Magnesium: effects on physical and mental performance

Magnesium is a chemical element used by every organ in the body, especially the brain, skeletal muscles and the heart. It functions as a cofactor in approximately 600 enzyme systems that regulate many different biochemical reactions, including aerobic and anaerobic energy production, protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.1-3 Magnesium is instrumental in combating fatigue and energy loss, and is essential for optimal physical and mental performance

Mg status in inflammation, insulin resistance, and associated conditions

Magnesium (Mg), an essential ion for the human body, is involved in various enzymatic reactions, particularly those related to energy transfer, storage, and transport. Longitudinal studies show that hypomagnesaemia (Mg serum concentration <0.75 mmol/L) and Mg dietary inadequacy (daily intake < EAR (Estimated Average Requirement) for age/gender) are conditions related to metabolic disorders of the immune and cardiovascular system and often occur in obese and diabetic individuals. Poor eating habits, reduced Mg content in food and water are the main causes of the decrease in Mg intake by the general population. In clinical practice, the serum concentration of this mineral is the most widely used marker for diagnosing deficiency. However, the serum concentration does not reflect the nutritional Mg status since it can be maintained by mobilization of body storage, mainly the bone. Thus, the use of serum concentration as the only routine biomarker of Mg status may hinder the diagnosis of Mg deficiency. In clinical and experimental research, different methods for Mg status assessment are proposed (plasma, erythrocyte, urine), but they are seldom used in clinical routine. In some countries (such as USA and Brazil) the average daily Mg dietary ingestion of more than 60% of the adult population is lower than the Estimated Average Requirement for age and gender, and these data are not too different for individuals with chronic non-communicable diseases. It is unclear whether it is an actual reduction of Mg consumption or if the recommendations are overestimated. If we assume that the recommendations are correct, the question is if this condition constitutes a risk factor for chronic diseases or the hypomagnesemia described in some diseases is a consequence of physiopathological changes. This review has the latest information of human and animal studies about Mg status evaluated from plasma, erythrocyte and urine, dietary inadequacy, and its relation to inflammation and to components of metabolic syndrome.

Magnesium supplementation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with associated mineral deficiency

Aim: To assess magnesium level in ADHD children and compare it to the normal levels in children. Then, to detect the effect of magnesium supplementation as an add on therapy, on magnesium deficient patients

Methods: The study was conducted on 25 patients with ADHD and 25 controls. All subjects had magnesium estimation in serum and hair. ADHD children were further assessed by Wechsler intelligence scale for children, Conners' parent rating scale, and Wisconsin card sorting test. Then magnesium deficient patients were assigned into 2 groups, those who received magnesium, and those who did not. The difference between the studied groups was assessed by Conners' parents rating scale and Wisconsin card sorting test

Results: Magnesium deficiency was found in 18 [72%] of ADHD children. The magnesium supplemented group improved as regards cognitive functions as measured by the Wisconsin card sorting test and Conners' rating scale. The patients reported minor side effects from magnesium supplementation

Conclusion: Magnesium supplementation in ADHD, proves its value and safety

Influência da hipomagnesemia sobre a homeostase do ferro e estresse oxidativo no diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Influence of hypomagnesemia on iron homeostasis and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE: This review aims to bring updated information about the influence of magnesium deficiency on iron homeostasis and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetics. Data source: A bibliographic search was conducted in the databases Bireme, SciELO, Science Direct, PubMed and Portal.periodicos.Capes using the following descriptors: "diabetes mellitus", "magnesium", "iron", "oxidative stress" and "malondialdehyde". Fifty articles related to this literature were selected. Data synthesis: Several studies have shown the influence of hypomagnesemia on oxidative stress in type 2 diabetics. Deficiency of this mineral seems to be related to the induction of hemolysis, which favors the release of iron with overload of this mineral in the body, allowing an increase of the hydroxyl radical through the Fenton reaction and, consequently, oxidative stress. The increase in free iron contributes significantly to the manifestation of lipid peroxidation, which triggers a sequence of lesions in the cell with loss of selectivity in ion exchange and release of the contents of organelles, such as the hydrolytic enzymes of lysosomes, and the formation of cytotoxic products, such as malondialdehyde. CONCLUSIONS: There is scientific evidence that magnesium deficiency alters iron compartmentalization in the body; however, new studies are needed to bring information that would enable the biochemical understanding of the importance of the balance of magnesium and iron concentrations in protecting against the oxidative stress present in type 2 diabetes

