Since the introduction of the first magnesium pharmaceutical specialty in 1928, multiple medical indications were attributed to magnesium supplementation, despite rigorous scientific researches, leading to a very confuse therapeutic chapter. Real hypomagnesemia, acute or chronic, is rare, however oral magnesium drugs are numerous and widely prescribed. Moreover, in France, only proven magnesium deficiency, isolated or combined, are accepted by the HAS for magnesium supplementation. The purpose of this article is to review current knowledges on magnesium and analyze the prescribing practices of GPs. After telephone agreement, 100 doctors of Ille-et-Vilaine received an e-questionnaire that included 27 questions (38 items). These questions concerned the prescribing practices of magnesium, magnesium knowledge, and demographic data: 70% of responders say that prescribing magnesium shows an interest in their daily practice and 96% of responders that they often prescribe magnesium leading to 26% who prescribe magnesium even if they do not see the point! In only 7% of cases, prescription is the renewal of a specialist, and in 7% of cases, the request comes from the patient. GPs report that their knowledge on magnesium and its treatment indications come from the pharmaceutical industry. There is also a significant number of requirements driven by the patient himself, probably under the influence of the media especially Internet forums.
Keywords: General practice; Magnesium; Magnésium; Médecine générale; Prescription.
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