Magnesium and Potassium Deficiency
Magnesium is an essential cation, involved in many enzymatic reactions, as a cofactor to adenosine triphosphatases. It is critical in energy- requiring metabolic processes, as well as protein synthesis and anaerobic phosphorylation. Serum Mg concentration is maintained within a narrow range by the kidney and small intestine since under conditions of Mg deprivation both organs increase their fractional absorption of Mg. If Mg depletion continues, the bone store contributes by exchanging part of its content with extracellular fluid (ECF).
Magnesium and Potassium Balance
Magnesium repletion and its effect on potassium homeostasis in critically ill adults: Results of a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial
Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of magnesium replacement therapy and to determine its effect on potassium retention in hypokalemic, critically ill patients.
Magnesium and Potassium Interaction
The following references strongly support the need to correct Mg deficiency in order to correct potassium serum levels. While the type of MgD present in the following are serum Mg, and since normomagnesemia MgD has not been studied, it seems prudent to me that all types of MgD should be maximally treated if KD is present..