Calcium and Magnesium ions (Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺)

Soluble calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) ions are fundamental divalent cations essential for maintaining physiological homeostasis and cellular function [1, 2]. Calcium serves as a ubiquitous second messenger in signal transduction, regulating processes such as muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, and blood clotting, while also providing structural integrity to the skeletal system [1, 3]. Magnesium is a critical cofactor for hundreds of enzymatic reactions, particularly those involving ATP, and is vital for DNA and RNA synthesis as well as maintaining nerve and muscle function [2, 4]. While these ions are not traditional protein targets like receptors or enzymes, their concentrations are the focus of therapeutic intervention using chelating agents, such as EDTA, which bind these ions to treat toxicity or hypercalcemia [5]. Additionally, electrolyte replacement therapies directly target the levels of these soluble ions to treat deficiencies like hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia [1, 2]. Dysregulation of these ions is associated with a wide range of pathologies, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular arrhythmias, and neurological disorders [3, 4, 6].

Other names

Ca2+Mg2+Divalent cationsSoluble calcium and magnesium

Chelation of divalent cations, electrolyte supplementation, and modulation of renal ion transport.