The possible correlation between magnesium deficiency and SARS-CoV-2 infection

Lyly Nazemi 1, 2, Mamak Shariat 1, 3, Mohammad Mehdi Soltan Dallal 4, 5, Sorourolsadat Daneshfar 1 and Zahra Farahani 3, *

1 Breastfeeding Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Science and Dietetic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3 Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4 Food Microbiology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
5 Division of Food Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
 
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2021, 11(01), 073-080
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2021.11.1.0316
 
Publication history: 
Received on 06 June 2021; revised on 10 July 2021; accepted on 12 July 2021
 
Abstract: 
Magnesium (Mg) is an essential electrolyte for living organisms. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. Although Mg is usually found in hard water and high-fiber diets, wide use of soft water and refined flour impose people at risk of Mg deficiency. Imbalances in Mg status and Mg deficiency may result in a variety of complications associated with the immune, cardiovascular, urinary, nervous, and respiratory systems. Because of the important roles of magnesium in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, several studies are focusing on the correlation between Mg status and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present study reviewed several types of research to indicate the importance of monitoring of Mg status as well as the possible role of Mg supplementation for supportive treatment in COVID-19 patients. The results indicated that Mg deficiency could be a risk factor for multi-organ dysfunction in COVID-19 infection. Mg supplementation improves functions of the immune, cardiovascular, nervous, urinary, and respiratory systems through different mechanisms. Suppression of cytokine storm, bronchodilation, antithrombotic function, a decrease of arterial blood pressure, preventing electrolyte imbalance, increase stress resistance are some of the related mechanisms. These findings may provide a reference regarding the possible beneficial effects of the Mg supplement as an inexpensive, safe, and easily available drug for supportive treatment in COVID-19 patients.
 
Keywords: 
Magnesium; Magnesium Deficiency; COVID-19; Magnesium Supplement
 
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