The Importance of Magnesium in the Human Body: A Systematic Literature Review.

Sidsel-Marie Glasdam, Stinne Glasdam, Günther H Peters

Journal: Advances in clinical chemistry 2016;73():169-93

PMID: 26975973

Abstract

Magnesium, the second and fourth most abundant cation in the intracellular compartment and whole body, respectively, is of great physiologic importance. Magnesium exists as bound and free ionized forms depending on temperature, pH, ionic strength, and competing ions. Free magnesium participates in many biochemical processes and is most commonly measured by ion-selective electrode. This analytical approach is problematic because complete selectivity is not possible due to competition with other ions, i.e., calcium, and pH interference. Unfortunately, many studies have focused on measurement of total magnesium rather than its free bioactive form making it difficult to correlate to disease states. This systematic literature review presents current analytical challenges in obtaining accurate and reproducible test results for magnesium.

© 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Address: Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark. Electronic address: [email protected].; Faculty of Medicine, Division of Nursing, Department of Health Sciences, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden.; Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.

Link outs

Subscription / membership required

Bant logo

© Copyright 2026, Nutrition Evidence

NED wishes to thank the following organisations for their support:

We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze site traffic with Google Analytics. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more.