The Importance of Magnesium in the Human Body: A Systematic Literature Review

Glasdam et al., 2016 | Adv Clin Chem | Systematic Review

Citation

Glasdam Sidsel-Marie, Glasdam Stinne, Peters Günther H. The Importance of Magnesium in the Human Body: A Systematic Literature Review. Adv Clin Chem. 2016;73:169-93. doi:10.1016/bs.acc.2015.10.002

Abstract

Magnesium, the second and fourth most abundant cation in the intracellular compartment and whole body, respectively, is of great physiologic importance. Magnesium exists as bound and free ionized forms depending on temperature, pH, ionic strength, and competing ions. Free magnesium participates in many biochemical processes and is most commonly measured by ion-selective electrode. This analytical approach is problematic because complete selectivity is not possible due to competition with other ions, i.e., calcium, and pH interference. Unfortunately, many studies have focused on measurement of total magnesium rather than its free bioactive form making it difficult to correlate to disease states. This systematic literature review presents current analytical challenges in obtaining accurate and reproducible test results for magnesium.

Key Findings

This systematic literature review presents current analytical challenges in obtaining accurate and reproducible test results for magnesium.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	See abstract

MeSH Terms

Humans
Ion-Selective Electrodes
Magnesium
Potentiometry
Sensitivity and Specificity

Evidence Classification

Level: Systematic Review
Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
Vertical: magnesium

Provenance

PMID: 26975973
DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2015.10.002
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09