Seasonal Immune Support with Magnesium
Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems in the human body. This magnificent mineral plays a role in:
- Protein synthesis
- Muscle and nerve function
- Energy production
- Oxidative phosphorylation
- Glycolysis
- DNA, RNA and glutathione synthesis
- Heart rhythm
- Bone formation
- Immune system function
That’s why magnesium deficiency can be so problematic. Magnesium plays many roles in supporting healthy immune system function, and researchers have studied some of the impacts of magnesium deficiency. A key role of magnesium in the body is to relax smooth muscle and that includes smooth muscle in the lungs and airways. Magnesium deficiency is also associated with excess histamine levels.
A 2016 cross-sectional case-control study published in the journal Pulmonary Medicine demonstrated a significant correlation between low magnesium levels and pulmonary function. The authors explain that “Magnesium causes relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles and dilation of airways…[magnesium deficiency] may disturb the neuromuscular mechanism to such an extent in certain individuals which may result in bronchial spasms.” The researchers also explain that low levels of magnesium can lead to low levels of vitamin D, which can further worsen tracheobronchial hyperreactivity.
Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is more common than we may think. Authors of a 2018 review about subclinical magnesium deficiency published in the journal Open Heart state that “the vast majority of people in modern societies are at risk for magnesium deficiency.”
Correcting magnesium deficiency is a straight-forward strategy for supporting healthy immune function in patients who may experience seasonal challenges.
Selected References
Bichara M, Goldman RD. Canadian Family Physician. 2009;55(9):887-889.
Blach J, Nowacki W, Mazur A. Postepy Hig Med Dosw. 2007;61:548-554.
DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH, Wilson W. Open Heart. 2018;5(1).
Schwalfenberg GK, Genuis SJ. Scientifica. 2017;2017.
Shaikh M, Malapati B, Gokani R, et al. Pulmonary Medicine. 2016;2016.
