Current opinion on the regulation of small intestinal magnesium absorption.

Magnesium (Mg) has an important role in numerous biological functions, and Mg deficiency is associated with several diseases. Therefore, adequate intestinal absorption of Mg is vital for health. The small intestine was previously thought to absorb digested Mg exclusively through an unregulated paracellular mechanism, which is responsible for approximately 90% of total Mg absorption. Recent studies, however, have revealed that the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum absorb Mg through both transcellular and paracellular routes. Several regulatory factors of small intestinal Mg uptake also have been explored, , parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor-23, apical acidity, proton pump inhibitor, and pH-sensing channel and receptors. The mechanistic factors underlying proton pump inhibitor suppression of small intestinal Mg, such as magnesiotropic protein dysfunction, higher mucosal bicarbonate secretion, Paneth cell dysfunction, and intestinal inflammation, are currently being explored. The potential role of small intestinal microbiomes in Mg absorption has also been proposed. In this article, we reviewed the current knowledge on the mechanisms and regulatory factors of small intestinal Mg absorption.

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