ABSTRACT
Aging is frequently associated with a clinical or subclinical magnesium (Mg) deficit. Several alterations to Mg status have been identified in the elderly. Total body Mg content tends to decrease with age. The equilibrium of Mg homeostasis and the Mg concentrations in plasma and in the cells are tightly regulated, and changes in plasma Mg can occur only in the presence of a significantly long-lasting Mg depletion. Although no known hormonal factor is specifically involved in the regulation of Mg metabolism, many hormones are known to affect Mg balance and transport, such as parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, vitamin D, catecholamines, and insulin. Mg in the intracellular compartment also tends to reduce with aging. Intracellular free Mg has been found to be significantly decreased in healthy persons aged over 65 years compared with younger controls. The efficiency of Mg absorption declines with age. Mg is absorbed by both passive and active processes mostly in the duodenum and in the ileum.
