As we age our immune systems may have to work harder to overcome illnesses. In cases of inflammation or nerve pain it can become apparent over time. Magnesium plays a vital role in the formation of bones and teeth. It is also involved with transmitting nerve signals and causing muscle contractions. Magnesium helps the body process fat and protein, and is important for the secretion of parathyroid hormones. Magnesium helps the smooth muscle surrounding the lung to relax.

Interestingly, a long-term moderate Mg-deficient diet aggravates cardiovascular risk associated with aging in rats by significantly increasing blood pressure and inflammatory markers. In addition, low magnesium is associated with age-associated memory decline, nerve pain sensitivity, neurodegenerative disease, decreased muscle performance, insulin-resistance, osteoporosis, and development of some cancers in human studies. All these data underscore the contribution of magnesium deficiency to aging in vivo. The cellular mechanisms that drive the aging phenotype are not fully characterized, but growing evidence supports the involvement of senescent cells in these processes. Given the numerous critical roles of magnesium, it seems likely that Mg inadequacy would interfere with cellular metabolism, which could affect the senescence process.

Despite the fact that dietary levels of magnesium are often low, actual deficiency of this nutrient is rare. Certain medical conditions, however, can upset the body's magnesium balance. For example, intestinal flu with vomiting or diarrhea can cause temporary magnesium deficiencies. Certain stomach and bowel diseases (such as irritable bowel syndrome or IBS and ulcerative colitis), diabetes, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels), kidney malfunction, and use of diuretics can lead to deficiencies. Too much coffee, soda, salt, or alcohol intake as well as heavy menstrual periods, excessive sweating, and prolonged stress can also lower magnesium levels. And auto immune reaction characteristic of nerve pain can run rampant.