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Question

A typical adult human body contains about ________ of magnesium.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2020 (Tier-2) Statistics Previous Year Paper 3 (28-Jan-2022)
The correct answer is

25 g

Understanding Magnesium in the Human Body

Magnesium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous biochemical reactions in the human body. It is essential for muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. It is also needed for making protein, bone, and DNA.

Typical Magnesium Content in Adults

The question asks about the typical amount of magnesium found in a healthy adult human body. Magnesium is stored mainly in bones (about 50-60%), muscles, soft tissues, and body fluids.

Different sources might provide slightly varying figures, but a commonly cited range for the total magnesium content in an adult body is around 20 to 28 grams. Among the options provided, one falls within this typical range or represents an average value often quoted.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options for the amount of magnesium:

  • 10 g
  • 15 g
  • 20 g
  • 25 g

Considering the typical range of 20-28 grams, the value that best represents this is 25 g. While 20 g is at the lower end of the common range, 25 g is often cited as a representative average amount in an adult.

Therefore, the typical adult human body contains about 25 g of magnesium.

Conclusion on Magnesium Content

Based on the information and the options provided, the most accurate estimate for the total amount of magnesium in a typical adult body is 25 g.

Typical Mineral Content Example
Mineral Approximate amount in Adult Human Body
Calcium $\sim$ 1200 g
Phosphorus $\sim$ 700 g
Potassium $\sim$ 140 g
Sodium $\sim$ 100 g
Magnesium $\sim$ 25 g
Iron $\sim$ 4 g
Zinc $\sim$ 2.5 g

Revision Table: Key Facts on Body Magnesium

Aspect Detail
Total Amount (Adult) Approximately 25 g (range 20-28 g)
Major Storage Site Bones (50-60%)
Other Storage Sites Muscles, soft tissues, body fluids

Additional Information: Functions and Sources of Magnesium

Magnesium is considered an essential mineral because the body cannot produce it and must obtain it from the diet.

Key functions of magnesium include:

  • Supporting hundreds of enzyme reactions.
  • Energy production.
  • Protein synthesis.
  • Muscle and nerve function.
  • Blood sugar control.
  • Blood pressure regulation.
  • Bone health.
  • DNA and RNA synthesis.

Good dietary sources of magnesium include:

  • Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale).
  • Nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds).
  • Legumes (beans, lentils).
  • Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat bread).
  • Avocados.
  • Bananas.
  • Fish (salmon, mackerel).

Maintaining adequate magnesium levels is important for overall health.

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