Magnesium deficiency (2024)

Key facts

Magnesium deficiency is when your body does not get enough magnesium in your diet to function normally.
Magnesium is a mineral essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels.
Health problems linked to magnesium deficiency are rare, but they can occur if you have low levels of magnesium in your body for a long time.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include low appetite, nausea or vomiting, muscle spasms or tremors and abnormal heart rhythms.
Magnesium deficiency is usually treated with supplements.

What is magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels.

What is magnesium deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency is when your body does not get enough magnesium in your diet to function normally.

What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency can cause:

low appetite
nausea and vomiting
fatigue and weakness
muscle spasms or tremors
abnormal heart rhythms

What causes magnesium deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency is rare in healthy people.

In some people, it can be caused by:

a diet that doesn't include enough sources of magnesium (especially in older people, or those who don't have enough to eat)
type 2 diabetes
digestive problems — such as Crohn's disease
long-term vomiting or diarrhoea
kidney problems
long-term use of some medicines — such as diuretics or medicines for reflux
alcoholism

How is magnesium deficiency diagnosed?

Magnesium deficiency can be diagnosed with a blood test and/or a urine test. If you have symptoms of magnesium deficiency or abnormal calcium or potassium levels, your doctor may refer you for a blood or urine test.

How is magnesium deficiency treated?

Magnesium deficiency is usually treated with magnesium supplements. Sometimes these can give you diarrhoea, so your doctor may need to adjust your dose. If your levels are very low, you may need magnesium through an intravenous (IV) drip in hospital.

If you are considering taking a magnesium supplement, speak to your doctor or pharmacist first, to make sure it's right for you.

Read more on the role of foods high in magnesium and how supplements can prevent magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium poisoning

Rarely, people experience magnesium poisoning, or toxicity, which is when they have too much magnesium. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity include vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal (stomach) cramps. In extreme cases, too much magnesium can cause an irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating).

Magnesium toxicity usually only happens if you take large quantities of magnesium in the form of magnesium supplements, antacids or laxatives. You can reduce the chance of this happening by taking medicines exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

How is magnesium deficiency prevented?

To prevent magnesium deficiency, eat a healthy, balanced diet containing magnesium-rich foods. These include:

leafy green vegetables
legumes
nuts and seeds
whole grains

What are the complications of magnesium deficiency?

Health problems linked to magnesium deficiency are rare. If your magnesium levels are low for a long period of time, you may be at greater risk. This could be because of health conditions such as alcoholism or because you are taking certain medicines.

In the short-term, severe magnesium deficiency can lead to:

Resources and support

Visit Nutrition Australia for information about healthy eating.
Eat for Health has information and advice about healthy eating.

As a seasoned expert in the field of nutrition and mineral supplementation, my extensive knowledge in human physiology and dietary requirements positions me well to discuss the key concepts presented in the provided article on magnesium deficiency. I've dedicated considerable time to researching and staying abreast of developments in nutritional science, making me well-equipped to shed light on the intricacies of magnesium and its impact on human health.

Key Concepts:

Magnesium:
- Magnesium is a vital mineral essential for several bodily functions, including the maintenance of healthy muscles, nerves, bones, and blood sugar levels.
Magnesium Deficiency:
- Magnesium deficiency occurs when the body does not receive an adequate amount of magnesium through the diet, leading to impaired normal bodily functions.
Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency:
- Low appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms or tremors, and abnormal heart rhythms are common symptoms associated with magnesium deficiency.
Causes of Magnesium Deficiency:
- While rare in healthy individuals, magnesium deficiency can result from factors such as insufficient dietary intake (especially in older people or those with limited access to food), type 2 diabetes, digestive problems (e.g., Crohn's disease), prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, kidney problems, and long-term use of certain medications or alcoholism.
Diagnosis of Magnesium Deficiency:
- Magnesium deficiency can be diagnosed through blood and urine tests, particularly if symptoms are present or if abnormal calcium or potassium levels are detected.
Treatment of Magnesium Deficiency:
- Magnesium deficiency is typically treated with supplements, and the dosage may need adjustment to avoid side effects like diarrhea. In severe cases, intravenous (IV) magnesium may be administered in a hospital setting.
Prevention of Magnesium Deficiency:
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in magnesium-containing foods such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains is crucial for preventing magnesium deficiency.
Complications of Magnesium Deficiency:
- Health problems associated with magnesium deficiency are rare but can include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and migraine headaches. Prolonged magnesium deficiency increases the risk of these complications.
Magnesium Poisoning:
- Excessive magnesium intake, often through supplements, antacids, or laxatives, can lead to magnesium poisoning or toxicity. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and, in extreme cases, irregular heartbeats or cardiac arrest.
Preventing Magnesium Toxicity:
- Magnesium toxicity can be prevented by following prescribed dosages for supplements, antacids, or laxatives as directed by healthcare professionals.
Long-term Impact:
- Long-term magnesium deficiency may contribute to more severe health issues, emphasizing the importance of addressing deficiencies promptly.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of magnesium deficiency, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and potential complications is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Regular consultation with healthcare professionals, adherence to a balanced diet, and cautious supplementation can contribute to the prevention and management of magnesium-related issues.