Effects of magnesium deficiency on reproduction in the white rat

Abstract

1. Groups of rats were maintained from weaning on magnesium-deficient (30 mg Mg/kg) and control (460 mg Mg/kg) diets.2. Mg deficiency for a period of more than 3 months resulted in sterility of both males and females.3. A Mg deficiency of less than 3 months caused abortions or resorptionsin uteroof foetuses in pregnant females before other physical signs appeared.4. Mg deficiency during lactation rendered the survival of young rats uncertain. The mother rat died of exhaustion if she did not devour her litter.5. The growth of surviving young rats born of Mg-deficient mothers was noticeably retarded when they were nursed by mothers receiving the Mg-deficient diet.