Environmental magnesium deficiency as a cardiovascular risk factor.

Magnesium is abundant in nature and the major routes of intake are through food and water. Through changes in the treatment of foodstuffs and altered diets, as well as increased use of surface water with low magnesium content, magnesium deficiency is present in modern society. Magnesium deficiency causes cardiac arrhythmia and several studies suggest that a low level of magnesium in drinking water is a risk factor for myocardial infarction, particularly among men. Before general prevention programmes can be recommended, risk groups must be defined and experimental intervention programmes performed.