The production of secondary potassium depletion, sodium retention, nephrocalcinosis and hypercalcaemia by magnesium deficiency

Studies of dietary magnesium depletion in the rat have been made by Kruse, Orent & McCollum (1932), Watchorn & McCance (1937) and Tufts & Greenberg (1938). These workers reported an early stage of vasodilatation and hyperexcitability followed by a chronic stage of cachexia. Little or no change was found in the magnesium content of the tissues other than bone, teeth and serum (Watchorn & McCance, 1937), although Tufts & Greenberg (1938) reported minor changes in muscle and brain.