Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite called plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. The parasites multiply in the liver and then infect red blood cells. Malaria is more common in tropical and subtropical countries in Africa, Asia and South America. Patients with severe malaria often experience malnutrition and deficiencies of nutrients such as magnesium.
Malaria and Magnesium Deficiency
Patients with severe malaria experience recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to PubMedHealth. Patients experiencing these gastrointestinal symptoms may have problems absorbing magnesium and other nutrients. Magnesium is an essential mineral that keeps bones strong. Magnesium also maintains normal functioning of the heart, muscles and nerve cells. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include numbness and tingling, muscle cramps, abnormal heart rhythms, muscle contractions, seizures and personality changes, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Magnesium Sources
Patients with malaria can prevent magnesium deficiency by increasing intake of foods rich in the mineral. Examples of foods rich in magnesium include dark green vegetables such as spinach, kale, collard greens and broccoli, plus fortified breads and cereals, peas, beans, avocados, brown rice, bananas, dried apricots, tofu, soy flour, cashew nuts and almonds.
Magnesium Supplements
Oral magnesium supplements such as magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate are used to treat magnesium deficiency caused by malaria or other health conditions. Intravenous magnesium is also available to treat severe magnesium deficiency. Magnesium tablets may cause diarrhea. Intravenous magnesium supplements should not be used by patients with severe kidney disease.
Malaria Symptoms
Symptoms of malaria usually appear 10 to 15 days after a mosquito bite. Patients with malaria experience symptoms such as headache, high fever, shaking chills, muscle pain, profuse sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, bloody stool, convulsion, yellowing of the skin and eyes, according to MayoClinic.com. Untreated malaria can become life-threatening by disrupting the flow of blood to vital organs.
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