The majority of men older than 70 and teenage girls are likely to have low magnesium intakes. For more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, magnesium is required. The mineral aids in the maintenance of nerves and muscles, as well as a healthy immune system. Magnes are now recommended daily intakes for adults 51 and older, as well as 320 milligrams of women. The kidneys help maintain magnesium by limiting the amount lost in urine, but low intakes over a long period of time can lead to deficiency over an extended period. There are no obvious signs of low magnesium in the United States.
