Magnesium Deficiency In Women

Magnesium deficiency is relatively rare in the U.S., although many people do not get as much as they should, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Women should take particular care to get enough magnesium, since it can help to limit the risk for osteoporosis and preeclampsia and minimize the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Function

Magnesium helps to keep the bones strong, maintains nerve and muscle function, keeps the immune system healthy and sustains a steady heart rhythm. It also helps regulate the amount of other nutrients in the body, produces energy and helps the activate numerous enzymes.

Sources

Many foods contain magnesium. Particularly good sources include broccoli, halibut, mustard greens, pumpkin seeds, spinach, summer squash, Swiss chard and turnip greens. Supplements, including multivitamin and mineral supplements, are also a source of magnesium. Supplements that contain a chelated form of magnesium, including magnesium aspartate, magnesium glycinate and magnesium taurate may be better absorbed than those that contain a non-chelated form of magnesium, according to the George Mateljan Foundation than.

Deficiency Symptoms

Magnesium deficiency symptoms include abnormal heart rhythms, cramps, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle tingling, nausea, numbness, personality changes, seizures, vomiting and weakness. Not having enough magnesium in the blood can also cause the amounts of potassium and calcium in the blood to drop, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Considerations

Not getting enough magnesium in the diet can increase the risk of other serious health conditions. A 2007 study by Forrest H. Nielsen, Ph.D. published in the online magazine, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, found that post-menopausal women who didn't get enough magnesium in their diets had changes to their heart rhythms and less glucose tolerance, putting them more at risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

People at Higher Risk

Older adults, people with kidney disease, alcoholics, people with unmanaged diabetes, people with diseases that cause malabsorption of vitamins and minerals and people on certain medications, including antibiotics, cancer medications and diuretics, may need extra magnesium.