Magnesium and iron are two important minerals your body uses as nutrients. Both allow your body to carry out vital functions, and not getting enough of either can result in a nutrient deficiency. While iron deficiencies are relatively common, having an iron deficiency compounded with low magnesium levels can result in a broad range of negative symptoms. Talk to a doctor if you need advice and help with mineral deficiencies.
Iron Deficiency
About 80 percent of the world's population suffers from an iron deficiency, with another 30 percent suffering from anemia caused by iron deficiency, according to the World Health Organization. Iron deficiencies typically begin with an iron imbalance in which you don't get enough iron from your diet. Over time, this imbalance can lead to a deficiency that causes anemia, a condition in which your body is unable to produce all the red blood cells you require. Iron-deficiency anemia's primary symptom is fatigue, though you may also experience brittle nails, sore or swollen tongue and more frequent infections.
Magnesium
Your body uses magnesium to help in your ability to use energy, keep a steady heartbeat and with over 300 biochemical reactions, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. You typically get magnesium by eating foods such as fortified cereals, beans, spinach, raisins, whole wheat breads and other foods. While low magnesium levels are often common in the average American diet, they typically do not lead to magnesium deficiency problems. However, if you have a gastrointestinal disorder or medical condition that makes it more difficult to absorb nutrients, you may be at a higher risk of developing a deficiency.
Low Megnesium
Because your body needs magnesium for so many functions, the symptoms of low magnesium levels are often varied. While you should get daily amounts of magnesium as part of your diet, not getting enough one day or another probably won't cause any significant problems. However, if your diet regularly lacks magnesium you can experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea and fatigue. If you also have an iron deficiency, the fatigue cause by it may mask or exacerbate fatigue caused by low magnesium.
Magnesium Deficiency
The longer you go without magnesium the worse the effects can get. Magnesium deficiencies can cause more serious symptoms such as muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, seizures, changes in personality and abnormal heart rhythms. It can also cause additional nutritional imbalances as it can lead to low calcium and potassium levels. Treating an iron or magnesium deficiency requires that you address each nutritional deficiency individually, and treating one may not address all of the symptoms. Speak to a physician for medical advice about how to address any deficiencies you have.
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