The influence of magnesium supplementation on magnesium and calcium concentrations in hair of children with magnesium shortage
Kozielec, T.; Sałacka, A.; Radomska, K.; Strecker, D.; Durska, G.
Magnesium Research 14(1-2): 33-38
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0953-1424 PMID: 11300620 Document Number: 528996
46 children, aged 2-6 years, with decreased magnesium concentrations in hair, were studied [Poland; date not given]. Magnesium supplementation consisted of Asmag preparation for 3 months and multivitamin Multi-tabs preparation (containing magnesium, but without calcium) for the following 4 months. Control studies were performed again after 7 months of treatment, i.e. 12 months after the initial measurements (the same season of the year - early spring). The results proved increases of both magnesium (from 7.74 micro g/g dry mass to 11.03 micro g/g dry mass) and calcium (from 159.82 mg/g dry mass to 191.60 mg/g dry mass) concentrations in hair. Increased magnesium concentrations were observed in 40 studied children (86.95 per cent). Post supplementation magnesium deficiency was found in 22 children (47.83%), and 4 children (8.70%) showed further worsening of hypomagnesaemia. Increased calcium concentrations were found in 42 children (91.30%), while decreased Ca levels were found in 4 children (8.70%). The achieved results indicate a positive influence of that form of compensation of magnesium deficiency, and suggest the need of individual selection of doses and period of Mg supplementation. The initial level of hypomagnesaemia, presence of factors that might inhibit intestinal absorption, accompanying diseases that might cause decrease in magnesium concentration and other factors that might influence the total body magnesium concentration should be taken into account while designing the supplementation therapy.