Magnesium and Human Health: Perspectives and Research Directions
Table 2
Role of magnesium in the human body.
Cofactor for enzymes involved in
Protein synthesis, muscle and nerve transmission, neuromuscular conduction, and blood glucose and blood pressure regulation.
Role in active transport
Facilitates active transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, which is essential for the conduction of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, maintaining vasomotor tone, and normal heart rhythm.
Structural roles
Important for the structure of bones, proteins, many enzymes, mitochondria, DNA, and RNA.
Role in immunological functions
Involved in macrophage activation, adherence, and bactericidal activity of granulocyte oxidative burst, lymphocyte proliferation, and endotoxin binding to monocytes.
