Protein is often associated with building muscle mass. Carbohydrates offer an immediate source of energy for muscle contraction. But minerals also play a critical role in healthy muscles. Muscle strength depends on an adequate amount of several minerals.
Muscle weakness refers to the loss of strength in one or more muscles. Muscle weakness can be a general weakness throughout your body, or it may be limited to a specific group of muscles or area of the body. Some medical conditions may cause weakness without a true loss of muscle strength, but if your muscles are becoming weaker, consult your health care provider. Sometimes, mineral deficiencies can cause muscle weakness. Other causes include anemia, food poisoning and neurologic conditions such as a pinched nerve, stroke or cerebral palsy.
Potassium
Low potassium, or hypokalemia, may not be noticeable in the early stages, but if your levels of potassium drop too far it can be life-threatening. Because potassium is an electrolyte it is able to conduct electricity by dissolving to produce positively charged ions. Potassium is essential to the "electrical" activity in the body that causes muscles to contract. Hypokalemia causes fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps. When levels of potassium drop too low, the muscles become paralyzed and the heart beats abnormally.
Sodium
Sodium functions as a negatively charged electrolyte that works with potassium to create muscle contraction. Low levels of sodium, called hyponatremia, may be caused by fluid retention, drinking excessive water or by losing too much sodium through sweating or vomiting. Low sodium causes muscle weakness and cramping, as well as headache, nausea, vomiting and fainting. Severe hyponatremia may be fatal and needs prompt medical attention.
Calcium
In addition to the role it plays in strengthening bones, calcium is essential for proper muscle contraction. When nerve signals stimulate the muscle, one of the first reactions is the release of calcium, which activates enzymes needed to provide energy for muscle contraction.
Magnesium
A magnesium deficiency also can cause muscle weakness. Magnesium is needed for potassium and sodium to be transported across cell membranes. This exchange of potassium and sodium results in muscle contraction.
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