The possible correlation between magnesium deficiency and SARS-CoV-2 infection

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential electrolyte for living organisms. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. Although Mg is usually found in hard water and high-fiber diets, wide use of soft water and refined flour impose people at risk of Mg deficiency. Imbalances in Mg status and Mg deficiency may result in a variety of complications associated with the immune, cardiovascular, urinary, nervous, and respiratory systems. Because of the important roles of magnesium in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, several studies are focusing on the correlation between Mg status and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present study reviewed several types of research to indicate the importance of monitoring of Mg status as well as the possible role of Mg supplementation for supportive treatment in COVID-19 patients. The results indicated that Mg deficiency could be a risk factor for multi-organ dysfunction in COVID-19 infection. Mg supplementation improves functions of the immune, cardiovascular, nervous, urinary, and respiratory systems through different mechanisms. Suppression of cytokine storm, bronchodilation, antithrombotic function, a decrease of arterial blood pressure, preventing electrolyte imbalance, increase stress resistance are some of the related mechanisms. These findings may provide a reference regarding the possible beneficial effects of the Mg supplement as an inexpensive, safe, and easily available drug for supportive treatment in COVID-19 patients.