Magnesium is a co-factor in more than 300 enzyme systems that are responsible for biochemical reactions in the body. This includes protein synthesis, muscle/nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. In this podcast episode, we continue our popular electrolyte series by discussing this important electrolyte. As usual, we touch on hyper and hypo states, supplementation, and other reasons to administer magnesium sulfate aside from hypomagnesemia replacement.
Giordano, M., Ciarambino, T., Castellino, P., Malatino, L., Somma, S. D., Biolo, G., . . . Adinolfi, L. E. (2016). Diseases associated with electrolyte imbalance in the ED: age-related differences. American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 34, 1923-1926.
Kaye, P., & O’Sullivan, I. (2002). The role of magnesium in the emergency department. Emergency Medicine Journal, 19, 288-291. Retrieved from https://emj.bmj.com/content/19/4/288.info
Lewis, J. L. (2018, March). Hypomagnesemia – Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-disorders/hypomagnesemia
Lewis, J. L. (2018, March). Hypermagnesemia – Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-disorders/hypermagnesemia
Malheiro, M. (2004). Drug-Induced QT Prolongation. Utox Update, 7(3), 4. Retrieved from https://poisoncontrol.utah.edu/newsletters/pdfs/toxicology-today-archive/Vol7_No3.pdf
Office of Dietary Supplements – Magnesium. (2018, March). Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
Oldridge, J., & Karmarkar, S. (2015). Fluid and electrolyte problems in renal dysfunction. Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine, 16(6), 247-310.
Great article ! Mag is probably the most overlooked electrolyte. I really enjoyed this series, electrolytes are typically the second thing i check on all transfers (behind an ABG/VBG). iCA and K are the big ones i focus on but mag and sodium have alot of very specific uses that we need to constantly remind ourselves about. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the feedback! We agree, which is why we wanted to do a whole series on the subject. It is almost impossible to consider 1 electrolyte without including the others in your differential.