Magnesium, along with phosphorus and calcium, is a major mineral that is important to both medicine and nutrition. Most people do not get enough magnesium from the diet. It is either involved or activates many processes including the activation of amino acids, oxidation of fatty acids, immune function, neural transmission, as well as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes. Magnesium plays a vital role in the body particularly in the kidneys, heart and muscles. It contributes to the composition of bones and teeth. Some sicknesses can deplete the body of magnesium storage, including diarrhea, vomiting, bowel and stomach diseases, kidney malfunction, diabetes and the use of diuretics. Soda, coffee, or alcohol may also lower the levels of magnesium. Magnesium can contribute to the effectiveness of other treatments that help emphysema and asthma, attention deficit disorder, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, a migraine headaches and premenstrual syndrome.