Afitska K, Protina Pharmazeutische GmbH, 85737 Ismaning

Mg is the fourth most abundant cation in human body and plays a crucial role in human health. The largest store of Mg (up to 60%) is in bone. Together with Ca and phosphate, Mg is an important building block of a healthy bone. Bone strength strongly correlates with Mg content. There are numerous studies pointing on the association of Mg levels and Mg intake with bone mineral density and absence of bone fractures. This makes Mg deficiency a strong risk factor for the osteoporosis development and progression. A similar association exists between Mg and osteoarthritis, a disease involving joints (both bones and cartilages). Of interest in this case are studies showing the relationship between Mg intake or serum Mg levels and risk and severity of osteoarthritis (including such parameters as pain and inflammation). Involvement of Mg in molecular mechanisms of healthy bone and cartilage as well as the deregulation of Mg homeostasis in both diseases suggest a strong potential benefit of Mg supplementation.