What Is The Role Of Magnesium In Body?

Posted on Tue, 5 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 5 Nov 2013 Answered on

Tue, 3 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had a recent hispital stay due to MRSA, my kidnmeys started to shut down, i dweveloped a heart murmur, gthen had pneumonia. now my magnesium is low and i am on r pills a day of slow mag...my question why uis magnmesium so important anmd what function does it have in my body

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Magnesium has many roles. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Magnesium is vital for many functions of the cells in the body. It is needed for the correct functioning of hundreds of enzyme systems that control various biochemical reactions. These include protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium also plays a role in the control of calcium and potassium levels which is important in nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm. Adequate amounts of magnesium can be found in a normal, healthy diet and magnesium deficiency outside hospital is rare. I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB FRCA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar