Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 275.2      ICD10: E61.2      ICD11: 5C64.41

Magnesium deficiency, also known as hypomagnesemia, refers to a condition where the amount of magnesium in the blood is lower than normal.
Magnesium is a crucial mineral that plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, including:

Muscle and nerve function: Magnesium helps regulate muscle contractions, nerve transmission, and neurotransmitter release.
Blood sugar control: It influences insulin action and glucose metabolism.
Blood pressure regulation: Magnesium contributes to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Bone health: It is a component of bone and is important for bone mineralization.
Protein synthesis: Magnesium is required for building proteins.
Energy production: It participates in energy production pathways.

Causes of Magnesium Deficiency:

Hypomagnesemia can result from various factors, including:

Inadequate dietary intake: Consuming a diet consistently low in magnesium-rich foods can lead to deficiency, especially if coupled with other risk factors.
Impaired absorption: Conditions affecting the digestive system, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and bariatric surgery, can hinder magnesium absorption.
Increased excretion: Certain medical conditions and medications can cause the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of magnesium in the urine. This can be caused by medications such as diuretics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), some antibiotics, and certain chemotherapy drugs. Medical conditions can include diabetes, kidney disease, hyperaldosteronism, and Gitelman syndrome.
Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with magnesium absorption and increase its excretion.
Lactation: The demand for magnesium is increased during lactation.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency:

The symptoms of hypomagnesemia can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency. Mild deficiencies may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the deficiency worsens, symptoms can include:

Muscle cramps, spasms, or weakness: These are common symptoms due to magnesium's role in muscle function.
Fatigue: Low magnesium levels can affect energy production, leading to fatigue and weakness.
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia): Magnesium is essential for maintaining a regular heart rhythm.
Numbness or tingling: Nerve function can be impaired, causing numbness or tingling sensations, especially in the hands and feet.
Seizures: Severe magnesium deficiency can trigger seizures.
Personality changes: Irritability, anxiety, depression, or confusion can occur.
Osteoporosis: Chronic magnesium deficiency can contribute to weakened bones.
Nausea and vomiting: Digestive symptoms may arise.

Diagnosis of Magnesium Deficiency:

Diagnosing hypomagnesemia usually involves a blood test to measure magnesium levels. However, blood levels may not always accurately reflect the total amount of magnesium in the body, as most magnesium is stored in bones and tissues. Urine magnesium testing may also be conducted to assess magnesium excretion.

Treatment of Magnesium Deficiency:

Treatment for hypomagnesemia depends on the severity of the deficiency and the underlying cause.

Dietary changes: Increasing the intake of magnesium-rich foods is often recommended. Good sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, and dark chocolate.
Oral magnesium supplements: Magnesium supplements are available in various forms, such as magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, and magnesium chloride. The choice of supplement depends on individual tolerance and absorption.
Intravenous magnesium: In severe cases of hypomagnesemia or when oral supplementation is not feasible, magnesium can be administered intravenously (IV) in a hospital setting.
Addressing the underlying cause: It is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause of the magnesium deficiency, such as managing medical conditions or adjusting medications that contribute to magnesium loss.

Important Considerations:

Magnesium deficiency is often overlooked or underdiagnosed because its symptoms can be nonspecific.
Individuals with certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders) or those taking specific medications are at higher risk of developing hypomagnesemia.
It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of magnesium deficiency. Self-treating with high doses of magnesium supplements can lead to adverse effects, such as diarrhea and, in rare cases, more serious complications.
Magnesium interacts with other minerals and medications, so it is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.

The information provided here is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.