# Magnesium (Mg$^{++}$) --- **Magnesium ion** or **Mg$^{++}$** is a an important [[ion]] that acts as an [[electrolytes|electrolyte]] in our bodies. It also acts as a **cofactor** in many enzymatic reactions, including [[adenosine triphosphate]], [[DNA]], and [[protein]] synthesis. Most of our magnesium is stored in our bones and cartilage. It plays a very important role in skeletal muscle contractions, as well as activating [[vitamin|vitamins]]. >[!science] Normal Values The normal value of Mg++ is **1.8-3.0 mg/dL** >>[!abstract]- Visualization >>![[metabolic panel values.png]] - Serum magnesium has a direct relationship with [[calcium]] (i.e. when magnesium levels rise, calcium levels also rise, and vice versa). ## Elemental Magnesium Magnesium is a [[mineral#Classifications A Little or a Lot|major mineral]] we need to take in in our diets. At any given time we have about 25g of magnesium in our bodies, 50-60% of which is found in the [[bone|bones]], and the rest in the soft tissue. ## Dietary Magnesium - whole grains, dark leafy greens, legumes ## Problems with Magnesium - [[hypermagnesemia]] - [[hypomagnesemia]] ___