Magnesium oxide
Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium oxide (pronunciation: mag-NEE-zee-um OK-side), also known as magnesia, is a white hygroscopic solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase and is a source of magnesium (see also oxide).
Etymology
The term "magnesium" originates from the Greek word "Magnesia", a district in Thessaly. The word "oxide" is derived from the Latin word "oxidum", meaning "sharp", referring to the sharp taste of many oxides.
Description
Magnesium oxide is a compound composed of a magnesium ion (Mg2+) and an oxygen ion (O2-). It is commonly used as an antacid or laxative and has many nonmedicinal uses.
Medical Uses
In medicine, magnesium oxide is used to treat or prevent low amounts of magnesium in the blood. Magnesium is very important for the normal functioning of cells, nerves, muscles, bones, and the heart. Usually, a well-balanced diet provides normal blood levels of magnesium. However, certain situations cause your body to lose magnesium faster than you can replace it from your diet.
Related Terms
- Magnesium: A chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It is a shiny gray solid which bears a close physical resemblance to the other five elements in the second column (group 2, or alkaline earth metals) of the periodic table.
- Oxide: A binary compound of oxygen with an element or group.
- Antacid: A substance which neutralizes stomach acidity and is used to relieve heartburn, indigestion or an upset stomach.
- Laxative: Substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements. They are used to treat and prevent constipation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Magnesium oxide
- Wikipedia's article - Magnesium oxide
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