Macromolecule: MagnesiumShould be provided in the foods that we eat every day

Third most abundant mineral in teeth

One of the major cations in plant & animal tissue

Essential ion (enzymatic reactions & protein synthesis)

Found mostly in bones and muscles, cell types and body fluids

Human body = 20 to 35 mg of Mg

Essential constituent of bone & soft tissues

Functions:Regulate body’s nerves &muscles

Plays a role in protein synthesis Activator of numerous coenzymes (carboxylase and co-A) Helps in catalyzing the transport of phosphate groups Binds mRNA Important in synthesis & degradation of DNA

Critical for normal metabolism& function of the organism

Absorption & Excretion1/3 is absorbed and utilized in the body

High intake of other macromolecule (Ca, P, lactose) will interfere with Mg absorption

Stored in bone---little excretion through the intestine

Mg is lost via urine & feces

Maintenance of the normal level of Mg in the blood depends on a balance between absorption and renal excretion of sodium.

Magnesium Deficiency

Conditions: Chronic malabsoprtion

syndrome

Acute diarrhea

Chronic renal failure

Chronic alcoholism

Symptoms: Hyperexcitability

Behavioral disturbances

Weakness

Depression

Tremors

Convulsions

Chronic Renal Failure:

Definition: Slow loss of kidney

function over time

Signs & Symptoms: Appetite loss

Nausea

Headache

Weight lossTreatment:

Controlling blood pressure will lower further kidney damage

Eat a healthy balanced diet

Chronic Alcoholism

Definition: Primary disease with

genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations

Signs & Symptoms: Neglecting responsibilities due

to drinking

Tolerance (over time, one needs more and more alcohol to feel the same effects): 1st major warning sign of alcoholism

Withdrawal (body is used to alcohol and experiences withdrawal symptoms if it’s taken away): 2nd major warning sign of alcoholism Anxiety Depression Irritability and so on.

Acute Diarrhea

Definition: Abrupt onset of abnormally

high fluid content in the stool

Signs & Symptoms: Watery stool

Abdominal pain

Fever

dehydrationTreatment:

Fluid and electrolyte replacement

Dietary modifications

Drug therapy

Chronic malabsorption syndrome

Definition: Alteration in the ability of

the intestine to absorb nutrients adequately into the bloodstream

Signs & Symptoms: Diarrhea

Bloating

Flatulence

Weight loss

cramping

Treatment: Fluid and nutrient

replacement

Hypomagnesemia

Definition: Low levels of Magnesium in

the blood

Often leads to hypocalcemia (inhibition of parathyroid hormone; does not resolve until the magnesium deficiency has been corrected)

Signs & Symptoms: Muscle Weakness

Convulsions

Fatigue

Treatment: Food sources rich in

Magnesium should be obtained in the diet

Sources Mustard greens

Whole grains

Nuts

Soybeans

Green leafy veggies

Dietary allowance

Male: 350 mg

Females: 300 mg

Thank you and have a good day.