Magnesium is an essential constituent of many enzyme systems, particularly those involved in energy generation.
Hypomagnesaemia almost always indicates magnesium deficiency. It is more common than hypermagnesaemia and has been reported that it may present in up to 10% of hospital patients.
Hypomagnesaemia may arise through inadequate absorption, by excessive urinary losses or by redistribution of magnesium from extracellular to intracellular.
It also might due to decreased renal tubular reabsorption, drugs, pregnancy and lactation and endocrine disorders and hyperthyroidism.
Hypomagnesaemia is diagnosed by a serum Mg level less than 0.70 mmol/K. Severe hypomagnesaemia usually results in levels of less than 0.50 mmol/L.
Symptoms of hypomagnesaemia are diverse and include muscle cramps, extra heart beats and neuromuscular irritability associated with convulsions in very severe cases.
Symptoms directly attributable to hypomagnesaemia occur at plasma concentrations below 0.5 mmol /L includes anorexia, nausea, tremor, apathy, depression, agitation and confusion.
Hypocalcaemia, due to increased PTH secretion is a clinically important consequence of hypomagnesaemia.
Hypophosphataemia and hypokalaemia may also be present, not all abnormalities usually respond to magnesium supplementation.
Hypomagnesaemia in human body
