Magnesium Levels In Correlation With Inflammatory Responses And Immune System

The specific role of this micronutrient in the immune function is being extensively investigated in the recent decades. Several studies on animals have revealed the importance of magnesium in the proper functioning of the immune system. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), USA reports that magnesium helps in the normal functioning of the muscles and nerves, stabilizes the heart rate and supports the immune system.

Inflammatory Responses

Several disorders of the immune system have been attributed to abnormal initiation of inflammation in the cells in different organs. Animal studies have reported that a deficiency of magnesium can induce such inflammatory responses resulting in an accumulation of proteins that initiate inflammatory changes in the cells. The deficiency of magnesium has been noted to initiate inflammatory changes leading to disorders such as atherosclerosis.

Activation of Macrophages, Neutrophils and Other Cells

Deficiency of magnesium was associated with an abnormal activation of cells involved in non-specific immunity. This was attributed to the increase in the levels of free radicals occurring as a result of magnesium deficiency. Animals fed on a diet deficient in magnesium were noted to have higher number of immune cells such as macrophages, neutrophils and endothelial cells. Increased activity of these cells can lead to abnormal activity of the immune system, wherein the healthy cells may be affected resulting in different disorders.

Magnesium Benefits in Skin Allergies

The proliferation of the immune cells as a result of magnesium deficiency was noted to increase the incidence of skin allergy in a study conducted in Russia. The study also reported that administration of magnesium supplements to individuals suffering from allergic skin disorders notably reduced the symptoms. The benefit was noted both with oral supplements and local application of magnesium salts.

Bone and Heart Health

Magnesium plays a crucial role in bone formation. It helps in the assimilation of calcium into the bone and influences the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, the cells responsible for healthy bone density. Adequate magnesium intake is associated with higher bone mineral density, which is important for reducing the risk of osteoporosis, especially in older adults.

Magnesium is vital for maintaining a healthy heart. It helps regulate blood pressure, which is crucial for preventing hypertension – a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Magnesium also supports the health of your heart muscle and is linked to a lower risk of coronary heart diseases.

Magnesium Linked to Aging and Diseases

The decrease in the intake of magnesium increases the effects of aging on the body and also increases the risk of acquiring infections. Magnesium as an antioxidant helps in the reduction of free radicals thereby decreasing the damage done to the body cells by the free radicals. Further it boosts the immune system and also regulates the immune responses thereby reducing the risk of infections and inflammatory disorders. Thereby, supplementation of magnesium along with other vitamins; minerals and micronutrients may be beneficial in reducing the effects of aging while stabilizing the immune system.

Read More: Magnesium Deficiency: A Silent Epidemic?

Magnesium and Asthma

Asthma is one of the disorders associated with hyper-functioning of the immune system wherein inflammatory responses are abnormally high. Administration of magnesium was noted to have multiple benefits in individuals suffering from asthma. Apart from its actions on the muscles wherein it stabilizes the muscle action, magnesium was also noted to have an effect on the hyperactive immune system. Magnesium decreases the release of chemicals that initiate the inflammatory reactions in the lung tissues and cells thereby reducing the symptoms of asthma.