Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium deficiency impacts millions of people worldwide, yet doctors often miss the diagnosis because of its subtle symptoms. The human body needs this vital mineral for several biochemical reactions. Magnesium's significance extends to muscle function, nerve health, and energy production to keep the body running smoothly.

Low magnesium symptoms show up in various ways. People might experience tiredness, muscle cramps, high blood pressure, or erratic heartbeat. Several factors deplete the body's magnesium stores. These include excessive urination, chronic diarrhoea, and some medicines like diuretics. The problem becomes more severe in hospitals, where many patients show low magnesium levels. The numbers jump dramatically for patients in intensive care units.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Your body sends early warning signals when magnesium runs low. These include poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. The magnesium deficiency symptoms become more noticeable as levels continue to fall:

• Muscle spasms, cramps, and tremors
• Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
• Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus) 
• Personality changes and irritability
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

Severe cases can trigger seizures, delirium, and dangerous heart rhythms. These symptoms typically show up when magnesium drops below 0.5 mmol/L.

Causes of Low Magnesium (Magnesium Deficiency)

The mechanisms behind magnesium deficiency stem from either poor intake or excessive loss. Here are the common triggers:

• Alcohol use disorder impacts both how much magnesium you take in and how well you absorb it while increasing its loss through urine. 
• People with chronic digestive conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease struggle to absorb magnesium properly. 
• Certain medicines, such as proton pump inhibitors, diuretics, and some antibiotics, can also deplete magnesium levels.
• Uncontrolled diabetes forces more magnesium out through frequent urination. Your body's magnesium stores can also deplete through chronic diarrhoea, heavy sweating, and kidney problems.

Risks of Magnesium Deficiency

Some people face greater chances of developing a magnesium deficiency. The body's ability to absorb magnesium decreases with age while loss increases. People with diabetes lose additional magnesium through increased urination. The risk rises for people with gastrointestinal diseases or alcohol dependence.

Complications of Low Magnesium 

Untreated magnesium deficiency can cause serious health issues. It often disrupts the other electrolytes, especially potassium and calcium levels. Heart rhythm problems can develop, including life-threatening conditions like torsade de pointes.

A long-term lack of magnesium increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and migraines. Children need adequate magnesium for proper bone development, while adults face higher fracture risks when levels stay low.

Diagnosis

Blood tests are the main way doctors check magnesium levels. Normal ranges typically fall between 1.46 and 2.68 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Blood tests alone might cause problems since only 1% of your body's magnesium moves through blood. Your doctor might need:

• A serum magnesium test from your blood sample
• A 24-hour urine collection to measure magnesium excretion
• Tests for calcium and potassium levels
• An electrocardiogram (EKG) to check heart rhythms

The magnesium stored in your bones and cells doesn't always show up in blood tests, which makes diagnosis tough.

Treatment for Low Magnesium

Your treatment depends on how severe the deficiency is. Doctors usually recommend oral magnesium supplements for mild cases. You can find these supplements in several forms:

• Magnesium citrate, chloride, or aspartate (your body absorbs these better)
• Magnesium oxide or sulphate (your body doesn't absorb these as well)

You'll need hospital treatment with intravenous (IV) magnesium for severe deficiency. Treating the underlying causes, like diabetes or kidney problems, is crucial for lasting results.

When to See a Doctor

Get medical help if you have:

• Seizures 
• Muscle contractions
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Severe numbness or tingling in hands or feet

Book an appointment if you notice ongoing fatigue, muscle cramps, or weakness. 

You need regular magnesium checks if you have chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or kidney disorders.

How do I Increase Magnesium Levels?

Your diet can give you more magnesium. These foods pack plenty of this mineral:

• Spinach and dark green vegetables
• Nuts (especially Brazil nuts and almonds)
• Pumpkin and chia seeds
• Whole grains and legumes
• Dark chocolate

Oral supplements work, too, but they might cause diarrhoea. Keep your daily supplement intake under 350 mg beyond what you eat. 

Talk to your doctor before you start any supplements, especially if you take other medications or have kidney problems.

Conclusion

Magnesium plays a vital role in our overall health, yet medical assessments often overlook it. This mighty mineral supports hundreds of bodily functions, and its deficiency can cause various health issues. You might recognise some symptoms in yourself or your loved ones - muscle cramps after exercise, unexplained fatigue, or occasional heart palpitations.

Recognising warning signs helps you address deficiencies before they cause serious health problems. Blood tests might miss some cases, but asking your doctor about persistent symptoms can lead to proper diagnosis and treatment.

Most people can naturally boost their magnesium levels through everyday foods. Your daily intake improves with a handful of almonds, a portion of spinach, or even a square of dark chocolate. Supplements are a great way to get additional support when dietary changes don't suffice.

This invisible deficiency connects to several chronic health conditions, from heart disease to osteoporosis. The steps you take today - through diet changes or medical treatment - protect your body's future health. 

FAQs

1. Can low magnesium levels cause headaches?

Research confirms a strong link between magnesium deficiency & headaches. People who suffer from migraines usually have lower magnesium levels than those who don't. The risk of acute migraine headaches increases 35 times with this deficiency.

The mechanism is simple. Magnesium blocks calcium channels in neurons to prevent brain cells from becoming overexcited. It reduces inflammation and lowers levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which makes blood vessels expand and trigger pain.

2. Which food is high in magnesium?

You can get enough magnesium by eating these foods:

• Seeds and nuts: Pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, cashews
• Green vegetables: Spinach, Swiss chard 
• Legumes: Black beans, edamame 
• Whole grains: Brown rice, shredded wheat)
• Other foods: Avocados, bananas, dark chocolate

3. How can I check my magnesium level at home?

No reliable home test exists to accurately measure magnesium levels. The best way is to watch for warning signs.

Look out for symptoms like muscle cramps, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep problems. People with diabetes, alcoholism, or digestive disorders often have low magnesium levels.

Doctors can order a serum magnesium blood test for accurate results. Blood tests might miss deficiencies because only 1% of your body's magnesium moves through the blood.

Dr. Rahul Agrawal

MBBS, MD, PGDGM, PGDDM, PGDCR
CARE Hospitals Outpatient Centre, HITEC City, Hyderabad, CARE Hospitals, HITEC City, Hyderabad

To Book an Appointment, call:

+91 40-68106529