PLP functions in human metabolism in the conversion processes of amino acids, including decarboxylation, transamination, and racemization. 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. Pantothenic Acid Widely distributed in nature, pantothenic acid was first identified in 1933 as a factor necessary to cure certain skin lesions in chicks. Its role in human nutrition, however, has not been clearly delineated. It is also essential for the production of metabolic products crucial to all living organisms. Pantothenic acid has no specific therapeutic indications but is included in multivitamin preparations.