Magnesium Deficiency

When there is not enough magnesium in the body, a condition known as magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesaemia develops. Magnesium is an important mineral that is needed for the proper functioning of many enzymes, muscles, and neurons, among other things in the body. Magnesium insufficiency has the potential to cause a wide variety of symptoms and health issues.
- Magnesium shortage can result from inadequate dietary intake of magnesium-rich foods such leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes.
- Magnesium absorption in the digestive tract can be hampered by malabsorption issues caused by illnesses including Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and recurrent diarrhea.
- Drugs like diuretics and proton pump inhibitors as well as some antibiotics can increase magnesium excretion and thus contribute to deficit.
Magnesium insufficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms.
- Due to its importance in muscle function, magnesium deficiency can cause painful cramping and spasms.
- Reduced energy and general weakness may result from insufficient magnesium in the body.
- Nausea and vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting can arise with magnesium insufficiency.
- Lack of magnesium, which is vital to heart health, has been linked to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
- Some people with magnesium shortage report symptoms of numbness and tingling, among others.
- Changes in personality: Magnesium insufficiency has been linked to anxiety and depression in extreme situations.
Magnesium insufficiency should be treated because of the serious health problems it can cause. Depending on the degree of the deficit and its causes, treatment often entails increasing magnesium intake by dietary adjustments or supplementation. You should see a doctor if you have any reason to believe you have a magnesium deficiency or are experiencing any of the associated symptoms.