Magnesium is vital for good health and nutrition. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is needed by every organ, tissue and cell. Low amounts of magnesium can cause a variety of health problems ranging from nervousness to heart arrhythmia. Understanding the nature of magnesium deficiency can help you identify symptoms sooner and find a more effective treatment.
Prevalence
Magnesium deficiency is thought to be relatively common in America. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, African-Americans are more likely than Caucasians to suffer from a deficiency due to poor diet. Age also plays a factor, with elderly people of all races being more likely to experience deficiencies. People taking magnesium supplements consistently have higher magnesium levels than those who do not.
Causes and Risk Factors
The main cause of magnesium deficiency in America is poor diet. Failure to eat enough magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables and whole grains, may lead to deficiency over time. Certain medications, including diuretics, chemotherapy drugs, hormonal supplements and antibiotics, can also lower magnesium levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other potential risk factors include diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and alcohol abuse.
Symptoms
Magnesium deficiency symptoms can range from barely noticeable to debilitating. Early signs often include nausea, weakness and appetite loss. As the condition progresses, you may experience muscle cramping, personality changes, heart arrhythmia and seizures. Calcium deficiency is another possible outcome of low magnesium, as both minerals are needed to balance each other in the body. Fortunately, severe magnesium deficiency is rare in healthy Americans today.
Prevention and Treatment
Incorporating more magnesium-rich foods into your daily diet is a good way to prevent deficiency. Nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains and leafy green vegetables like spinach are good sources of the mineral. For severe deficiencies, supplemental or intravenous magnesium may be needed. Dietary supplements containing magnesium are available over the counter in many stores and pharmacies. The Office of Dietary Supplements states that the oxide and carbonate forms are most readily absorbed by the body. If a deficiency is diagnosed, your doctor can help determine the best treatment for you.
Considerations
Magnesium can cause adverse effects in large amounts. Ask your doctor before taking magnesium supplements, especially if you suffer from kidney disease or another chronic health condition. Because magnesium deficiency can mimic other conditions, it's important to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms before attempting to treat them with magnesium supplements.
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