Magnesium The Alcoholic’s Balm

All human tissues contain small quantities of magnesium. The adult human body contains about 25 g of this mineral, the greater part of which is present in bones in combination with phosphate and carbonate. Bone ashes contain less than one per cent magnesium.

About one-fifth of the total magnesium in the body is present in the soft tissues inside the cells, where it is mainly bound to protein. The bones seem to provide a reserve supply of this mineral in case of a shortage elsewhere in the body.

Magnesium is a light, silver-white, malleable, and ductile metallic element. It burns with a very hot, bright flame and is used to form light-weight alloys. Biochemists call magnesium the cool, alkaline, refreshing, sleep promoting mineral. It helps to keep one calm and cool during the sweltering summer months. Intake of diuretics and alcohol can render magnesium ineffective.

Active absorption of this mineral occurs in the ileum of the small intestine. Magnesium may compete with and decrease calcium absorption from the intestine.

The parathyroid hormone, parathormone, which controls serum calcium levels, has a similar effect on magnesium. Almost twice the amount of magnesium is stored in bones as compared with soft tissues. Bone magnesium is, however, not readily exchanged with the magnesium of soft tissues.

Since a greater part of magnesium in the diet is not absorbed, it is excreted in the stools. About one-third of the amount ingested is excreted in the urine. Urinary excretion is reduced in magnesium deficiency. The magnesium content in the blood is about 2 to 3 mg/ 100 ml.

Magnesium Sources and Functions

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium healing for Kidney stones, Alcoholism and Heart Attacks

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