OBJETIVO: Esta revisão visa trazer informações atualizadas sobre a influência da deficiência de magnésio na homeostase do ferro e estresse oxidativo em diabéticos tipo 2. Fonte de dados: O levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado nas bases de dados Bireme, Scielo, Science Direct, periódicos Capes e Pubmed com os seguintes descritores: "diabetes mellitus", "magnésio", "ferro", "estresse oxidativo" e "malondialdeído". Foram selecionados 50 artigos entre os relacionados por essa pesquisa bibliográfica. Síntese dos dados: Diversos estudos têm mostrado a influência da hipomagnesemia sobre o estresse oxidativo em diabéticos tipo 2, sendo que a deficiência desse mineral parece estar relacionada à indução da hemólise dos eritrócitos, que favorece a liberação do ferro com sobrecarga desse mineral no organismo, o que possibilita aumento do radical hidroxila por meio da reação de Fenton e, consequentemente, o estresse oxidativo. O aumento de ferro livre contribui de forma relevante para a manifestação da peroxidação lipídica, que desencadeia sequência de lesões na célula, com perda da seletividade na troca iônica e liberação do conteúdo de organelas, como as enzimas hidrolíticas dos lisossomas e a formação de produtos citotóxicos, como o malondialdeído. CONCLUSÕES: Há evidências científicas de que a deficiência de magnésio altera a compartimentalização do ferro no organismo, entretanto a realização de novos estudos é necessária para trazer informações que permitam o entendimento bioquímico da importância do equilíbrio das concentrações de magnésio e ferro na proteção contra o estresse oxidativo presente no diabetes tipo 2

An animal experimental study of porous magnesium scaffold degradation and osteogenesis

Our objective was to observe the biodegradable and osteogenic properties of magnesium scaffolding under in vivo conditions. Twelve 6-month-old male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. The chosen operation site was the femoral condyle on the right side. The experimental group was implanted with porous magnesium scaffolds, while the control group was implanted with hydroxyapatite scaffolds. X-ray and blood tests, which included serum magnesium, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were performed serially at 1, 2, and 3 weeks, and 1, 2, and 3 months. All rabbits were killed 3 months postoperatively, and the heart, kidney, spleen, and liver were analyzed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The bone samples were subjected to microcomputed tomography scanning (micro-CT) and hard tissue biopsy. SPSS 13.0 (USA) was used for data analysis, and values of P<0.05 were considered to be significant. Bubbles appeared in the X-ray of the experimental group after 2 weeks, whereas there was no gas in the control group. There were no statistical differences for the serum magnesium concentrations, ALT, BUN, and CREA between the two groups (P>0.05). All HE-stained slices were normal, which suggested good biocompatibility of the scaffold. Micro-CT showed that magnesium scaffolds degraded mainly from the outside to inside, and new bone was ingrown following the degradation of magnesium scaffolds. The hydroxyapatite scaffold was not degraded and had fewer osteoblasts scattered on its surface. There was a significant difference in the new bone formation and scaffold bioabsorption between the two groups (9.29±1.27 vs 1.40±0.49 and 7.80±0.50 vs 0.00±0.00 mm3, respectively; P<0.05). The magnesium scaffold performed well in degradation and osteogenesis, and is a promising material for orthopedics.

Acute administration of Zn, Mg, and thiamine improves postpartum depression conditions in mice

Background: Postpartum depression [PPD] affects approximately half of new mothers. Chronic exposure to progesterone during pregnancy and its withdrawal following delivery increases depression and anxiety. In addition, there are complex interactions between hormones, neurotransmitters, and trace elements. Zinc [Zn] and magnesium [Mg] in Auence the nervous system by impacting synaptic neurotransmis-sion in the brain. Thiamine [Vit B[1]] deficiency results in a high percentage of depressive behaviors. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species in pregnancy are implicated in the pathogenesis of major depression

