Magnesium

• Normal levels 0.7 - 1.0 mmol/l
• Function - co-factor in enzymes (phosphate transfer), CNS, neuromuscular systems
• High magnesium levels prevent calcium cellular uptake
• Homeostasis maintained by kidney - freely filtered at glomerulus, reabsorbed at PCT and TALLOH

Causes of Hypomagnaesemia

• Gut loss - diarrhoea / IBD, malnutrition
• Renal loss - diuretics
• Alcoholism