Magnesium For Lungs

Overview

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant element in the human body, right after calcium, potassium, and sodium. It is also an essential nutrient that is necessary for a wide range of functions, including muscle function, DNA and protein synthesis, bone health, and blood pressure. It also helps to produce and store energy within cells, and contributes to reproduction.¹ 

The main source of magnesium is our diet. Some magnesium-rich foods include green vegetables, cereals, or nuts.²

Lungs are the central part of the respiratory system, which is responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and eliminating carbon dioxide. The lungs consist of small air sacs called alveoli, which are responsible for facilitating gas exchange between the environment and the bloodstream.³ Lungs can be affected by several factors, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, or environmental factors.⁴ 

Role of magnesium for lungs

Magnesium plays an important role in the proper functioning of the lungs in that it:

• Helps to control the contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscles, including those in the bronchial tubes of the lungs, through hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia (high blood magnesium)
• Has a bronchodilator effect (opens the airways) in patients with asthma
• Inhibits nerve transmission in the airways
• Stabilizes mast cells and T-lymphocytes, involved in inflammation processes
• Increases the production of certain chemicals that help with blood flow and inflammation (such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin)²

Thanks to this, research suggests that magnesium may help reduce inflammation in the respiratory system and may also have a protective effect against asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders. It may also be effective in improving symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.⁵ However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of magnesium in the lungs.⁶

Effect of low magnesium in lungs

Low magnesium levels in the body can have various impacts on the respiratory system. Some potential effects on the lungs include:

• Increased risk of asthma: Low magnesium levels have been connected to a higher likelihood of asthma attacks and worsening of asthma symptoms.^6,7 
• Pulmonary edema: Low magnesium levels can impact the normal functioning of blood vessels and the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.⁹ As a result, this can lead to the development of pulmonary edema, which is characterized by breathing difficulties resulting from a fluid build-up in the lungs.¹⁰
• Increased inflammation: A recent study has shown that low magnesium levels are linked to increased inflammation throughout the body, including in the lungs.¹¹ This can lead to respiratory issues such as COPD and respiratory infections.¹²
• Increased COVID predisposition: Recent studies have found that hypomagnesemia may predispose individuals to COVID-19, which can lead to severe lung diseases.¹³

It is important to keep in mind that there is a need for more research to completely understand the role of hypomagnesemia in the lungs.

How much magnesium to take

Some foods that are high in magnesium include nuts, cereals, and leafy green vegetables.² The recommended daily amount (RDA) of magnesium varies based on age and gender.  For those assigned female at birth (AFAB), the recommended daily intake is 400-420 milligrams. The recommended intake for those assigned male at birth (AMAB) is 310-320 milligrams.¹⁴ 

It is important to consume the appropriate amount of magnesium daily to support optimal health and proper body function. These numbers can vary if you are pregnant or lactating. ¹⁴

Summary

Magnesium is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in the proper functioning and development of the human body. It is involved in over 300 chemical reactions within the body and is necessary for a wide range of functions, including that of the lungs. It helps control the contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscles, has a bronchodilator effect in asthmatic patients, inhibits nerve transmission in the airways, and increases the production of certain chemicals that help with blood flow and inflammation. 

When a patient is hypomagnesemic, it can potentially affect the lungs through an increased risk of asthma, a worsening of asthma symptoms, pulmonary edema, increased inflammation, or increased covid predisposition. To prevent hypomagnesemia, it is important to respect the recommended daily amount (RDA) of magnesium.