It is present in seed oils, especially wheat-germ oil. Few vitamins have been advocated for more diseases than has vitamin E, including such diverse disorders as coronary artery disease, muscular dystrophy, habitual abortion, and schizophrenia. Fortunately, it is relatively nontoxic. Magnesium is an essential element in human metabolism and functions in the activities of muscles and nerves, protein synthesis, and many other reactions. Magnesium deficiency may occur in alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, and renal diseases.
Prolonged deficiency can cause changes in heart and skeletal muscle.
Excessive retention of magnesium can occur in renal disease and results in muscle weakness and hypertension.