Measurement of the Frequency and Clinical Relevance of Magnesium Deficiency in Elderly Hospital Patients

Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation in the human body and has an essential role in many biochemical and physiological processes. Magnesium deficiency has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases such as diabetes mellitus, ischaemic cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Deficiency can potentiate other electrolyte abnormalities and may result in the development of overt neuromuscular and psychiatric symptoms. Symptoms may also be mild and non-specific even in apparently severe deficiency