Methods: We examined the effects of different combinations of Zn, Mg, and Vit B[1] in an animal model of PPD. ZnCl, MgCl, and thiamine-HCl were administered to PPD-induced mice. Depression, anxiety-related behavior, and total antioxidant capacity [TAC] were assessed. Depression and anxiety-like behavior were evaluated by the forced swimming test [FST] and elevated plus-maze, respectively

Results: The acute combined administration of Zn, Mg, and Vit B[1] significantly decreased immobility time in FST, increased the percentage of both time spent in-and entries to open arms in the elevated plus-maze, and augmented TAC

Conclusion: Our data suggest that acute administration of combined treatment with Zn, Mg, and Vit B[1] on postpartum day 3 improves depressive symptoms and anxiety-like behaviors. Our evaluation of TAC is in accordance with behavioral results

Efeito da suplementação com magnésio no desempenho físico em atletas de voleibol profissional / Effect of magnesium supplementation in performance in elite volleyball players

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação com Mg no desempenho físico de atletas de voleibol masculino (n = 25). Os atletas, com 17,42 ± 1,5 e 17,85 ± 1,0 anos de idade, respectivamente foram aleatoriamente distribuidos em um grupo suplementado (n = 12) e um grupo controle (n = 13), num protocolo duplo-cego de 4 semanas. O grupo suplementado recebeu 350 mg Mg/d (2 cápsulas de 250 mg MgO/d) e o controle 350 mg/d de maltodextrina. As análises foram feitas antes e após a suplementação. A ingestão de Mg foi avaliada por registros de 6 dias analisada com o software NutriQuanti. Sangue e urina de 24 h foram obtidos para a determinação de CK e determinação de Mg no plasma, urina e eritrócitos. VO2 max , lactato, alturas de saltos verticais salto estático (SJ), salto contra-movimento (CMJ), salto contra-movimento com auxílio dos braços (CMJA) e a dinamometria isocinética dos músculos extensores e flexores dos joelhos foram determinados para a avaliação do desempenho físico.Todos os atletas tinham inadequação dietética de Mg, de acordo com as Referências de Ingestão Dietética (DRI). Por outro lado, os parâmetros bioquímicos do status de Mg não foram diferentes entre os grupos. Ao t = 4 semanas o grupo suplementado, mas não o controle, mostrou menor concentração plasmática de Mg quando comparado com os valores a t = 0. O mesmo foi observado para as alturas de CMJA e CMJ. Quando os grupos controle e suplementado foram comparados a t = 4 semanas, a altura do salto CMJA do grupo suplementado foi maior do que a do controle (p = 0,03). Esses resultados mostram um aumento do desempenho desses atletas com a suplementação de Mg, nas condições deste estudo.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of magnesium supplementation in physical performance of male volleyball players (n = 25). The athletes with respectively, 17.42 ± 1.5 years and 17.85 ± 1.0 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 12) and a control group (n = 13) in a double-blind 4-week supplementation protocol: the supplemented group received 350 mg Mg/d (2 capsules of 250 mg MgO/d) and the control 350 mg/d of maltodextrin. The analyses were performed before and after the supplementation. The Mg intake was evaluated through six-day food records with the NutriQuanti software. Blood and 24h urine samples were obtained CK and urine, plasma and erythrocyte Mg determination. MaxVO2, lactate, vertical jump-squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ), counter movement jump arm (CMJA), and isokinetic dynamometry of knee`s extensor and flexor muscles were determined for the evaluation of physical performance. All athletes (n = 25) had inadequate dietary magnesium intake according to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). On the other hand the biochemical parameters of Mg status were not different between the groups. At t = 4 weeks the Mg-supplemented group, but not the control, showed lower plasma concentration when compared to values at t = 0, and CMJ and CMJA heights as well. When the supplemented and the control groups were compared at t = 4 weeks, the CMJA height of the supplemented group was higher than that from the control (p = 0.03). These results show an increase of the athletes performance with Mg supplementation in the conditions of this study.

