Magnesium glycerophosphate 1g oral powder sachets

Magnesium plays a crucial role in over 300 enzymatic reactions related to energy production, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Given its essential biological functions and increasing prevalence of suboptimal intake, magnesium supplementation has gained attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of dietary and supplemental magnesium on several biomarkers related to oxidative stress and inflammation. A systematic search of studies published from 2000 to 2025 identified 28 relevant articles, including both animal and human studies. The meta-analysis assessed the effects of magnesium supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers such as nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and C-reactive protein (CRP). While results showed a statistically significant reduction in CRP levels, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect, no conclusive impact on oxidative stress biomarkers was observed. The findings highlight magnesium's potential role in inflammation regulation, though its direct antioxidant effects remain uncertain. Further high-quality clinical trials are needed to clarify the impact of magnesium supplementation on oxidative stress and to explore its broader health implications.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Urine is an organic fluid produced by the kidney, and its analysis is one of the most requested laboratory tests by clinicians. The ionic composition of urine has been shown to be a good health indicator: it is useful for the diagnosis of several diseases, as well as monitoring therapeutics. This review considers laboratorial techniques that have been used throughout time for the quantification of ions in urine, and also considers some methodologies that can potentially be used in clinical laboratories for this kind of analysis. Those methods include gravimetry, titration, flame emission spectrophotometry (flame photometry), fluorimetry, potentiometry (ion selective electrodes), ion chromatography, electrophoresis, kinetic colorimetric tests, enzymatic colorimetric tests, flow cytometry, atomic absorption, plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and paper-based devices. Sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium are among the most important physiological ions, and their determination is frequently requested in hospitals. There have been many advances regarding the analysis of these ions in 24 h urine. However, there is still some way to go concerning the importance of intracellular ions in this type of sample as well as the use of occasional urine for monitoring these parameters.

Abstract licence: CC BY