The unit of mass that is equivalent to one thousandth of a gram is called a milligram . The Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ), in its dictionary, also accepts the term milligram (with an accent on the second I ).
Dividing one gram into a thousand, therefore, we get one thousand milligrams. Expressed another way: in one gram there are one thousand milligrams. Conversely, one milligram is equal to 0.001 grams .
In short, the milligram - whose symbol is mg - is a submultiple of the gram , which is the main unit of mass in the International System of Units . Its use appears when working with elements of very reduced mass .
The use of milligrams is common in laboratories . In this type of establishments, analytical balances with a sensitivity of 0.1 milligrams are usually used to make precise measurements of drugs , chemical reagents and other products.
In precisely the same way, it must be established that doctors take milligrams into account when determining a treatment for their patients. And they must start from the severity in which they are and also from their physical conditions to indicate the appropriate amount in milligrams that they should take of a medication in question, for example.
In the same way, we cannot ignore that milligrams are also used specifically in the field of gastronomy. Exactly when preparing recipes, especially by great chefs and pastry chefs, it is very common to use this measurement. And this is how it is possible to add the necessary and precise quantities of each product so that the resulting dish is perfect and has the best possible flavor.
In the field of nutrition, the milligram is also used as a unit of mass. This is how the amount that is appropriate to ingest certain substances to maintain a healthy diet is calculated.
According to experts, for example, an adult should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day . If this figure is exceeded, it is likely that high blood pressure will occur or that the individual will suffer from excessive fluid accumulation.
An adult, on the other hand, needs approximately 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily to maintain health . As for phosphorus, it is suggested to incorporate 700 milligrams per day .
It is important to keep in mind that these values are only indicative: nutritional needs vary in each subject according to multiple variables. That is why it is necessary to consult with a nutritionist to know what is the most appropriate diet in each case.
In addition to everything indicated, we cannot forget that there are different books that use the term we are now addressing in their titles. A good example of this is the work “El milligramo de inconsciencia”, which is written by Ramón Puig Domènech and was published in April 2018.
This work, which is subtitled “A story of drugs, travel and medicine,” is a story in which the author takes a journey through the experiences he has had in his life. But also for his fears, his mistakes, his failures, the obstacles he found in his path, the times he managed to move forward... It is a kind of catharsis for the most significant moments of his existence.