About Magnesium Oxide

Its an undeniable fact that  Mg plays an important role in several bodily functions. Similarly, the kidneys play a vital role in maintaining magnesium homeostasis, specially in advanced stage of chronic kidney disease. 

Although, magnesium deficiency seems not a big issue, but with progression of decreased rates it may lead to consequences. There is still lack of accurate clinical tests required for the assessment of magnesium status. The most relevant  evaluation of serum magnesium concentration is done by 24-h urine specimen for magnesium excretion ,which is considered the most accurate laboratory tests for the diagnosis of hypomagnesaemia. Theother diagnosis could be to perform a magnesium retention test.

As per studies, patients with serum magnesium concentrations  below 􏰂0.75 mmol/L can be considered hypomagnesaemic. Its prevalence is usually seen in hospitalised patients, upto  65% as per various studies. Additionally ,more incidence of hypomagnesaemia is observed in intensive care units( ICU). Furthermore, on investigation , severely ill patients’ nutritional magnesium intake when measured was probably found  to be insufficient. 

Furthermore,  certain drugs have been associated with magnesium loss (although the scientific data on these factors remains unclear), thereafter exposing the patients to an increased risk for acute hypomagnesaemia.  Example of such medications include cisplatin, digoxin, furosemide etc. Therefore, it becomes important to access the magnesium status of those who are critically ill. 

Lastly, although  magnesium deficiencies might emerge from poor dietary mg intake or  reduced absorption due to gastrointestinal loss, such as malabsorption or gastrointestinal bypass surgeries. 

Primary signs of magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, vomiting and fatigue . In certain medical cases, it might be assymptomatic , which makes it difficult to clinically detect it. As the magnesium deficiency inclines, it might aggravate the symptoms and lead to muscle fasciculation, cardiac arrhythmia and hypokalaemia. Hence, its important for medical experts should be aware.