How common are magnesium deficiencies?

Magnesium deficiency, also known as hypomagnesemia, is an often-overlooked health problem. While less than 2% of Americans have been estimated to experience magnesium deficiency, that percentage has been shown to be far greater in hospital and ICU patients and people with diabetes or alcohol use disorder ( 1 ).

Why is magnesium deficiency so common?

Processed foods, fat, refined flour and sugars are all devoid of magnesium, and thus our Western diet predisposes us to magnesium deficiency. Good dietary sources of magnesium include nuts, dark chocolate and unrefined whole grains.

What does magnesium deficiency feel like?

Some of the first signs of magnesium deficiency can be: Fatigue. Loss of appetite. Muscle spasms.

Why is a true magnesium deficiency rare?

It's important to note that while many people aren't getting enough magnesium through diet alone, it's rare to have a true deficiency. You have your kidneys to thank for this: they limit how much of the mineral is expelled through your urine.

Is it easy to get magnesium deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency in healthy people is rare but it can be caused by: a poor diet (especially in elderly people or those who don't have enough to eat) type 2 diabetes. digestive problems such as Crohn's disease.

Many conditions are linked to magnesium deficiency

How serious is a magnesium deficiency?

Severe magnesium deficiency can cause problems with the function of your nervous system and heart. It can lead to things like muscle spasms, seizures, or heart arrhythmias. Oral or intravenous magnesium can supplement a low magnesium level. But it's important to find and address the underlying cause.

What are the seven signs you need magnesium?

What depletes the body of magnesium?

Refining or processing of food may deplete magnesium content by nearly 85%. Furthermore, cooking, especially boiling of magnesium-rich foods, will result in significant loss of magnesium. The processing and cooking of food may therefore explain the apparently high prevalence of low magnesium intake in many populations.

How long does it take to fix magnesium deficiency?

Chronic magnesium deficiency is often associated with normal serum magnesium despite deficiency in cells and in bone; the response to oral supplementation is slow and may take up to 40 weeks to reach a steady state.

Does vitamin D deplete magnesium?

Mg is essential in the metabolism of vitamin D, and taking large doses of vitamin D can induce severe depletion of Mg. Adequate magnesium supplementation should be considered as an important aspect of vitamin D therapy.

Does anxiety cause magnesium deficiency?

Investigations have demonstrated a relationship between the manifestations of stress reactions (anxiety, autonomic dysfunction, and maladjustment) and magnesium deficiency (MD). Thus, mental and physical stresses cause an increase in magnesium elimination from the body.

Can magnesium deficiency be cured?

It can be treated very effectively with oral or IV magnesium. It's important to eat a balanced diet to ensure you're getting enough magnesium. If you have conditions such as Crohn's disease or diabetes, or take diuretic medications, work with your doctor to ensure that you don't develop low magnesium.

Can low magnesium cause permanent damage?

Prolonged magnesium deficiency can have an adverse impact on a person's long-term health and increase the risk of chronic diseases, including: heart disease. high blood pressure. type 2 diabetes.

How can I test for magnesium deficiency at home?

You can test your magnesium levels by purchasing a simple at-home finger prick test kit which is then analysed at an accredited lab. Forth offers a number of blood tests which include magnesium such as our Nutri-check test and Menopause Health blood test.

Are most people magnesium deficient?

Nearly everyone is magnesium deficient. However, it is a relatively simple deficiency to correct — if you take action to eat more magnesium-rich foods or supplement. If you experience any of the symptoms above, consult with your doctor and/or receive a blood panel to determine if you are deficient.

What inhibits the absorption of magnesium?

Foods that hinder magnesium absorption include: Non-fermentable or insoluble fiber, such as whole grain, bran and seeds. Foods high in phytates, such as whole flours and grains, bran, the hulls of seeds and nuts, and un-sprouted beans and soy.

What diseases are caused by lack of magnesium?

What food is highest in magnesium?

How can I raise my magnesium levels quickly?

Green leafy vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and legumes are great sources of this vital mineral. You may need to supplement with extra magnesium in tablet or powder form if your levels have dipped low.

What fruit is highest in magnesium?

Fruits high in magnesium include dried figs, avocados, guavas, bananas, kiwi fruit, papayas, blackberries, raspberries, cantaloupes, and grapefruit. The daily value (DV) for magnesium 420mg per day.

Can low magnesium affect your brain?

Cognitive delays

Commonly referred to as brain fog, slow cognition or difficulty with concentration and memory can all indicate magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for the brain, so without it the brain cannot perform as well.

What medications cause low magnesium?

Hypomagnesemia occurs with both loop diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide, torsemide, and ethacrynic acid) and thiazide diuretics (chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, and metolazone).

Can magnesium deficiency cause mental illness?

Dietary deficiencies of magnesium, coupled with excess calcium and stress may cause many cases of other related symptoms including agitation, anxiety, irritability, confusion, asthenia, sleeplessness, headache, delirium, hallucinations and hyperexcitability, with each of these having been previously documented.

Why take zinc with magnesium?

that combine the two. Magnesium helps your body regulate its zinc levels, while zinc enables it to absorb magnesium more efficiently. Zinc will only hinder absorption when taken in abnormally high doses (around 142 mg of zinc per day).

How do you test your magnesium level?

Exams and Tests

A blood test will be ordered to check your magnesium level. Normal range is 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L). Other blood and urine tests that may be done include: Calcium blood test.