Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium is a mineral found in the body. It’s also found in foods and supplements. Magnesium is essential for over 300 enzymatic processes in the body. Foods which are high in magnesium include beans, nuts, whole grains, dark leafy greens, and pumpkin and chai seeds. When there is a magnesium deficiency, we may have health complications.

Magnesium Deficiency Complications

Magnesium deficiency can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), and coronary artery disease. Low magnesium levels can also cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to reduced blood flow.

Magnesium is essential for proper muscle function, and its deficiency can result in muscle cramps, spasms, and twitches. This can occur in various muscles, including the legs, feet, and eyelids.

Magnesium plays a crucial role in bone health, and its deficiency can contribute to the development of osteoporosis. Low magnesium levels can affect calcium metabolism, impair bone formation, and increase the risk of fractures.

Magnesium deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Magnesium is involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters and stress hormones, and its deficiency can disrupt these processes.

Magnesium is essential for energy production in the body, and its deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, and reduced physical performance. Low magnesium levels can interfere with the production of ATP, the energy currency of cells.

Magnesium deficiency can affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. In severe cases, it can even cause seizures and neurological disorders. 7. Digestive issues: Magnesium deficiency can contribute to digestive problems such as constipation, abdominal cramps, and nausea. Magnesium plays a role in muscle contractions in the digestive tract, and its deficiency can disrupt this process.  

Low magnesium levels have been linked to insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Magnesium is involved in insulin secretion and action, and its deficiency can affect these processes.

Magnesium deficiency can disrupt hormone levels in the body, leading to menstrual irregularities, PMS symptoms, and fertility issues. Magnesium is involved in the production and regulation of various hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. Increased inflammation is a complication of magnesium deficiency. It may lead to chronic inflammation in the body. Low magnesium levels have been associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers and an increased risk of chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.

Signs of Magnesium Deficiency

*Insulin resistance

*Constipation

*Migraines

*Restless leg syndrome

*Cramping

*Hypertension

*Fibromyalgia 

References

NIH. (2022). Magnesium. Retrieved September 20, 2023 from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/