Reference no: EM133506755

Assignment:

Read this and add more to each answer to make it longer

1. Roles and Functions of Magnesium

Magnesium plays a critical role in many physiological processes. It is necessary for the functioning of more than 300 enzymes in the body, including those involved in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium is also essential for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and the antioxidant glutathione. It contributes to bone health and the transmission of electrical impulses in the body.

2. Magnesium Absorption and Metabolism

Magnesium is primarily absorbed in the small intestine and, to a lesser extent, in the colon. The efficiency of absorption varies depending on the body's magnesium status; when magnesium intake or status is low, absorption is increased and excretion is reduced. Once absorbed, magnesium is primarily stored in the bones and is involved in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and cellular function.

3. Deficiencies and Toxicities of Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency can lead to a condition known as hypomagnesemia, whose symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. A more severe magnesium deficiency can cause numbness, tingling, muscle contractions, seizures, personality changes, and an abnormal heart rhythm. On the other hand, excess magnesium, or hypermagnesemia, is rare and mostly seen in individuals with impaired kidney function who are taking magnesium supplements. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity can include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping, and more severe cases can cause difficulty breathing, an irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest.