Magnesium Deficiency: Causes & Symptoms
Magnesium is a mineral that helps:
- turn the food we eat into energy
- make sure the parathyroid glands, which produce hormones important for bone health, work normally
Symptoms of low magnesium
Low magnesium symptoms are usually mild to begin with, and may be easily confused with other common illnesses. They include:
- nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, and weakness.
- As the deficiency progresses, it may lead to low calcium and low potassium, and cause other more distinctive symptoms.
- Muscle twitches and cramps – A common symptom of magnesium deficiency is twitching and cramping in the muscles. In more severe cases, this could progress into seizures or convulsions.
- It’s thought that low potassium can cause muscle weakness.
- Abnormal heart rhythms and coronary spasms – Low magnesium can cause some heart symptoms. These include pain, tightness and pressure in the chest, and an irregular or unusually fast heart rate.
What causes magnesium deficiency?
In some people, it can be caused by:
- a diet that doesn’t include enough sources of magnesium (especially in older people, or those who don’t have enough to eat)
- type 2 diabetes
- digestive problems — such as Crohn’s disease
- long-term vomiting or diarrhoea
- kidney problems
- long-term use of some medicines — such as diuretics or medicines for reflux
- alcoholism
How is a deficiency diagnosed?
Magnesium deficiency can be diagnosed with a blood test and/or a urine test. If you have symptoms of magnesium deficiency or abnormal calcium or potassium levels, your doctor may refer you for a blood or urine test.
How is magnesium deficiency prevented?
To prevent a deficiency, eat a healthy, balanced diet containing magnesium-rich foods. These include:
- leafy green vegetables
- legumes
- nuts and seeds
- whole grains