Calambres nocturnos en embarazadas / Nocturnal leg cramps in pregnant women

Se evalúa la evidencia acerca de los posibles tratamientos para los calambres en embarazadas de más de 20 semanas de edad gestacional. La mejor evidencia de eficacia disponible se relaciona a la suplementación de magnesio, ya sea en forma de lactato o citrato, a una dosis de 5 mmoles a la mañana y 10 mmoles a la tarde. La evidencia sobre la suplementación de calcio, cloruro de sodio y multivitamínicos es débil por lo que no son recomendables. Los expertos recomiendan ejercicios y masajes en las piernas, aunque carecemos de evidencia para demostrar su eficacia.

Ingestäo de magnésio e densidade mineral óssea de pacientes litiásicos / Magnesium intake and bone mineral density in calcium stone forming patients

Tem sido sugerido que a reduçäo de densidade mineral óssea em mulheres na pós-menopausa pode se associar à menor ingestäo de magnésio (Mg). Pacientes litiásicos apresentam risco de perda de massa óssea devido à presença de hipercalciúria. O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de analisar retrospectivamente a ingestäo de Mg de 83 pacientes litiásicos hipercauciúricos, subdivididos de acordo com a densidade óssea em grupos osteopênico (n=37) e normal (n=46). A média de ingestäo de Mg foi significativamente maior no grupo osteopênico em relaçäo ao normal. A ingestäo de Mg näo se correlacionou com o T-score de coluna lombar ou colo do fêmur e nem com o valor de cálcio urinário em nenhum dos grupos. Os resultados sugerem que, apesar de as ingestöes de Mg terem sido abaixo do preconizado pela Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), näo se observou associaçäo entre reduçäo de densidade mineral óssea e ingestäo de Mg em pacientes litiásicos.(au)

Hipomagnesemia - grau de conhecimentos médicos / Magnesium deficiency - medical knowledge degree

Avaliar conhecimentos sobre a hipomagnesemia dos preceptores da Residência da Clínica Médica do Hospital Regional de Säo José, Säo José, SC. Aplicaçäo de questionário por escrito, durante uma reuniäo preparatória da Residência, para 18 clínicos do serviço. Todos os questionários foram recolhidos ao final da reuniäo. Doze (66,67 por cento) dos 18 participantes responderam, sendo sete mulheres (58,33 por cento). Anos de formado: 4 a 25 anos (média e mediana de 11,25). Eram de nove especialidades distintas, 10 (83,33 por cento) completaram residência médica e dois (16,67 por cento) mestrado. cinco (41,67 por cento) trabalhavam na emergência e cinco na UTI. A freqüência estimada da hipomagnesemia era <25 por cento para nove (75 por cento) respondentes. Das causas, o diurético foi citado por sete (58,33 por cento) e o álcool três (25 por cento). Os sintomas mais lembrados foram arritmia - sete (58,33 por cento), convulsäo e alteraçäo de consciência - quatro (33,33 por cento) cada. Sete (58,33 por cento) consideravam a hipomagnesemia uma emergência. Sete (58,33 por cento) solicitavam rotineiramente a dosagem. Outros exames laboratoriais necessários para avaliaçäo inicial: creatinina citada por oito (66,67 por cento), glicemia sete (58,33 por cento), hemograma e potássio: cinco (41,67 por cento), sódio e parcial de urina: três (25 por cento). Nenhum respondente sabia o valor correto da dosagem de Mg. Os respondentes possuíam os conhecimentos adequados e refletiam as diferenças existentes na literatura médica. Isso permitiu as variaçöes clínicas em diagnóstico e terapêutica. Assim, mais que a metade considerava hipomagnesemia como emergência e a mesma quantidade solicitava rotineiramente a dosagem do Mg independente da sintomatologia. E nenhum sabia o custo real do exame.

Neuronal protection with magnesium.

Delayed neuronal death following hypoxic ischaemic insult is primarily mediated by the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. The NMDA receptor antagonist MK 801, has been shown to limit neuronal death following hypoxic ischaemic injury but is too toxic to be used in the human neonate. Magnesium blocks the NMDA channel in a voltage dependent manner. Its administration after a simulated hypoxic ischaemic insult limits neurological damage in several animal models. The efficacy of magnesium in providing neuroprotection in the human neonate, however needs to be established in controlled clinical trials.

