Disorders of Magnesium Metabolism

Abstract

Magnesium is one of the most abundant intracellular ions in plants and animals. Magnesium is the second most common divalent metal ion in the oceans and the third most common on land. In the precambrian sea, where life is thought to have developed, magnesium held a dominant position. Therefore, it is not surprising that cells have tried to maintain their original environment. In the milieu interieur, magnesium is of great importance for many biologic actions, and the ion is essential for growth and life. Even the most primitive energy-producing reactions, such as anaerobic glycolysis, need magnesium as an essential activator in several enzymatic steps.