Magnesium for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease

Magnesium is an essential mineral found in the body. It is naturally present in many foods and is also available as a dietary supplement.1 It serves as a cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, such as those responsible for regulating blood pressure, glycaemic control and lipid peroxidation. It is therefore also critical to the cardiovascular system.1 The adult body contains approximately 24 g of magnesium, with 50% to 60% present in bones with the rest being contained in soft tissues. Serum magnesium represents less than 1% of total body magnesium.2 In industrialised western countries, a low intake of magnesium often predisposes to a high prevalence of magnesium deficiency increasing the risk of cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death.3 This article aims to review of effect of magnesium deficiency on the cardiovascular system