Localized, multiform, sub-periosteal hyperplasia and generalized osteomyelosclerosis in magnesium-deficient rats

A diet containing from 0.8 to 2 mg Mg/100 g, fed to young or adult rats for 18 to 21 days produced generalized medullary bone growth (osteomyelosclerosis) and also periosteal tumours of the desmoid type, at the femoral linea aspera. These changes were accompanied by decreases in bone magnesium concentration of 52 to 71% as measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.