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. Unlike sodium and potassium, which are staple elements of the diet and are present in ample amounts in all food of vegetable and animal origin, certain minerals are additional dietary requirements. Although most are present in the average diet, these minerals may not always be ingested in quantities sufficient to satisfy metabolic needs, especially during growth, stress, trauma, and blood loss, and in some diseases. The body's requirements for calcium are generally met by eating or drinking dairy products, especially milk. The intake is balanced by losses in urine and feces.