Levels of serum magnesium in patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease

Abstract

Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation and it plays an essential physiological role in many functions of the body. Magnesium is essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, for intermediary metabolism and for specific actions in different organs. This study was undertaken to find out the levels of serum magnesium levels in patients with ALD (Alcoholic Liver Disease). The present study showed decrease in serum magnesium levels in alcoholic liver disease patients. Hypomagnesemia is not only a finding associated with fatty liver but it might be a risk factor in progression of fatty liver to steatohepatitis. Detection of serum magnesium levels in alcoholic liver disease might be helpful in the early diagnosis of the disease, management protocol and to reduce the progression of disease.