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. Vitamins are carbon-containing substances that are required for normal metabolism but are not synthesized in the body. They are obtained, therefore, from such outside sources as food and water or are administered orally or intravenously. Minerals also must be obtained from outside sources. Vitamin K is essential for synthesis by the liver of several factors necessary for the clotting of blood.