Magnesium deficiency, also known as hypomagnesemia, is often an overlooked health problem, which can have far-reaching consequences later on.
One study [1] suggested that up to 75% of the general population did not meet their recommended daily magnesium intake.
In some cases, magnesium deficiency may be underdiagnosed, as obvious indications usually do not appear until magnesium levels are very low.
The causes of magnesium deficiency vary. They range from inadequate food intake to loss of magnesium from the body due to objective reasons. Health problems associated with magnesium loss include diabetes, poor absorption, chronic diarrhea, celiac disease, and alcoholism.
Here are the 7 most common symptoms of magnesium deficiency:
1. MUSCLE WEAKNESS AND CRAMPS
Twitching, tremor, and muscle cramps are signs of magnesium deficiency. In extreme cases, magnesium deficiency can even cause seizures or convulsions.
Scientists believe that these symptoms are caused by a higher flow of calcium into nerve cells, which excessively emits or hyperstimulates muscle nerves [2].
Sometimes, involuntary muscle twitches may have many other causes, such as stress or consuming too much caffeine, as side effects of certain medications or symptoms of certain neurological diseases.
2. MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY ALSO AFFECTS MENTAL HEALTH
Various mental health disorders are another possible consequence of magnesium deficiency in the body. Among other things, this includes apathy, characterized by mental stiffness or lack of emotion. Exacerbated deficiency can even lead to a state of delirium or coma.
Besides, observational studies have linked low magnesium levels to an increased risk of depression and anxiety [3].
3. OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is a disorder characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density and an increased risk of bone fractures.
The risk of osteoporosis is affected by various factors, such as age, lack of physical activity, and insufficient intake of vitamins D and K.
Interestingly, magnesium deficiency is one of the main risk factors for osteoporosis. Magnesium deficiency can directly weaken bones, but also lower the level of calcium, the main building block of bones [4].
4. MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY CAUSES FATIGUE AND MUSCLE WEAKNESS
Fatigue, a condition characterized by physical or mental exhaustion or weakness, is one of the key symptoms of magnesium deficiency.
Each of us gets tired from time to time, and that simply means we need to rest. However, severe or persistent fatigue can be a sign of some/a health problem.
Since fatigue is a non-specific symptom, it is impossible to identify its cause if not accompanied by other symptoms. Another, more specific sign of magnesium deficiency is muscle weakness, also known as myasthenia gravisa [5].
Scientists believe that the weakness is caused by the loss of potassium in the muscle cells, a condition associated with a lack of magnesium. Therefore, magnesium deficiency is one of the possible causes of fatigue or weakness [6].
5. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Several observational studies suggest that low magnesium levels or poor food intake may raise blood pressure.
Certain studies have shown that magnesium supplements can lower blood pressure, especially in the case of adults with high blood pressure [7].
To put it simply, magnesium deficiency can raise blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease.
6. ASTHMA
Magnesium deficiency is sometimes seen frequently in patients with severe asthma. Furthermore, magnesium levels tend to be lower in people with asthma than in healthy people.
Researchers point out that magnesium deficiency can cause calcium accumulation in the muscles that line the airways of the lungs. This leads to the airways narrowing, which makes breathing more difficult [8].
7. MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY CAN CAUSE CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS
Among the most serious symptoms of magnesium deficiency is cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat.
In most cases, the symptoms of the arrhythmia are mild. There are often no symptoms at all. However, in some people it can cause palpitations of the heart (feeling of skipping heart rhythm).
Other possible symptoms of arrhythmia include recklessness/carelessness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or faints. In the most severe cases, the arrhythmia may increase the risk of stroke or heart failure.
Scientists believe that the imbalance of potassium levels inside and outside the heart muscle cells is a condition associated with magnesium deficiency [9].
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19621856
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2436546
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25827510
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23912329
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11300621
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17804670
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17145221
