Magnesium plays an important role in the body. It helps in the contraction and relaxation of muscles, the function of specific enzymes, the production and transport of energy and protein synthesis, according to MedlinePlus. People can procure magnesium through a variety of dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains and nuts. Because of the presence of magnesium in this wide array of foods, a deficiency is very rare, except for those who abuse alcohol or have a health condition that inhibits adequate magnesium absorption. Either way, there are several health effects.
Insomnia, Irritability and Muscle Twitching
Individuals experiencing a magnesium deficiency will experience initial symptoms of insomnia, irritability and muscle twitching. Muscle twitching is due to the body's inability to control contraction and relaxation in the absence of adequate magnesium, according to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Insomnia and irritability emerge due to imbalanced calcium levels due to a magnesium deficiency, according to Elson Hass and Buck Levin in their book, "Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine." Individuals with alcohol-related magnesium deficiency will distinctly have low blood calcium levels that will result in these symptoms, as well.
Cardiovascular Changes
A magnesium deficiency is often the root of many cardiovascular issues, according to Balch. It is a major cause of cardia arrhythmia, hypertension, cardiac arrest, asthma and pulmonary disorders. The University of Maryland Medical Center says magnesium helps in maintaining a normal heart rhythm and is often given intravenously to those with an irregular heartbeat or sudden cardiac arrythmia. Magnesium and calcium levels are dually necessary for the normal functioning of the heart. Usually, physicians will need to closely monitor its administration to prevent complications.
Hallucinations and Delirium
In severe cases of magnesium deficiency, hallucinations and delirium can set in. The central nervous system causes these effects due to the lack of magnesium, Wadi Suki and Shaul Massry explain in their book "Therapy of Renal Diseases and Related Disorders." These psychological effects may begin with general apathy and depression and quickly progress to a delusional state, Suki and Massry say.
References
- MedlinePlus: Magnesium in Diet
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2006
- "Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine"; Elson Hass and Buck Levin; 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- "Therapy of Renal Diseases and Related Disorders"; Wadi Suki and Shaul Massry; 1991
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