After correction for gastric emptying, no differences were noted in intraluminal lipid or protein digestion. The most pronounced effect of magnesium chloride, however, was a decreased gastric emptying rate of both test meals. The oral administration of a single 800 mg dose of magnesium chloride in healthy volunteers resulted in a diminished rate of intraluminal lipid and protein digestion. It is weak stimulant to cholecystokinin release and inhibits net jejunal water absorption. Results suggested magnesium ion in duodenum is relatively weak stimulus to pancreas and gall bladder.

Mechanism of action of magnesium chloride studied in 10 adult volunteers. Actions on lipoprotein lipase have been found to be important in reducing serum cholesterol and on sodium/potassium ATPase in promoting polarization (eg, neuromuscular functioning).

Magnesium is important as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions in the body involving protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism (at least 300 enzymatic reactions require magnesium).

Magnesium antidote