Magnesium fortification of water. A possible step forward in preventive medicine?

Magnesium is an essential cation for more than 300 enzymes in our body. Among them, it is a cofactor for ATP metabolism. Diverse clinical manifestations have been reported in conjunction with Mg++ deficiencies, including sudden death, accelerated atherosclerosis, asthma, neurologic and even psychiatric clinical entities. Limited previous studies with Mg++ supplementation have shown to be of a large preventive advantages. We summarize the current literature concerning Mg++ supplementation and recommend to do so on national basis adding magnesium to the water supplies of large areas.