Magnesium metabolism in the malnourished infant (abstract only)

ABSTRACT

Experimental depletion of magnesium in animals has been shown to induce a parallel, and even greater, depletion of potassium in the body tissues. It has been suggested that this might be due to interference with magnesium-dependent enzymes required for the maintenance of normal potassium balance within the cell. These observations have not hitherto had any direct application in natural human states. This paper describes the results of analysis of the electrolyte content of muscle biopsy specimens in 20 infants with severe protein malnutrition before and after recovery, and in 12 fatal cases. Magnesium was estimated by a new technique of flame spectrophotometry. A gross depletion of muscle magnesium was demonstrated, which closely paralleled that of potassium. These changes were not reflected in the magnesium content of serum or red cells. Estimations of seventy 24hr. urine specimens in recovering infants showed an avid magnesium retention prolonged over many weeks, in contrast to the brief conservation of potassium and phosphorous. The contents of both magnesium and potassium in the muscle of clinically recovered infants were still markedly below normal levels. The significance and possible applications of these findings are discussed (AU)