magnesium

magnesium A mineral that is involved in many processes in the body, including nerve signaling, the building of healthy bones, and normal muscle contraction. All unprocessed foods contain magnesium. High concentrations of magnesium are found in nuts, unmilled grains, and legumes, such as peas and beans. See also deficiency, magnesium; magnesium excess.

mad cow disease

mad cow disease A nickname for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), a progressive neurological disorder of cattle that results from infection by a transmissible agent. The most widely accepted theory is that the agent is a modified form of a normal cell surface component known as a prion. Evidence indicates that BSE has been transmitted to…