Although you might not always take in enough magnesium through your diet, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that it’s rare for the body to be deficient in it. When magnesium levels become low, the kidneys limit the amount of magnesium excreted through the urine. But if magnesium levels do become deficient, it can affect your heart rate.
Magnesium Deficiency
Although your body controls magnesium levels effectively, certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing a deficiency. These conditions include vomiting, diarrhea, irritable bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. Use of diuretics, heavy intake of coffee, caffeine, salt and alcohol, heavy menstruation and excessive sweating can also contribute to magnesium deficiencies.
Recommended Intake
The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that infants 6 months and younger receive 30 mg of magnesium per day, while infants age 7 to 12 months receive 75 mg per day. From age 1 to 3, kids need 80 mg and from age 4 to 8, the recommended intake increases significantly to 130 mg per day. The recommended intake continues to increase, with the recommended intake from age 9 to 13 at 240 mg. From age 14 to 18, males need 410 mg and females need 360 mg per day. From age 19 to 30, males need 400 mg and females need 310 mg per day. After the age of 30, males need 420 mg, while females need only 320 mg of magnesium per day. The recommended intake for pregnant women ranges from 350 to 400 mg per day, depending on her age.
Dietary Sources
Foods highest in magnesium include green leafy vegetables, bran, oats, brown rice, halibut, most nuts and legumes. Other magnesium-rich foods include potatoes, yogurt, avocados, bananas, milk, molasses and cocoa powder. Some herbs and spices can also contribute to magnesium intake, such as coriander, celery seed, sage, dried mustard, fennel seed, tarragon, basic and poppy seed.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of magnesium deficiency include nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, muscle weakness and irregular heart rhythms. The deficiency can also cause emotional and mental symptoms, including anxiety, agitation, sleep disorders, confusion and insomnia. Nerve function can also be impacted, often causing restless leg syndrome, muscle spasms and seizures.
Considerations
Although magnesium deficiency can cause an irregular heartbeat, it is not the only cause. According to MayoClinic.com, a variety of things can lead to arrhythmias. Serious causes might include blocked coronary arteries, heart tissue scarring, high blood pressure, changes to the heart’s structure and electrical shocks. Less severe causes might include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, smoking, excessive intake of alcohol or caffeine, stress and certain medications. If you are experiencing irregular heart rhythms, your physician can help you pinpoint the exact cause.
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