The clinical and biological significance of magnesium (Mg) have been documented in recent decades. In addition to negatively affecting the energy production pathway required by mitochondria for ATP production, magnesium deficiency also reduces the antioxidant threshold and resistance to free radical damage in the aging body. Magnesium also acts as an antioxidant against free radical damage to mitochondria. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress have been identified as pathogenic factors in both aging and many age-related diseases. Chronic magnesium deficiency leads to excessive production of oxygen-derived free radicals and low-grade inflammation. Aging is very often associated with magnesium deficiency and an increased incidence of several chronic diseases, muscle loss and sarcopenia, altered immune responses, and vascular and metabolic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cardiometabolic syndrome. The most common cause of magnesium deficiency in the elderly is dietary magnesium deficiency, although secondary Mg deficiency in old age may also result from a number of different mechanisms. The aim of this manuscript is to discuss the mechanisms and consequences of changes in magnesium metabolism with age, the difficulties in measuring Mg status, and to review the current evidence suggesting that age-related chronic Mg deficiency may be suggested. The pathophysiological relationships that may help explain the interactions between inflammation, oxidative stress, and the aging process, as well as a number of age-related diseases.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20388094/
