in the Human Body Composition and Its Function - Essay Example

Evaluating the role of magnesium in the human body composition and its function al affiliation) The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of magnesium in health and disease. Magnesium is a vital cation that plays a crucial role in the various physiological functions. It is important in; protein synthesis, energy requiring metabolic processes, nervous tissue conduction, membrane integrity, muscle contraction, intermediary metabolism and hormonal secretion. The concentration of magnesium level in the human serum is within a narrow range by the kidney and small intestine (Geiger & Wanner, 2012). The two body organs often regulate magnesium absorption when the levels are high or low. The bone store often takes part in maintaining the serum magnesium level at normal range by exchanging some of its content with the extracellular fluids in cases where magnesium depletion proceeds. The magnesium found in cells of human body performs that specific function of regulating the functions of tissues and cells. The imbalance in the level of magnesium leads to an increased number of pathological situations on human mobility and mortality. There is increasing interest pertaining to the role of magnesium in nutrition, clinical medicine, and physiology. Medication History teaches that utilization of any substance for medical purposes is by many years of understanding its mode of action (Geiger & Wanner, 2012). Magnesium in combination with other materials has been utilized in the treatment of diseases such as uric acid stone as well as a cathartic drug. Cahour and Joylet carried out various pharmacological studies about magnesium in 1869. It was recognized as an essential human ion with many physiological properties in the 1930’s. A series of clinical case studies conducted in 1960’s helped to focus attention on the various role of magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesaemia) and that prompted researchers to investigate the consequences of magnesium depletion under controlled conditions. The aim of the review is to discuss the role of magnesium in health and disease. Magnesium deficit and diseases According to Geiger & Wanner (2012), a large part of the human population may have a low level of magnesium intake and in particular athletes and elderly subjects may be prone to magnesium deficiency. Reduced levels of magnesium are in diabetic patients and alcoholics, in whom amalgamation of numerous factors contributes to its pathogenesis. The level of magnesium in the human body has been associated with varieties of cardiovascular diseases such as pre-eclampsia, sickle cell disease, eclampsia, chronic alcoholism, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Magnesium and chronic alcoholism Chronic alcoholism predisposes individuals to hypomagnesaemia (Geiger & Wanner, 2012). Most alcoholics are often malnourished, with increased intestinal content loss through vomiting. Urine volume is due to blockage of antidiuretic hormone. Increased urine volume means an increase in magnesium loss. Other factors such as hyperaldosteronemia and hypophasphatemia secondary to hyperparathyroidism and hepatic lesions can also give rise to hypermagnesuria. Such patients are with diuretics that can lead to increased loss of magnesium. Sometimes, when a balanced diet is furnished, and ethanol stopped, a fast recovery often follows. Magnesium and sickle cell disease Evidence from the study conducted by Laires, Monteiro & Bicho (2004) has shown that there exists differential distribution of inter-erythrocyte magnesium ions between free or 2, 3-DPG chelates in erythrocytes at various ages. The level of magnesium is usually high in the least dense erythrocyte fractions where the level of youngest circulating cells is found. Homozygous sickle celled individuals often possess decreased levels of magnesium especially the free magnesium. K-CI cotransporter is when the level of magnesium is erythrocytes are increased thereby inhibiting the dehydration of red blood cells. Magnesium and eclampsia, pre-eclampsia and convulsive disorders Pregnancy is one of the physiological conditions that are with a reduction in the level of hypomagnesaemia (Geiger & Wanner, 2012). Non-pregnant women often possess reasonable level of magnesium compared to pregnant women with low levels of magnesium. The magnesium levels in the myometrium are correlated with an increased level of urinary magnesium excretion. Pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and convulsions are pathological conditions that are with lower level of magnesium in the both intracellular and extracellular body compartments. Magnesium and cardiovascular diseases A study conducted by Laires, Monteiro & Bicho (2004) revealed that, Low level of magnesium in the body has been associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases. One of the heart conditions that are to reduce level of magnesium in the human body is the mitral valve prolapse. Studies have also linked low level of magnesium to the development of acute myocardial infarction. Acute myocardial infarction and thrombosis are often treated with intravenous magnesium. The study led to the conclusion that magnesium modulates platelet-dependent thrombosis and reduction in mortality. There is evidence suggesting that magnesium deficiency can increase lipoprotein peroxidation, affect lipoprotein metabolism as well as contributing to the development of atherosclerosis. Regulation of magnesium level The abundance of magnesium ion within the cells of mammals is consistent with relevant role aimed at regulating cell and tissue functions. At last count, more than 350 enzymes appear to be regulated by magnesium concentration that is well within the physiological range that is in cells and tissues (Romani & Scarpa, 2000). Regulation of magnesium level in the human body within the stipulated range should be a concern given the number of diseases that are with it. Conclusion The advantages of magnesium in the human body and various pharmacological importances are unquestionable. Magnesium is essential in normal and healthy subjects during physical exercises as well as prevention of blood pressure. Conflicting studies results concerning the use of magnesium in the treatment of myocardial infarction without or with magnesium consumption have emerged. The issue is whether or not to utilize magnesium as a first-line pharmacological therapy (Romani & Scarpa, 2000). However, the utilization of magnesium in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias has produced positive results. Moreover, intravenous infusion of magnesium sulphate has been found to treat pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in pregnant women. In future, controlled clinical trials should be essential in characterizing the role of magnesium ion in disease pathophysiology and to determine whether magnesium intake can alter the natural history of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, pre-eclampsia and sickle celled anemia. References Geiger, H., & Wanner, C. (2012). Magnesium in disease. Clinical kidney journal, 5(Suppl 1), i25-i38. Laires, M. J., Monteiro, C. P., & Bicho, M. (2004). Role of cellular magnesium in health and human disease. Front Biosci, 9(262), 76. Romani, A. M., & Scarpa, A. (2000). Regulation of cellular magnesium. Front Biosci, 5(d720-d734), 750-751. Read More