Research has established that many fatal heart attacks in otherwise healthy individuals are caused by a cardiac spasm brought about by a magnesium deficiency. As a result, magnesium supplementation has been used in the treatment of many cardiovascular disorders for more than 50 years. The supplementation effectively reduced both immediate and long term complications, as well as death rates. Depletion Many drugs adversely affect magnesium levels in the body, especially diuretics, insulin, and digitalis. Corticosteroids, Estrogens, Furosemide and Tetracyclines also deplete magnesium stores.
Supplements can have a similar impact.
For instance, extremely high calcium intake, and high intake of dairy products fortified with Vitamin D can result in decreased magnesium absorption. 21 References 1. Murray, M. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, Calif. 1996. Lexi-Comp, Inc., Hudson OH 1999. Langford, HG, dietary potassium and hyperten sion, Epidemiological data.