Magnesium deficiency and parathyroid function.

Commoncauses of magnesium (Mg) deficiency are small bowel diseases, such as chronic bowel disease, or resection of the small bowel. Chronic alcoholism is also an important cause of Mg deficiency. Clinical features and the degree of Mg deficiency appear to vary depending upon the underlying disorder as well as the portion and extensiveness of the small bowel disease. One of the most prominent manifestations of Mg deficiency is hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism, but there are many uncertainties about the pathophysiology and pathogenic mechanism of hypoparathyroidism caused by Mg deficiency.