Final answer:
The majority of the body's magnesium is stored in the bones, comprising about 70% of the body's total magnesium, which is essential for various functions including muscle contraction and enzyme activity. A varied diet is crucial for meeting daily magnesium needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The majority of the body's magnesium is found in the bones. Approximately 70% of the total magnesium content (21 grams) in the body is combined with calcium and phosphorus in the complex salts of the bone. The remaining magnesium is present in soft tissues and body fluids where it plays a key role as the principal cation of soft tissue.
Magnesium is essential for various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, nerve function, and the activity of many enzymes. It is also a critical mineral for maintaining a balanced mineral homeostasis in the body, which can help prevent and improve metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and its features.
The daily requirement for magnesium varies depending on age, with infants needing 100-150 mg, children requiring 150-200 mg, and adults needing 200-300 mg. It is important to consume a varied diet to meet these nutrient needs, as magnesium is present in foods like milk, eggs, cabbage, and cauliflower. Factors like high intake of fat, phosphate, calcium, and alkaloids can diminish its absorption, while parathyroid hormone can increase it.