Most of the body's reserves of magnesium are stored in bones, with organs and cells taking the second largest percentage. Only one percent of the magnesium in your body is present in blood. This means that symptoms of low magnesium don't always show up right away. In fact, the body might start "stealing" magnesium from your bones if you have a low amount in your blood. Until the reserves of magnesium in your bones start to get low, which can take months or even years, you might not notice or experience any symptoms.
Early Signs
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, magnesium is involved in over 300 different chemical reactions in your body. As a result, a low level of magnesium might cause a wide variety of symptoms that can be easily confused or ignored. In the early stages, deficiency can cause fatigue, nausea and weakness, which can easily be confused with symptoms of low iron or other vitamin deficiencies.
Serious Symptoms
If a magnesium deficiency is not treated early, it might lead to more serious symptoms. These include personality changes, muscle weakness and numbness, heart problems and seizures. A low level of magnesium can also cause the body to lose other minerals faster, resulting in hypocalcemia, which is low iron, and hypokalemia, which is low potassium.
Heart Problems
Although heart problems can be caused by a number of factors, a low level of magnesium might worsen or accelerate the development of a heart condition. People who develop a heart condition such as arrhythmia might have low levels of magnesium in their bodies. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this is why people who are at risk or already have a cardiac arrhythmia are sometimes prescribed intravenous magnesium.
Changes in Blood Pressure
Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure. People who consume a diet low in magnesium are more likely to experience high blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This is why the DASH diet, for people with hypertension, recommends eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are high in magnesium.
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