Magnesium, the Miracle Mineral- II

Physiological role of Magnesium

Magnesium powers our enzymes.

Magnesium is a cofactor of over 300 enzymatic reactions involved in the metabolism of food and its components. Magnesium helps in the creation of new molecules important for health. Magnesium regulate the enzymes to function properly.

Enzymes are required for all bio chemical reactions taking place in our body. Many of the necessary chemical reactions that the body carries out, like breaking down of sugars in the digestive system requires enzymes. Yet enzymes do not function alone. Substances known as enzyme co-factors will regulate the functions of enzymes in order to control the rate of reactions within the body. These co-factors are responsible for starting and stopping the reaction.

Magnesium is one of the most common co-factors in the body. Its presence is important for:

• Glucose and fat breakdown
• Production of proteins, enzymes and antioxidants such as glutathione
• Creation of DNA and RNA
• Regulation of cholesterol production

Without enzyme co-factors bio chemical reactions of our body can go out of control. In fact even the slightest imbalance will disturb the functioning of thyroid glands and pancreas. Magnesium is as important hormones. But the difference is that our body can manufacture most of the hormones by itself. Magnesium, on the other hand, cannot be manufactured by the body, it must be taken in as food.

Magnesium drives our fuel source.

Magnesium is required for the energy production inside the tiny structures of our cells. The molecule ATP, or adenosine tri-phosphate, is the fundamental unit of energy used in human cells. Many of the functions carried out by cells require ATP to provide the energy for the action. These include:

• Muscle fiber contraction
• Protein synthesis
• Cell reproduction
• Transport of substances across the cells.

Mitochondria inside the cell is the store house of energy. They produce ATP by converting simple units of glucose, fatty acids, or amino acids. Without the presence of sufficient magnesium, the nutrients we take in, cannot be metabolized into usable units of energy. ATP is a fuel for all cellular activities.

ATP exists inside the cell as MgATP, as Magnesium is the catalytic agent. These MgATP units will sustain movement, perform cell maintenance, and to maintain a healthy balance of minerals inside and outside of the cells.

The interdependence of ATP and Magnesium can have far-reaching effects on nerve transmission, calcification of tissues and blood vessels, and muscle excitation, underlining the importance of maintaining adequate magnesium levels.

Magnesium protects our DNA.

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the body’s genetic code. It is used in the building of proteins and reproduction of cells. The cells in our body are constantly replaced by new cells.  Studies have shown that DNA synthesis slows down due to insufficient magnesium.  Magnesium is required for DNA synthesis.

Magnesium helps our DNA to remain stable and prevent cell mutations. Thus, Magnesium stabilises DNA.  When DNA is damaged by environmental mutagens, Magnesium function like a cofactor. It helps in the production of healthy RNA, and synthesis of other proteins useful to our body.

Magnesium regulates our electrolyte balance.

There should be proper balance of mineral content inside our cells. Magnesium play a vital role in maintaining healthy balance or homeostasis of important minerals such as calcium, sodium and potassium. Healthy electrolyte balance helps proper functioning of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and heart rhythms.

The body allows exchange of mineral ions, through the cell membrane, depending on the concentration inside or outside the cell. The ideal levels of minerals inside and outside the cells cannot be equal. So there is a tendency of ions to equalize across membranes. Therefore, the cell must actively move ions into or out of the cell, expending energy to create a healthy balance using special “exchange pumps”.

These mineral exchange pumps perform one of the most vital functions of the cell membrane, regulating the electrical action potential inside and outside of the cell, and maintaining homeostasis of minerals in the body. One such exchange pump, known as the “sodium-potassium” pump, pumps sodium out of the cell in exchange for potassium.  This pump is activated by magnesium inside the cell and it is embedded in the cell membrane.

Magnesium deficiency impairs the sodium-potassium pump. In such a case potassium escapes from the cell, and will be lost in the urine, leading to potassium deficiency called hypokalaemia. Those with a known potassium deficiency should be treated for magnesium deficiency first as they will not respond to the former.

Similarly, Magnesium regulates calcium level. It plays a vital role in maintaining heart health. Magnesium dilates the blood vessels whereas the calcium contracts the blood vessels. Magnesium and Calcium work in the opposite plane.

Magnesium is a vital regulator of basic health. Magnesium has been re-discovered as a miracle mineral and a key to overall wellness.  It is very necessary that we include food sources containing magnesium in sufficient quantity so that our cellular and bodily functions go on smoothly.

                                                                                                                    (To be continued)