Hypomagnesemia in short bowel syndrome patients

CONTEXT: Magnesium support to small bowel resection patients. OBJECTIVE: Incidence and treatment of hypomagnesemia in patients with extensive small bowel resection. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Metabolic Unit of the University Hospital Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil. PATIENTS: Fifteen patients with extensive small bowel resection who developed short bowel syndrome. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Serum magnesium control of patients with bowel resection. Replacement of magnesium when low values were found. RESULTS: Initial serum magnesium values were obtained 21 to 180 days after surgery. Hypomagnesemia [serum magnesium below 1.5 mEq/l (SD 0.43)] was detected in 40 percent of the patients [1,19 mEq/l (SD 0.22)]. During the follow-up period, 66 percent of the patients presented at least two values below reference (1.50 mEq/l). 40 percent increased their serum values after magnesium therapy. CONCLUSION: Metabolic control of serum magnesium should be followed up after extensive small bowel resection. Hypomagnesemia may be found and should be controlled

Efeito de um formulado em pó à base de soja, enriquecido com zinco, selênio e magnésio, em pacientes oncológicos recebendo exclusivamente nutriçäo enteral / Effects of a powder formula, soybean based enriched with zinc, selenium and magnesium, in oncologic patients receiving exclusively enteral nutrition

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliara a eficácia de um formulado desidratado de pó, à base de extrato solúvel de soja enriquecido com selênio, zinco e magnésio (Olygosoy©), de alta qualidade protéica, em pacientes oncológicos recebendo exclusivamente nutrição enteral , a fim de manter e, em alguns casos, recuperar seu estado nutricional. Oito homens e quatro mulheres, com câncer no trato digestivo alto, idade entre 35 e 80 anos, receberam o formulário por 7 a 20 dias. Os valores médios dos pesos, índice de massa corporal, circunferência do braço e circunferência muscular do braço obtidos no final do tratamento foram estatisticamente superiores aos obtidos no início. Houve aumento significativo das proteínas totais, albumina e globulinas. Basófilos, linfócitos e monócitos apresentam diminuição em seus níveis, sendo não-significativa para os basófilos e monócitos. Os pacientes mostraram boa tolerância fisiológica ao formulário.

O íon magnésio no tratamento de acidentes causados pelos escorpiöes Tityus serrulatus, T. bahiensis e Centruroides sculpturatus: estudo experimental / Magnesium in the treatment of accidents caused by the scorpions Tityus serrulatus, T. bahiensis and Centruroides sculpturatus: an experimental study

Os efeitos produzidos pelas peçonhas escorpiônicas säo consequentes, em sua maioria, à liberaçäo de acetilcolina (ACh) e catecolaminas. A verificaçäo de que o magnésio (Mg2+) inibe a liberaçäo de ACh em razäo de bloquear o influxo de cálcio nas terminaçöes nervosas, levou-nos a investigar a açäo deste cátion sobre os distúrbios produzidos pelas peçonhas escorpiônicas. Relatamos na presente comunicaçäo a açäo do Mg2+ sobre os efeitos induzidos pelas peçonhas dos escorpiöes Tityus serrulatus, T. bahiensis e Centruroides sculpturatus nas preparaçöes isoladas nervo frênico-diafragma, íleo, canal deferente e átrios de rato e in vivo, em ratos anestesiados com registro da pressäo arterial e do eletrocardiograma. Os efeitos da peçonha dos escorpiöes nas preparaçöes isoladas foram abolidos ou muito atenuados pelo Mg2+. O Mg2+, no entanto, somente antagonizou os efeitos da peçonha de C. sculpturatus no íleo de rato. Em ratos anestesiados, a hipertensäo e arritmias provocadas pela peçonha de T. serrulatus foram revertidas com exclusäo de bradicardia pela injeçäo do Mg2+. A peçonha de C. sculpturatus na maioria das experiências causou hipotensäo e arritmias de pequena gravidade. O Mg2+ reverteu as arritmias, mas causou quedas acentuadas da pressäo arterial. Os resultados da pesquisa sugerem o emprego do Mg2+ em acidentes graves na ausência de hipotensäo e bradicardia, produzidos por T. serrulatus e T. bahiensis. Parece contra-indicado nos acidentes causados por C. sculpturatus em vista de seu efeito acima referido na pressäo arterial.