Magnesium

Question 1

How is magnesium absorbed?

Answer 1

• small intestine via active and passive transport

40-60% absorbed, but up to 80% when needs are high

High fibre and high zinc lowers absorption

Question 2

Where is magnesium stored in the body?

Answer 2

50% stored in hydroxyapatite in bones

33% in muscles

Question 3

What is the role of magnesium?

Answer 3

• second most abundant ICF anion
• binds to phosphate of ATP to stabilise
• cofactor to over 300 enzymes
• DNA/RNA synthesis
• smooth muscle contraction
• nerve transmission

Question 4

What are good sources of magnesium?

Answer 4

• brazil nuts
• spinach
• beans

Question 5

What is caused by a magnesium deficiency?

Answer 5

• irregular heart beat
• weakness
• muscle spasms due to imbalance of sodium/potassium pumping

Question 6

What is caused by a magnesium deficiency?

Answer 6

Excessive supplemental dose results in diarrhoea