Absorption and effect of the magnesium content of a mineral water in the human body.

OBJECTIVE

The kinetics of magnesium (Mg) absorption, after drinking Magnesia mineral water (204 mg Mg/L), was investigated in healthy humans aged (23-60 yrs).

METHODS

Serum Mg, calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and sodium (Na) content, blood hemoglobin, erythrocyte and white blood cell counts as well as urinary volume and urine Mg content were evaluated. Subjects drank 1.5 liters of Magnesia in 30 minutes; blood and the other tests were taken at 0, 2, 6, 24 and 48 hours, and after 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks. Serum ion quotient was calculated. Serum Mg levels increased in all cases, and returned to individual normal values after 48 hrs. Subjects drank copious amounts of the mineral water only on the first two days, later they consumed one glass of mineral water at a time, totalling 1-1.5 liters daily.

RESULTS

Urinary volume and its Mg content significantly increased, with individual differences in urine Mg content depending on degrees of tissue Mg deficiency. For example, two subjects, who had the same initial serum Mg levels (79 m/M/L), responded to consumption of Magnesia mineral water similarly, with comparable rise of serum Mg but with different urinary Mg excretion, one rapidly excreting Mg, while the other lost less Mg over a longer period of time. The retention of more Mg in one than the other suggests that she had a "hidden" tissue Mg deficiency, despite a serum Mg level within normal limits. No subject experienced ECG or rhythm disturbance, and blood pressure remained unchanged during the study. One patient developed diarrhea.

CONCLUSION

Magnesia's high Mg (204 mg/M) and low Na (5.4 mg/L) content makes it an excellent source of Mg for patients suffering from heart problems and/or high blood pressure.