symptoms of magnesium deficiency: do you know the signs?

hypomagnesemia, otherwise known as magnesium deficiency, is a relatively common condition that occurs when a person has less than the required amount of magnesium in their blood.

by dave yasvinski

published jul 11, 2022

last updated apr 10, 2023

3 minute read

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3 minute read

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symptoms of magnesium deficiency: do you know the signs?

the best sources of magnesium are legumes, fish, seeds, nuts, leafy greens and whole grains. getty

hypomagnesemia, otherwise known as magnesium deficiency, is a relatively common condition that occurs when a person has less than the required amount of magnesium in their blood. magnesium is an electrolyte (a mineral carrying an electric charge) that contributes to a wide range of functions within the body, including proper muscle and nerve functioning. magnesium plays an integral role in metabolism by helping cells properly use the energy derived from carbohydrates, protein and fat. magnesium also helps balance other electrolytes in the body, including calcium, potassium and sodium, and hundreds of enzymes rely on it to function properly, according to the cleveland clinic. while more than half of the body’s magnesium supply is stored in the bones, a small amount is found in blood plasma where it is used by cells and organs.

a magnesium deficiency can be mild or severe and the electrolyte is typically kept at normal levels by the small and large intestines (which absorb magnesium from food), the kidneys (which remove magnesium from the body in the form of urine) and the bones (where it is stored). if any of these processes malfunction, hypomagnesemia can develop.

the condition can also occur when the body suffers an excessive loss of magnesium (from, for example, an alcohol use disorder), does not take in enough magnesium or does not absorb it properly. if the cause of a magnesium deficiency can be determined, patients usually make a full recovery with treatment. if magnesium levels become dangerously low, however, a fatal cardiac arrythmia can occur.

symptoms of magnesium deficiency

while many people with hypomagnesemia experience no symptoms, those that do are generally related to the neuromuscular system and the heart. symptoms of the magnesium deficiency vary by severity, according to global news, but can include: fatigue, tremors, insulin resistance, tetany (intermittent muscle spasms, cramps or a tingling sensation), high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and migraines. you should seek medical attention if you are experiencing any symptoms of magnesium deficiency.

diagnosing magnesium deficiency

doctors will typically inquire about symptoms and medical history when diagnosing hypomagnesemia and conduct a blood test to check a patient’s magnesium levels. more tests may be required to determine and address the underlying causes of the deficiency.

magnesium deficiency treatment

addressing hypomagnesemia typically involves taking magnesium supplements but, in extreme cases, a patient may have to spend time in a hospital where the electrolyte can be delivered intravenously.

how to prevent magnesium deficiency

to avoid dealing with hypomagnesemia, it’s important to ensure your diet contains the proper amount of magnesium. according to unlockfood.ca, a site created by dietitians of canada, this means around 400 mg a day for men between the ages of 19 and 30 and 310 mg a day for women in the same age group. men over 31 need 420 mg per day and women over 31 need 320 mg per day. no more than 350 mg a day should come from supplements. the best sources of magnesium are legumes, fish, seeds, nuts, leafy greens and whole grains.

is magnesium deficiency common?

according to statistics canada, more than one-third of canadians over the age of 19 consume magnesium in quantities that fall short of the estimated average requirement, a nutrient intake value that is estimated to meet the requirements of half the healthy individuals in a group.

support for magnesium deficiency

unlockfood.ca is a good place to learn more about the science behind food and how nutrition and a balanced diet can help you live a healthier life.

dave yasvinski is a writer with healthing.ca

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dave yasvinski

symptoms of magnesium deficiency: do you know the signs?

hypomagnesemia, otherwise known as magnesium deficiency, is a relatively common condition that occurs when a person has less than the required amount of magnesium in their blood.

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