Magnesium plays an important role in the bone metabolism. Magnesium deficiency affects the secretion and biological action of parathyroid hormone and subsequently results in hypocalcaemia. Magnesium depletion decreases the hydroxylation of calcidiol to calcitriol in the kidney. Rickets or osteoporosis have been attributed to low intake or increased loss of magnesium. Hypermagnesaemia might influence bone remodeling. This review deals with the influence of magnesium on bone metabolism.

        Key words: magnesium, bone metabolism