Magnesium is responsible for producing and transporting energy in your body, producing protein, helping your muscles contract and relax, and helping certain enzymes function properly. Although magnesium deficiency is rare in people who are healthy and eat well-balanced meals, you may become deficient if you have certain health conditions.
Symptoms
Some early signs of magnesium deficiency are appetite loss, fatigue, confusion, irritability, memory problems, learning problems, muscle twitching, nausea and vomiting. A worsening magnesium deficiency can lead to problems such as rapid heartbeats, abnormal heart rhythms, tingling, numbness, delirium, hallucinations and low calcium and potassium in the blood. In severe cases, a magnesium deficiency can lead to cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest and death, according to MedlinePlus.
Risk Factors
Healthy kidneys are generally capable of limiting the amount of magnesium they excrete if your body's magnesium levels are low, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. However, certain health conditions may increase your chances of having levels that dip too low. You may develop a magnesium deficiency if you abuse alcohol or if you have a malabsorption condition such as inflammatory bowel disease. You may also be at risk if you are losing too much fluid through frequent urination, diarrhea or sweating. You are at a higher risk of losing excess fluid through urine if you take diuretics or have uncontrolled diabetes. Low blood calcium levels, malnutrition and surgery could also cause a magnesium deficiency.
Treatments
Get immediate medical help if you believe you have signs and symptoms of low magnesium levels. Emergency medical care for a serious deficiency may include getting fluids through your vein, receiving magnesium through a vein and taking medication to relieve any other symptoms you have, according to MedlinePlus. You may also need further treatment for the underlying cause. For instance, your doctor may need to treat uncontrolled diabetes, give you medication to relieve chronic diarrhea or advise you on drinking the right amount of electrolytes when you are participating in a high-energy athletic event.
Sources of Magnesium
Most healthy adults only need about 310 to 420 mg of magnesium per day. As a reference point, 3 oz. of halibut contains about 90 mg of magnesium, 1 oz. of almonds contains 80 mg and ½ cup of spinach contains about 75 mg, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Your doctor may prescribe a magnesium supplement if you are at high risk of a magnesium deficiency. Don't take a supplement without first getting guidance from her.
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