"Low magnesium" refers to an abnormally low level of this mineral within the bloodstream. The level is regulated by the kidneys, but several disorders can result in a low amount. Magnesium is important for the normal functioning of the muscles, and because of this, a low level can lead to spasms, convulsions and seizures.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an electrolyte; that is, it is a mineral that has an electric charge. As explained in the "Handbook of Pathophysiology" by Elizabeth Corwin, Ph.D., only 1 percent of this mineral is in the bloodstream, because an estimated 49 percent is in the cells of the body and approximately 50 percent is stored in the bones. The cells use magnesium for a variety of biochemical reactions, to make DNA and protein, and to affect calcium and the muscles.
Magnesium Consumption and Regulation
People should consume between 140 mg to 360 mg a day of magnesium, and 30 to 40 percent of this is absorbed in the small intestines, unless there is not enough magnesium in the diet. In that case, the intestines can absorb approximately 70 percent of the magnesium consumed. The level in the bloodstream is regulated by the kidneys, and the normal range is 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L, according to F. Richard Bringhurst, M.D., senior vice president for medicine and research management at Massachusetts General Hospital in "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine."
'Low Magnesium'
"Low magnesium" means having an abnormally low level of magnesium in the bloodstream. The medical term for this disorder is hypomagnesemia. Many disorders can cause "low magnesium," but the most common reasons include malnutrition, vomiting, diarrhea, cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholism, and the inflammation of the pancreas, per Gabor Kelen, M.D., chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at John Hopkins University in "Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine." Some medications can cause a low magnesium level; cisplatin, some diuretics, cyclosporine, amphotericin and aminoglycosides.
Symptoms of 'Low Magnesium'
People with hypomagnesemia may feel weak, nauseated and have to vomit. Because magnesium has a role in the normal functioning of the muscles, having a low magnesium level can lead to tremors, spasms, overactive reflexes and convulsions. A physician may be able to see abnormal activity on an EKG, or an electrocardiogram, that records heart activity. If the levels are very low, children can go into a generalized seizure, writes James Lewis, III, M.D., of Nephrology Associates in "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals."
References
- "Handbook of Pathophysiology"; Elizabeth Corwin, MSN, Ph.D., FNP; 2000
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony Fauci, M.D., Dennis Kasper, M.D., Dan Longo, M.D. et al.; 2008
- The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Disorders of Magnesium Concentration
- "Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide"; Judith Tintinalli, M.D., Gabor Kelen, M.D. et al.; 2004
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