Concept about Magnesium (Mg++) – This book covers the entire syllabus of “Nutrition and Dietetics” prescribed by BNMC-for all Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery students. We tried to accommodate latest information and topics. This book is examination friendly setup according to the teachers’ lectures and examination’s questions. At the end of the book previous university questions are given. We hope in touch with the book students’ knowledge will be upgraded and flourished. The unique way of presentation may make your reading of the book a pleasurable experience.
Concept about Magnesium (Mg++)
The adult human body contains about 25 gm of magnesium. In the human body magnesium is found distributed in bones, cells and extracellular fluid. The ionic magnesium (Mg++) present in blood is about 2 to 3 mEq/litre. Magnesium is derived from the dietary food in the small intestine.
Vitamin D deficiency impairs magnesium absorption from the intestine. Its elimination from the body occurs in stools and urine. The average daily requirement for an adult is 30 mg per day. The rich natural sources are cereals and green vegetables. Excess magnesium is excreted in the faeces.
(Ref: Essential of Human Nutrition/1/54)
Functions of magnesium:
1. Magnesium is essential for all living cells. In plants magnesium is present in chlorophyll.
2. It is required as a co-factor for oxidative phosphorylation.
3. For the metabolism of calcium, potassium and formation of bones and tissue cell health magnesium is required.
4. Magnesium is combination with sodium, calcium and potassium is needed for the maintenance of balance in extracellular fluid for the transmission of nerve impulse and the consequent muscle contraction.
5. Magnesium is required for protein synthesis.
6. It is found in certain enzymes, e.g. Co carboxylase which decarboxylates pyruvic acid.
Deficiency of magnesium:
Deficiency of magnesium occurs in-
1. Chronic alcoholics.
2. Cirrhosis of liver.
3. Toxaemias of pregnancy.
4. Protein caloric malnutrition
5. Malabsorption syndrome.
6. Neuromuscular irritability.
7. Tremors.
8. Cramps.
9. Tetany.
10. Hyperflexia.
11. Twitching.
12. Convulsion.
13. Confusion.
14. Visual hallucination and
15. Disorientation.
(Ref: Onila Salin’s Essential nutrition/1″/37)
Daily requirement of magnesium:
- Adult: 200-300 mg/day
- Older children: 150-200 mg/day
- Infants and pre-school children: 100-150 mg/day
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