MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTATION IN ADULTS WITH MARGINAL DEFICIENCY - RESPONSE IN BLOOD INDEXES, URINE AND SALIVA

Magnesium in plasma, erythrocyte, urine and saliva was measured before intervention, and at weekly intervals during two 28-d cycles of Mg su pplementation in a group of 10 adults with marginal Mg deficiency (mea n daily intake = 3.58 mg/kg). A group of untreated subjects with highe r Mg intake (4.51 mg/kg) served as control. Urinary Mg excretion was c orrelated with Mg intake, and increased significantly by treatment. No difference was ascertained in plasma, except in subjects with the low est Mg intake. Mg in erythrocytes was 10% lower in the deficient group , and reached values close to controls after 2 weeks of supplementatio n. Modifications in salivary Mg were also detected. The significance a nd usefulness of each index for clinical purpose are discussed.