GoodRx HealthWhen is Magnesium Deficiency a Problem?

Read the original article

Magnesium deficiency, or hypomagnesemia, is a condition that can have significant impacts on patient health, particularly affecting the nervous system and heart. This article outlines the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of magnesium deficiency, providing essential information for healthcare providers to effectively manage this condition.

Key Points:

• Hypomagnesemia is defined as a blood magnesium level below 1.7 mg/dL, with symptoms typically appearing at levels below 1.2 mg/dL.
• Common causes include inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption in the digestive tract, increased urinary loss, and shifts of magnesium from blood into cells.
• Symptoms range from weakness and fatigue to more severe manifestations such as seizures and heart arrhythmias.
• Diagnosis involves blood tests to check magnesium levels and identify underlying causes.
• Treatment includes oral or intravenous magnesium supplementation and addressing the root cause of deficiency.
• Dietary sources rich in magnesium include nuts, spinach, whole grains, and legumes.
• Follow-up testing is crucial to ensure both blood and cellular magnesium levels are restored.

“Magnesium is a mineral that the body uses for many processes in every organ and cell. We often hear more about other electrolytes — like sodium, potassium, and calcium — and less about magnesium. But like these other electrolytes, magnesium plays a critical role in our metabolism and overall functioning.”

More on Electrolytes