Table 3.

Mechanisms of Mg insufficiency in the elderly.

Primary Mg Deficiency:

Insufficient Mg dietary intake Reduced Mg absorption (often in parallel with reduced vitamin D levels) Increased urinary Mg excretion (often related to reduced kidney function and tubular reabsorption, which are common in old age)

Secondary Mg Deficiency:

Linked to age-related diseases and comorbidities Linked to drug action causing Mg loss in the urine (i.e., diuretics, proton pump inhibitors)