Final answer:
It is true that magnesium is essential for a healthy immune system. Magnesium is a cofactor in many enzymes involved in health-related processes including immune function, and deficiency in magnesium can lead to a variety of health issues, including impaired immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body needs magnesium to maintain a healthy immune system - True. Magnesium plays a critical role in the body, influencing various functions essential for maintaining health, including the immune system.
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the human body and is vital for immune health. A significant part of the body's magnesium is found in bones, but it is also present in soft tissues and body fluids, acting as the principal cation of the soft tissue. Chronic magnesium deficiency can lead to various health issues, including hypertension, increased heart rate, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress.
Studies have shown that adequate magnesium intake is inversely associated with risks of hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), and coronary heart disease. Additionally, normal levels of magnesium can be protective against metabolic complications, especially in obese individuals.
Furthermore, magnesium as a cofactor supports numerous enzymes, which are crucial for insulin and glucose metabolism, and therefore, affects the body's insulin resistance levels. Lower serum magnesium levels have been reported in conditions like T2DM, highlighting the importance of optimum magnesium levels for overall metabolic health. Therefore, maintaining a sufficient magnesium level is essential for not only bone health but also for regulating metabolic processes and bolstering the immune system.