Magnesium is essential for our body to function properly. It is present in bones, soft tissues and cells. It is responsible for controlling blood pressure, synthesizing DNA and generating energy for your body to function. As it plays a vital role in our body functions, its deficiency may show negative effects on our body.

Causes

Magnesium deficiency (Hypomagnesemia) doesn’t show any symptoms in its early stages. The body will start experiencing signs only when the deficiency goes extremely low. Some of the reasons for magnesium deficiency can be

Type II diabetes - People with type II diabetes have insulin resistance, which makes them more likely to pass excessive amounts of magnesium through their urine. 

Alcohol consumption - Drinking can persuade your body to excrete more magnesium than normal.

GI diseases – Certain GI diseases like celiac and IBD cause excessive diarrhea and hampers the body's ability to absorb nutrients.

Old age – As we age, the body finds it difficult to absorb magnesium and other nutrients. Some medicines may also interfere with magnesium absorption.

Symptoms

Early signs – Loss of appetite Nausea Vomiting Fatigue Weakness

Advanced symptoms 

Numbness or tingling, muscle contraction, coronary spasms, abnormal heart rhythm, muscle contractions and cramps, seizures, personality changes.

Doctors may test magnesium deficiency by testing magnesium in saliva, urine, blood plasma, or serum. Severe magnesium deficiency can also result in low levels of potassium (Hypokalaemia) and calcium (Hypocalcaemia) due to its role in homeostasis. The RDA of magnesium in men is 400-420 mg and in women, it is 310-320 mg. Magnesium deficiency can be treated by consuming magnesium-rich food. Some of the examples include

Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale) Nuts (Almonds, cashews, peanuts) Fruits (Bananas, apple, avocados) Fortified cereals  Beans and legumes (kidney beans, black beans)

You can also take magnesium supplements, but it's preferred to get nutrients straight from food since food is packaged with complementary nutrients that can help you absorb magnesium better.

Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.