Importance of Magnesium Status in COVID-19

Abstract

A large amount of published research points to the interesting concept (hypothesis) that magnesium (Mg) status may have relevance for the outcome of COVID-19 and that Mg could be protective during the COVID disease course. As an essential element, Mg plays basic biochemical, cellular, and physiological roles required for cardiovascular, immunological, respiratory, and neurological functions. Both low serum and dietary Mg have been associated with the severity of COVID-19 outcomes, including mortality; both are also associated with COVID-19 risk factors such as older age, obesity, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and asthma. In addition, populations with high rates of COVID-19 mortality and hospitalization tend to consume diets high in modern processed foods, which are generally low in Mg. In this review, we review the research to describe and consider the possible impact of Mg and Mg status on COVID-19 showing that (1) serum Mg between 2.19 and 2.26 mg/dL and dietary Mg intakes > 329 mg/day could be protective during the disease course and (2) inhaled Mg may improve oxygenation of hypoxic COVID-19 patients. In spite of such promise, oral Mg for COVID-19 has thus far been studied only in combination with other nutrients. Mg deficiency is involved in the occurrence and aggravation of neuropsychiatric complications of COVID-19, including memory loss, cognition, loss of taste and smell, ataxia, confusion, dizziness, and headache. Potential of zinc and/or Mg as useful for increasing drug therapy effectiveness or reducing adverse effect of anti-COVID-19 drugs is reviewed. Oral Mg trials of patients with COVID-19 are warranted.

Vitamin D Levels in COVID-19 and NonCOVID-19 Pediatric Patients and Its Relationship with Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics

“…Magnesium deficiency is associated with depressed immune responses, macrophage inflammatory responses, chronic low-grade inflammation, increased inflammatory responses during viral infections, and an increased risk for an inflammatory cytokine storm. The studies [77,78] demonstrated that the prevalence of hypomagnesemia was higher in patients with COVID-19 compared to healthy individuals. In SARS-CoV-2 infection, serum magnesium level conditions the clinical outcome [79][80][81][82], severity of the disease, disease progression, and mortality [77,78].…”

“…The studies [77,78] demonstrated that the prevalence of hypomagnesemia was higher in patients with COVID-19 compared to healthy individuals. In SARS-CoV-2 infection, serum magnesium level conditions the clinical outcome [79][80][81][82], severity of the disease, disease progression, and mortality [77,78]. Results of different studies are controversial.…”

Evaluating Serum Calcium and Magnesium Levels as Predictive Biomarkers for Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Severity: A Romanian Prospective Study

“…In summary, Guerrero-Romero et al’s [ 27 ] study underscores the importance of serum magnesium in infectious diseases. It provides a valuable reference point for discussing our findings on serum magnesium levels in TB patients.…”

The role of magnesium in cardiac arrest

“…The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, has brought a heavy burden to our economic and healthcare systems ( 73 ). As a result, great efforts have been made to better understand its pathogenesis and to implement low-cost prophylactic interventions.…”