Magnesium Metabolism

Abstract

Human Magnesium DeficiencySince the vascular space represents only a fractional portion of the body involved in magnesium homeostasis it is evident that the determination of serum magnesium does not always give a true indication of the total body magnesium stores. Indeed, hypomagnesemia can occur when the cellular content of magnesium is normal,^{88 , 89} and cellular depletion may exist without a concomitant lowering of serum values.^{90 91 92} Nevertheless, in contrast to complex balance studies or tissue determinations, measurement of serum magnesium is the quickest, simplest and most effective first approach to the evaluation of magnesium-deficiency states. This procedure has had widespread success . . .