THE EFFECTS OF MAGNESIUM DEPRIVATION ON THE NATURAL FLORA of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT ?

Abstract

More than 200,000 people a year suffer from Ulcerative Colitis in the United States alone. Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine or colon causing irritation and swelling (inflammation). Eventually this can lead to sores in the lining of the intestines and significantly compromised health. Studies show that an increase in magnesium intake can lead to less severe symptoms of UC. This research seeks to determine how the use of magnesium may help in the treatment of hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium) and in lowering colonic bacteria to healthier levels.