Magnesium trisilicate powder

A large amount of published research points to the interesting concept (hypothesis) that magnesium (Mg) status may have relevance for the outcome of COVID-19 and that Mg could be protective during the COVID disease course. As an essential element, Mg plays basic biochemical, cellular, and physiological roles required for cardiovascular, immunological, respiratory, and neurological functions. Both low serum and dietary Mg have been associated with the severity of COVID-19 outcomes, including mortality; both are also associated with COVID-19 risk factors such as older age, obesity, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and asthma. In addition, populations with high rates of COVID-19 mortality and hospitalization tend to consume diets high in modern processed foods, which are generally low in Mg. In this review, we review the research to describe and consider the possible impact of Mg and Mg status on COVID-19 showing that (1) serum Mg between 2.19 and 2.26 mg/dL and dietary Mg intakes > 329 mg/day could be protective during the disease course and (2) inhaled Mg may improve oxygenation of hypoxic COVID-19 patients. In spite of such promise, oral Mg for COVID-19 has thus far been studied only in combination with other nutrients. Mg deficiency is involved in the occurrence and aggravation of neuropsychiatric complications of COVID-19, including memory loss, cognition, loss of taste and smell, ataxia, confusion, dizziness, and headache. Potential of zinc and/or Mg as useful for increasing drug therapy effectiveness or reducing adverse effect of anti-COVID-19 drugs is reviewed. Oral Mg trials of patients with COVID-19 are warranted.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Magnesium (Mg2+) is a predominantly intracellular cation that plays significant roles in various enzymatic, membrane, and structural body functions. As a calcium (Ca2+) antagonist, it is imperative for numerous neuromuscular activities. The imbalance of body Mg2+  concentration leads to clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to severe life-threatening complications. Therefore, the contribution of Mg2+ measurement regarding various laboratory and clinical aspects cannot be ignored. Mg2+ is often described as the forgotten analyte. However, its close relationship with body potassium (K+), Ca2+, and phosphate homeostasis proves that Mg2+ imbalance could co-exist as the root cause or the consequence of other electrolyte disorders. Meanwhile, several preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical aspects could influence Mg2+ measurement. This review highlights Mg2+ measurement's laboratory and clinical issues and some analyte disturbances associated with its imbalance. Understanding this basis could aid clinicians and laboratory professionals in Mg2+ result interpretation and patient management.

Abstract licence: CC BY

The application of soil amendments is crucial for mitigating cadmium (Cd) phytoavailability in Cd-contaminated paddy fields, thereby promoting safer rice production. However, the mechanisms through which these amendments influence phytoavailable Cd by modifying soil properties have not yet been fully elucidated. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of three soil amendments-sepiolite (SE), wollastonite (WO), and a composite (YY)-on the Cd concentrations in brown rice, soil Cd fractions, soil properties, and bacterial community structure. Additionally, the relationships among brown rice Cd concentration, soil properties, Cd speciation, and bacterial diversity were explored. The findings demonstrated that the YY, SE, and WO amendments significantly increased the soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and concentrations of exchangeable calcium (ExCa), magnesium (ExMg), and available silicon (ASi), facilitating the transformation of water-soluble and acid-extractable forms of Cd into reducible fractions and facilitating the formation of low-solubility Cd compounds, thereby significantly lowering the levels of CaCl2-extractable Cd and DTPA-extractable Cd. The YY amendment also increased available potassium (AK) and available phosphorus (AP) while simplifying the bacterial community structure, notably increasing the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. In contrast, SE amendment increased the abundance of Acidobacteriota. Both the YY and SE amendments reduced Cd phytoavailability by modifying Cd speciation and optimizing soil bacterial communities, whereas WO primarily lowered Cd phytoavailability by altering Cd speciation alone. These results underscore the regulatory role of soil amendments in modifying soil properties, influencing Cd speciation, and reshaping bacterial communities, ultimately reducing Cd accumulation in brown rice. This study enhances our understanding of the mechanisms by which amendments alter soil properties to reduce Cd phytoavailability, offering insights for developing in situ passivation technologies for Cd-contaminated soils.

Abstract licence: CC BY