Signs You May Have a Magnesium Deficiency

If you think back to high school chemistry, the element magnesium may vaguely conjure up memories of the periodic table. It’s used to make airplanes lighter. It’s used to make fireworks. It’s also found in a range of nutritious foods that your body uses to keep on keeping on.

Just as magnesium makes fireworks light up more brightly, it’s used by our bodies to liven up a range of functions. Magnesium in your body helps convert food into energy, regulates your nervous system and creates new proteins.

But researchers say about half of the U.S. population doesn’t get enough of this body-boosting nutrient.

For a lot of people, the effects of low magnesium, or magnesium deficiency, are mild and maybe not even noticeable. For others, it can be seriously detrimental to their well-being.

Naoki Umeda, MD, a specialist in integrative medicine, answers questions on what you need to know about this important mineral.

Why do we need magnesium?

You may already be familiar with the stress-reducing and pain-relieving powers of magnesium sulfate (aka Epsom salt) in your bath. Magnesium is also recommended as a medication to combat migraines.

As a part of your diet, magnesium is important for your body’s day-to-day functions, too. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says your body uses magnesium for a whole host of duties that keep you healthy, like:

• Blood pressure regulation.
• Blood sugar regulation.
• Making protein, bone and DNA.
• Muscle function.
• Nerve function.

“Ultimately, making sure your body is getting enough magnesium not only helps you maintain good health in general, it also may help you manage stress, migraines or muscle aches and pains,” Dr. Umeda says.

Signs of a magnesium deficiency

A lot of people are living with lower-than-recommended levels of magnesium. But the National Institutes of Health also says it’s not as common to have symptoms associated with inadequate magnesium levels. So, you may be low in magnesium and not even realize it.

“Magnesium deficiencies can be hard to diagnose, partly because many of the initial symptoms could indicate a wide variety of other health issues,” Dr. Umeda states. “And some people may not have any symptoms at all.”

Some of the first signs of magnesium deficiency can be:

• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• Muscle spasms.
• Nausea.
• Stiffness.
• Weakness.

If a magnesium deficiency goes untreated, things can get worse. Severe magnesium deficiency can result in:

• Abnormal heart rhythms.
• Numbness and tingling.
• Personality changes.
• Seizures.

It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider if you notice signs of a magnesium deficiency. They can run a blood test or check your calcium and potassium levels to help pinpoint the problem.

Who’s at the highest risk?

Certain medications and conditions may put you at a higher risk of magnesium inadequacy. (That’s what they call it when you don’t get the recommended amount of magnesium in your body, but you’re not exactly at the point of a magnesium deficiency.)

The NIH says you’re more likely to be at risk of magnesium inadequacy if you’re living with:

• A gastrointestinal disease (like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease).
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Alcohol use disorder.

People over the age of 60 are also more likely to have low magnesium. As our bodies age, they become less able to absorb magnesium. Certain medications can also keep your body from absorbing magnesium.

How to up your intake of magnesium

Adult men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) need between 400 and 420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium each day. For women and people assigned female at birth, the recommendation is 310 to 320 mg per day. Check out the magnesium content in some of your favorite foods.

Diet

Adding more magnesium into your diet is a good first step to overcoming the symptoms of a magnesium deficiency. Foods that are high in magnesium include:

• Greens.
• Dry beans.
• Nuts.
• Seeds.
• Whole grains.

This simple mango, avocado and black bean salad is a delicious way to give your magnesium levels a healthy boost. Both avocados and black beans are magnesium-rich.

Supplements

Increasing your intake of vitamins and minerals should always start with a “food-first” approach. If your diet alone doesn’t do the trick, though, a magnesium supplement can help. There is a range of magnesium supplements available. Magnesium citrate is one of the most common. You’ll also find magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, magnesium lactate and many more at your local pharmacy and online.

Which is right for you? Dr. Umeda says it’s a matter of personal preference. If you’re debating on a magnesium supplement, talk with a healthcare provider about which formula may be better for you.

“There’s no definitive scientific data to date that proves any one type of magnesium supplement is better than another,” he notes.

Skip the topical applications

The magnesium options don’t end with a multitude of oral supplements. Magnesium has found a booming market in sprays, oils and gels. Proponents say rubbing or spraying your skin with magnesium can be as beneficial (some say even more beneficial) as ingesting it.

Dr. Umeda says the science hasn’t yet proven that to be true, though.

“There’s not enough evidence to say that topical sprays deliver magnesium to the body effectively,” he adds. “It’s better to stick with eating foods high in magnesium or use over-the-counter supplements.”

Magnesium deficiency is common, but left unchecked, it can be serious. Don’t ignore feelings of tiredness or weakness. Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any of these signs to find out what’s behind your symptoms.