Magnesium in health and disease

Introduction Magnesium is an essential electrolyte in living organisms, which has to be supplied daily in a sufficient amount. Methods The clinical importance of a magnesium overload or a magnesium intoxication is seldom. However, a magnesium deficiency is of special importance in humans, despite of a normal magnesium supplementation. The primary effect of a magnesium deficiency results in a reduction of energy production. This reduced energy production can result in a disturbed membrane function, calcium magnesium antagonism and cell dysfunction. Results Thereby consequences may result in an organ dysfunction and an altered answer to external and internal stress. The reduced energy status is responsible for the recovery of unhealthy individuals - e. g. cardiac arrhythmias, primary hypertension, pre-eclampsia, cramps, allergic reactions-upon repletion of Mg status. Conclusions The importance of an oral or intravenously supplementation of magnesium has often been described in a variety of diseases. In addition of special interest is the use of magnesium in critically ill patients in intensive care medicine.