Biological Importance

Magnesium and calcium ions play an important role in biological reactions. The main pigment for the absorption of light in plants is chlorophyll which contains magnesium.

X – ray of human hand showing bone.

Antacid tablets containing Calcium. Calcium

This is the chief mineral in the body and is stored in the bones. We only normally absorb around 20–30 percent of the calcium we eat and this also depends on a number of different factors. A higher percentage of calcium is absorbed at low intakes rather than at high intakes, and dietary protein along with an organic form of calcium enhances absorption.

Going back to childhood, everyone has been told at some time or other,that we need calcium for strong bones and teeth. However, the body needs calcium for many other functions within the body.

The primary mineral in bone and teeth is hydroxy apatite(Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH.in which calcium is present as ca²⁺

Calcium is required for:

Absorption of fats by activating pancreatic lipase
Normal Blood clotting
Regular heartbeat
Membrane permeability
Firmness and elasticity of tissues
Healing and building of tissues
Immune system
Maintaining the pH of the blood
Muscles, muscle contraction, including the heart
Nerves and nerve conduction
Preventing toxic heavy metal build up
Production and release of certain hormones
Production of digestive juices including intrinsic factor and bile
Storage of glycogen
The body's enzyme system

"Increased intake of calcium can decrease the incidence of hypertension."

"Calcium also lowers the risk of colon cancer and protects against osteoporosis."

Magnesium

Magnesium is considered an antispasmodic and anti–stress mineral. Over 50% of the body's magnesium is stored in the bones. The parathyroid glands influence the rate of magnesium absorption from the small intestine, and the adrenal hormone (aldosterone) regulates its excretion in the urine via the kidneys.

Magnesium is also required along side the calcium to help support bone mass and the utilization of calcium, but has many other roles within our bodies (so we found out). Again, some of the many functions are listed below:

Brain function and health
Cardiovascular system health
Cell strength
Co–enzyme to many biological processes
Co–factor in B₁ and B₆ function
Digestive enzyme, HCl and bile production
DNA duplication
Growth and repair
Hormones and hormone synthesis
Immune system
Maintaining blood pH
Metabolism
Muscles
Nervous system function and health
Preventing blood clotting
Removal of ammonia and other metabolic waste from the body
Cell production of proteins

On the other hand, if our body is deficient and does not get enough magnesium it may lead to a vast number of different problems:

Abnormal blood clotting
Abnormal calcium disposition
Appetite loss
Blood sugar disorders
Child hyperactivity
Confusion and disorientation
Convulsions or seizures
Fatigue
Insomnia
Involuntary rapid eye movements
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
Muscle cramps
Nervousness
Tremors, spasms or tics

"Consuming adequate magnesium can help prevent hypertension."

There are many enzyme reactions that are controlled by alkali and alkaline earth cations. Chemists have not yet fully understood the role of alkali and alkaline earth cations in biology although their importance has been recognized.