Magnesium deficiency and stress

Abstract

Magnesium deficiency is observed in many physiological and pathological conditions (imbalanced diet, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc.). Magnesium ions are of great importance in the realization of immune reactions, inflammation, nervous and muscular excitability. The deficiency of magnesium is one of the main causes of stress and low stress resistance. Reduction of magnesium content destabilizes the systems responsible for adaptation and facilitates its sensitization, what determines anxiety and high stress level of patients. Understanding the mechanisms of magnesium involvement in the pathogenesis of stress and the development of a stress reaction will allow a family physician to assess the clinical manifestations of magnesium deficiency early in order to provide proper therapy for its correction.