Systemic stress, magnesium status and cardiovascular damage.

Evidence is given that cardiovascular damage due to systemic stress is potentiated by a coexisting Mg deficit. Supplementation with Mg is not only a suitable measure to eliminate this risk factor, but can also increase resistance against stressors in experimental animals, livestock and probably in man, too. When Mg is supplied in larger amounts by the oral route, care must be paid to bioavailability and acid base status.