Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It is a lightweight alkaline earth metal and an essential mineral for living organisms.
In materials science, magnesium is valued for low density and use in lightweight alloys. In biology, magnesium ions are involved in energy metabolism, muscle and nerve function, DNA and RNA synthesis, and bone structure.
Element and Metal
The Royal Society of Chemistry lists magnesium as a group 2 element, solid at 20 C, with relative atomic mass 24.305. Pure magnesium is reactive and burns with a bright white flame, so it must be handled with suitable fire precautions.
Magnesium metal is used in alloys, die casting, pyrotechnics, desulphurisation of iron and steel, and as a reducing agent in some metallurgical processes.
Nutrition
Magnesium is required for many enzyme reactions in the body. Foods containing magnesium include nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, dark green vegetables and some fortified foods.
The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes that magnesium is involved in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation and bone development.
Deficiency and Excess
Low magnesium can occur with some gastrointestinal disorders, kidney loss, alcoholism, poorly controlled diabetes or certain medicines. Symptoms can include loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, cramps, abnormal heart rhythm or neurological symptoms, depending on severity.
Excess magnesium from food is not normally a problem in healthy people, but high intakes from supplements or medicines can cause diarrhoea, low blood pressure, confusion and heart rhythm problems, especially in kidney disease.
See Also
References
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