Editorial of Special Issue "Magnesium in Human Health and Disease"

Calcium, Phosphate, and Vitamin D in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study

Chronic diseases may affect the nutritional status of children and adolescents. Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and vitamin D (Vit-D) are crucial nutrients for their growth and development. Proper diagnosis and treatment are critical components of personalized and precision medicine. Hence, we conducted a cross-sectional and comparative study to evaluate Ca, P, and Vit-D levels in their non-skeletal functions and their association with health and nutritional biomarkers in children and adolescents with diverse chronic conditions. We performed anthropometric, body composition, clinical evaluation, biochemical analysis, and dietary survey methods. A total of 78 patients (1-19 years, 43 females, 42 children) took part in this study. Overall, 24, 30, and 24 participants were obese, undernourished, and eutrophic, respectively. Results found that 74% and 35% of individuals had deficient Vit-D and Ca intake, respectively. Most cases were normocalcemic. Results also found that 47% of the subjects had Vit-D deficiency (VDD), 37% were insufficient, and 37% had hypophosphatemia. Of the 46% and 31% of patients with VDD and insufficient levels, 19% and 11% were hypophosphatemic, respectively. Calcium, P, and Vit-D levels were associated with anthropometric parameters, body mass index, body composition, physical activity, diet, growth hormones, and the immune, liver, and kidney systems. These results show the coincident risk of altered Ca, P, and Vit-D metabolism in children and adolescents with chronic diseases.

Understanding How Minerals Contribute to Optimal Immune Function

Sufficient mineral supply is vital not only for the innate immune system but also for the components of the adaptive immune defense, which encompass defense mechanisms against pathogens and the delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory regulation in the long term. Generally, a well-balanced diet is capable of providing the necessary minerals to support the immune system. Nevertheless, specific vulnerable populations should be cautious about obtaining adequate amounts of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium. Inadequate levels of these minerals can temporarily impair immune competence and disrupt the long-term regulation of systemic inflammation. Therefore, comprehending the mechanisms and sources of these minerals is crucial. In exceptional circumstances, mineral deficiencies may necessitate supplementation; however, excessive intake of supplements can have adverse effects on the immune system and should be avoided. Consequently, any supplementation should be approved by medical professionals and administered in recommended doses. This review emphasizes the crucial significance of minerals in promoting optimal functioning of the immune system. It investigates the indispensable minerals required for immune system function and the regulation of inflammation. Moreover, it delves into the significance of maintaining an optimized intake of minerals from a nutritional standpoint.

Dibasic Magnesium Hypochlorite as an Oxidant to Tune Pasting Properties of Potato Starch in One Step

Modified starches are used widely in the food industry but often have a low nutritional value, lacking minerals vital for the human body, such as magnesium. Magnesium addition to native starches has been shown to result in changes in pasting properties. However, little work has been done on the addition of magnesium and other divalent cations to highly oxidised starches. In this work, we used dibasic magnesium hypochlorite (DMH) to oxidise potato starch to an industrially relevant degree of oxidation while at the same time introducing magnesium into the starch structure. We found that magnesium incorporation changes the pasting properties of starch and increases the gelatinisation temperature significantly, possibly due to an ionic cross-linking effect. These properties resemble the properties found for heat-moisture-treated potato starches. This change in properties was found to be reversible by performing a straightforward exchange of metal cations, either from sodium to magnesium or from magnesium to sodium. We show in this work the potential of the addition of divalent cations to highly oxidised starches in modifying the rheological and pasting properties of these starches and at the same time adding possible health benefits to modified starches by introducing magnesium.

The Role of Minerals in the Optimal Functioning of the Immune System

Minerals fulfil a wide variety of functions in the optimal functioning of the immune system. This review reports on the minerals that are essential for the immune system’s function and inflammation regulation. We also discuss nutritional aspects of optimized mineral supply. The supply of minerals is important for the optimal function of the innate immune system as well as for components of adaptive immune defense; this involves defense mechanisms against pathogens in addition to the long-term balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory regulation. Generally, a balanced diet is sufficient to supply the required balance of minerals to help support the immune system. Although a mineral deficiency is rare, there are nevertheless at-risk groups who should pay attention to ensure they are receiving a sufficient supply of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium. A deficiency in any of these minerals could temporarily reduce immune competence, or even disrupt systemic inflammation regulation in the long term. Therefore, knowledge of the mechanisms and supply of these minerals is important. In exceptional cases, a deficiency should be compensated by supplementation; however, supplement over-consumption may be negative to the immune system, and should be avoided. Accordingly, any supplementation should be medically clarified and should only be administered in prescribed concentrations.