Magnesium metabolism in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

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Abstract
Eight hyperthyroid and 8 hypothyroid patients were studied by determinations of serum and erythrocyte Mg, exchangeable Mg, and total balance studies. Hyperthyroid patients were found to have decreased plasma Mg, increased urinary excretion of Mg24 and Mg28, and normal total and cellular exchangeable Mg before therapy. Hypothyroid patients had elevated plasma Mg, decreased urinary Mg24 and Mg28 excretion, increased fecal Mg excretion, and strikingly reduced total and cellular exchangeable Mg before therapy. Erythrocyte Mg values were normal in both groups. After propylthiouracil or triiodothyronine therapy, plasma Mg levels shifted towards normal, and urinary excretion of Mg24 and Mg28 was reduced in hyperthyroid and increased in hypothyroid patients. Total and cellular exchangeable Mg values remained normal In hyperthyroid and low In hypothyroid patients after short-term therapy. The exchangeable Mg was found to be normal in one hypothyroid patient restudied after a 4-month period of thyroxin replacement therapy. Over-all balances of Na, K, Ca, P, and N during therapy were generally positive in hyperthryoid and negative in hypothyroid patients. Mg balance was invariable positive in hyperthyroidlsm and, with on exception, negative in hypothyroidism. The data suggest that a defect in Mg transport occurs in thyroid hormone deficiency states.