What are the functions of magnesium in the body?

From the Guidelines

Magnesium plays a crucial role in the human body, serving as a cofactor for over 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions, including energy production, protein synthesis, and bone health. According to the most recent study 1, magnesium has been used in the treatment of various conditions, including erythromelalgia, due to its calcium channel blocking properties. The study suggests that magnesium can be used to improve symptoms, with a recommended daily allowance of 350 mg daily for women and 420 mg daily for men, and can be increased gradually according to tolerance.

Some of the key functions of magnesium in the body include:

• Regulating neuromuscular signals and muscle contractions, helping prevent muscle cramps and promoting proper muscle function
• Maintaining normal heart rhythm, supporting the immune system, and helping regulate blood sugar levels
• Contributing to nervous system regulation, potentially reducing stress and improving sleep quality
• Supporting bone health by contributing to bone structure and facilitating calcium absorption
• Acting as a cofactor for enzyme systems that regulate protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation

As noted in the study 1, magnesium deficiency can lead to symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and numbness. Most people can obtain adequate magnesium through a balanced diet including green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes, though supplements may be recommended in certain cases of deficiency. It is essential to initiate magnesium treatment at the recommended daily allowance and increase gradually, according to tolerance, to avoid possible gastrointestinal tract intolerance and other side effects 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Magnesium is an important cofactor for enzymatic reactions and plays an important role in neurochemical transmission and muscular excitability. The main functions of magnesium in the body are:

• Cofactor for enzymatic reactions
• Neurochemical transmission
• Muscular excitability Magnesium also has effects on:
• Vasodilation: producing peripheral vasodilation
• Central nervous system (CNS): having a depressant effect
• Neuromuscular transmission: blocking transmission and decreasing the amount of acetylcholine liberated at the end-plate by the motor nerve impulse 2

From the Research

Functions of Magnesium in the Body

• Magnesium is a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions, crucial for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism 3, 4, 5
• Required for DNA and RNA synthesis, reproduction, and protein synthesis 3, 5
• Essential for the regulation of:
  • Muscular contraction 3, 4, 5
  • Blood pressure 3, 4, 6, 5
  • Insulin metabolism 3, 6, 5
  • Cardiac excitability 3, 4
  • Vasomotor tone 3, 4
  • Nerve transmission and neuromuscular conduction 3, 4
• Involved in maintaining normal nerve and muscle function, heart rhythm, immune system, bone integrity, and blood glucose levels 4
• Plays a role in energy production and storage, and promotes calcium absorption 4, 5

Health Implications of Magnesium Deficiency

• Low levels of magnesium have been associated with various chronic diseases, including:
  • Alzheimer's disease 3
  • Insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes mellitus 3, 6, 5
  • Hypertension 3, 6, 5
  • Cardiovascular disease (e.g., stroke) 3, 6, 5
  • Migraine headaches 3
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 3, 6
• Magnesium deficiency may manifest as symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, tremors, and irregular heartbeat 5