Magnesium is an essential mineral; without it, your nerves and muscles would not function appropriately. It is found in a variety of foods; green vegetables have the highest concentrations. Hypomagnesemia -- or too little magnesium in your blood -- can cause leg cramps. However, hypermagnesemia -- or too much magnesium -- can also cause muscle symptoms. The type of treatment you receive for hypomagnesemia will depend on whether or not you are experiencing symptoms of this condition.
Identification
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, magnesium is a mineral which is required for hundreds of chemical reactions in your body. Most of it is stored in your bones, although about 1 percent is found in your blood. Its molecular role is as a co-factor in enzymatic reactions driving protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism; its main job is to ensure proper functioning of your muscles and nerves.
Sources
Green vegetables -- for example, spinach -- are the best source of magnesium, although beans contain magnesium as well, and whole grains are also a good source. Additionally, most over-the-counter multivitamins contain some magnesium. The Institute of Medicine recommends that most adults consume between about 300 and 400 mg of magnesium a day; children and pregnant or nursing women have different recommended amounts.
Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency
According to Kerry C. Cho in "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment," magnesium deficiency, or hypomagnesemia, can be caused by malnutrition, gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease, and by drugs that increase the amount of magnesium that is excreted in your urine. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include weakness, muscle cramps -- which can occur in the legs -- and tremors.
Symptoms of Magnesium Excess
According to Kent R. Olson in his "Poisoning and Drug Overdose," magnesium excess can cause muscle weakness and more serious symptoms. Weakness occurs at only slightly elevated concentrations of magnesium, along with nausea and flushing of the skin; at higher doses, muscle paralysis may occur, accompanied by death from respiratory arrest or heart failure.
Treatment of Hypomagnesemia
If you are low on magnesium, but are asymptomatic, treatment consists of once or twice daily magnesium supplements of 250 to 500 mg, notes Kerry C. Cho. In contrast, if you are symptomatic from hypomagnesemia, you will likely need intravenous or intramuscular magnesium to replenish your magnesium stores. Your doctor can run a simple blood test to determine whether or not your magnesium levels are within a normal range.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium
- "CURRENT Medical Diagnosis & Treatment"; Stephen J. McPhee, Maxine A. Papadakis (eds.); 2009
- "Poisoning & Drug Overdose"; Kent R. Olsen; 2007
