Why Magnesium?
Magnesium (Mg), an essential element for human health and the second most abundant intracellular cation, has been identified as a cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions involving energy metabolism and protein and nucleic acid synthesis. In addition, it is nature's own calcium channel blocker and needed for the integrity of the cell membrane.

Approximately half of the total Mg in the body is present in soft tissue, and the other half in bone. Less than 1% of the total body Mg is present in blood with only about 0.3% in serum; the tissue that is most frequently measured to assess Mg status in the body; therefore, assessment of Mg status is problematic. The clinical laboratory evaluation of Mg status is primarily limited to the total and free serum Mg concentration and a 24-hour urinary excretion of Mg. However, results for these tests do not necessarily correlate with intracellular Mg due to the very slow rate for Mg equilibrium. Thus, there is no readily available test to accurately determine intracellular/total body Mg status.

Magnesium intake is a key to health and magnesium balance. Among the most potent reinforcements that magnesium is an essential nutrient for good health, is the recent increase in the Recommended Daily Allowance (U.S.R.D.A.) by the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences. In 1997, the U.S.R.D.A. was raised from approximately 5 to 6 mgs/kg/d or 420 mgs/d for men and 320 mgs/d for women.

It is estimated that 90% of Americans consume a diet in which the Mg intake is below the U.S.R.D.A. According to the USDA's Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, the mean Mg intake by males older than 9 was 323 mgs/d (below the U.S.R.D.A. of 420 mgs/d) and by females older than 9 was 228 mgs/d (below the U.S.R.D.A. of 320 mgs/d). This study also showed that magnesium intake decreases further at age 70 and older. Because the average diet is deficient in magnesium, one MAG-OX 400 daily provides important insurance for the irregular diet. MAG-OX 400 supplementation is especially important in individuals taking magnesium-depleting drugs like diuretics.

Warning About Diuretics
Diuretics (such as furosemide and thiazides) are a major cause of electrolyte depletion. The leading diuretic – furosemide – contains a bold typed WARNING on electrolyte depletion. Potassium and magnesium are both depleted by furosemide.

Recently, an expert panel considered the electrolyte depleting effect of diuretics and reported the following: "Many patients with potassium depletion may also have magnesium deficiency. In particular, loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) produce substantial serum and intracellular potassium and magnesium loss." The complete report can be found in an article titled "New Guidelines for Potassium Replacement in Clinical Practice: A Contemporary Review by National Council on Potassium in Clinical Practice" published in Archives Internal Medicine (Volume 160(16). September 11, 2000. 2429-2436.).

Furosemide is the #1 prescribed diuretic and the use of MAG-OX 400 helps fight the magnesium depletion that diuretics like furosemide can cause. MAG-OX 400 gives your diuretic patients 240 mgs of elemental magnesium per day in a single tablet that costs about a dime.

Magnesium-Depleting Drugs
Several drugs can cause magnesium depletion, primarily by increasing excretion of Mg by the kidney. The most common drugs are the following: diuretics (furosemide, ethacrynic acid, and thiazides), antibiotics (gentamicin, tobramycin, carbenicillin, ticarcillin, and amphotericin b), cisplatin, and cyclosporine. Patients on any of these drugs long-term should be considered for Mg supplementation with MAG-OX 400.