American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 20, 632-635, Copyright © 1967 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Magnesium Requirements in Adults

¹ From the Department of Medicine, West Virginia University Medical Center, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506

Magnesium-balance studies have been carried out in 18 normal and 7 obese adults receiving diets of varying protein, fat, carbohydrate, calorie, and magnesium content. Magnesium intakes of less than 0.25 mEq/kg per day in normal, and 0.15 mEq/kg per day in obese, subjects lead to negative magnesium balance. A magnesium intake of 0.30-0.35 mEq/kg per day in normal, or greater than 0.15 mEq/kg per day in obese, subjects regularly produced positive magnesium balance. The total dietary magnesium content resulting in positive balance in both groups ranged from 17 to 28 mEq/day. Magnesium requirements of obese subjects per kilogram ideal body weight were essentially identical to those of normal, nonobese persons. The previously suggested magnesium requirement of 0.5 mEq/kg per day is discussed in light of these findings. It is concluded that magnesium intakes of from 0.30 to 0.35 mEq/kg per day are adequate to maintain magnesium balance in normal adults.