Magnesium Metabolism in Chronic Alcohol-Use Disorder: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Abstract

Chronic alcohol-use disorder has been imputed as a possible cause of dietary magnesium depletion. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypomagnesemia in chronic alcohol-use disorder, and to provide information on intracellular magnesium and on its renal handling. We carried out a structured literature search up to November 2020, which returned 2719 potentially relevant records. After excluding non-significant records, 25 were retained for the final analysis. The meta-analysis disclosed that both total and ionized circulating magnesium are markedly reduced in chronic alcohol-use disorder. The funnel plot and the Egger’s test did not disclose significant publication bias. The I2-test demonstrated significant statistical heterogeneity between studies. We also found that the skeletal muscle magnesium content is reduced and the kidney’s normal response to hypomagnesemia is blunted. In conclusion, magnesium depletion is common in chronic alcohol-use disorder. Furthermore, the kidney plays a crucial role in the development of magnesium depletion.

The Activities of Zinc and Magnesium Among Alcohol Dependence Syndrome Patients: A Case-Control Study From a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in South India

“…These reports also suggested that supplementation of both Zinc and copper reversed the skin lesions and organ functions. The role of impaired kidney function in the development of magnesium deficiency among alcohol use disorder patients was recently reported [ 30 ]. Such studies impress that alcoholism-induced microelement deficiencies may be more prevalent than previously assumed.…”

Magnesium Supplementation with Special Reference to Alcohol-Related Conditions: Experience from Russia

“…31 At the same time, the recommended therapy of Mg depletion in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis does not significantly differ from that of other Mg-depleted patients. 13 According to a recent systematic review, 32 no study has thus far investigated the management of Mg depletion in chronic alcohol-use disorders. Hypomagnesemia is mostly mild presenting with minimal or no symptoms.…”

“…33 This is one reason why oral supplementation is preferable. 32 Oral administration is safer, being associated with a lower risk of hypermagnesemia. 34 Intravenous replacement may be required for symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes or neuromuscular irritability.…”

Editorial of Special Issue “Magnesium in Human Health and Disease”

“…A correlation between the reduction in both total and ionised circulating magnesium and chronic alcohol use disorder was also demonstrated by performing a meta-analysis [ 5 ]. In particular, inappropriately high magnesium excretion was reported in hypomagnesemic patients with chronic alcohol use disorder [ 5 ].…”

“…A correlation between the reduction in both total and ionised circulating magnesium and chronic alcohol use disorder was also demonstrated by performing a meta-analysis [ 5 ]. In particular, inappropriately high magnesium excretion was reported in hypomagnesemic patients with chronic alcohol use disorder [ 5 ]. The major consequence of alcoholic or non-alcoholic liver disease is the accumulation of the extracellular matrix within the liver, leading to the development of cirrhosis.…”