Women normally need between 310 and 320 mg of magnesium each day to maintain proper body functions. Daily magnesium requirements increase to 350 to 400 mg for pregnant women. If you don't get enough magnesium from your diet, you risk developing magnesium deficiency. The symptoms of low magnesium levels are similar in women and men. Talk to your doctor if you think you're suffering from magnesium deficiency.
Stomach Discomfort
Stomach problems are the most common side effect associated with magnesium deficiency. You may experience prolonged bouts of diarrhea accompanied by nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps. Stomach discomfort may also contribute to a temporary decrease in appetite. Seek additional care from your doctor if diarrhea persists, as it increases your risk of dehydration.
Unusual Body Sensations
Magnesium helps transmit messages between the nerves. If you don't get enough magnesium, you may experience nerve-related problems such as diminished nerve function. This can cause unusual sensations, including numbness or tingling. These sensations may be uncomfortable and may limit your ability to voluntarily move the affected body regions. Consult your doctor if these symptoms persist or become severe, as they may also be signs of additional health issues.
Muscle Cramps or Seizures
You need sufficient magnesium for muscle contraction and relaxation. When your magnesium levels are unusually low, your muscles can contract irregularly, causing muscle cramps, weakness and heart rate abnormalities, the Office of Dietary Supplements warns. Additionally, low magnesium levels may result in abnormal electrical activity in your brain, leading to seizure symptoms. Contact your physician as soon as possible if you experience any of these magnesium deficiency symptoms.
Personality Changes
Unusual personality changes may arise from insufficient magnesium levels in your bloodstream. You may become abnormally irritable, agitated, confused or anxious, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns. You may also experience difficulty sleeping, which can exacerbate personality changes. If shifts in your personality become severe or disrupt your relationships with friends, coworkers or loved ones, consult your medical provider.
Hypocalcemia
If your have inadequate magnesium, you may also develop unusually low calcium levels, a condition called hypocalcemia. Symptoms associated with low calcium include weakness, increased urination, stomach discomfort, unintended weight loss, depression, confusion and memory loss.
Hypokalemia
Low magnesium levels may contribute to decreased potassium in your bloodstream -- a magnesium deficiency symptoms called hypokalemia. Unusually low potassium levels may cause constipation, muscle cramps, heart rate irregularities, weakness or fatigue. Discuss these symptoms with your physician as soon as possible if they occur.
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