Urinary Excretion of Magnesium in Man Following the Ingestion of Ethanol

Abstract

Following alcohol ingestion under varying dietary conditions, the urinary excretion of magnesium increased strikingly in six of twelve subjects. In four of the remaining six a definite increase in the urinary excretion of magnesium occurred. The mechanism of this action is unknown. Magnesium excretion induced by alcohol ingestion as well as poor dietary intake probably contributes to magnesium deficiency in chronic alcoholism.