Signs and Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium is one of the essential components necessary for the body to function normally. It is not just necessary for human; rather, it is essential for all living organisms as magnesium ions are a part of the nucleic acid chemistry of all living cells and things. Because it is so vital, you can imagine what should happen if someone were to be magnesium deficient.

Just look at some of the conditions that magnesium deficiency has been associated with:

- Irregular heart beat
- Insomnia
- Diabetes
- Muscle spasms
- Heart disease
- Anxiety disorders
- Migraines
- Osteoporosis

Magnesium, then, is responsible for keeping many things in the body in tip top shape. But sometimes, it can be hard to tell if you have a problem or are beginning to have a problem. That is why it is so important to watch your body’s signs and signals. Some common symptoms associated with magnesium deficiency include:

- Irregular heart rhythm
- Muscle spasms
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Hallucinations

And these are just some of the symptoms. A prolonged lack of this nutrient can cause or has been linked to all sorts of problems. But what is it that causes a magnesium deficiency?

People with gastrointestinal problems have a higher likelihood of developing this deficiency because of the body’s inability to absorb magnesium. Likewise, those with alcoholism and those with diabetes that is not managed properly are also at risk. Another possible cause is the consumption of certain medications including those used to treat cancer, diuretics and even some antibiotics.

Magnesium is vital to the body and a deficiency can mean a whole host of problems. In fact, children with autism may have lower levels of magnesium as when they are given supplements, their social abilities improve. Women who have gone through menopause also show promising signs of improved bone density when placed on magnesium supplementation. Magnesium even affects the heart, as supplements have been shown to reduce chest pain and other side effects associated with exercise in patients with heart disease. Finally, magnesium has also been linked to carbohydrate metabolism and the body’s release of insulin, hence the low levels found in those with Type II diabetes.

Magnesium, when present in the body, does a lot of wonderful things. A deficiency merely opens the door to many problems and allows them to run rampant. While common treatment for this condition is supplementation, those with absorption problems may have to seek out other treatment options.

Do yourself a favor and if you have experienced any of the above symptoms be sure to have it checked out by your doctor. While discovering you have magnesium deficiency may be alarming, the damage that could be caused by avoiding treatment is even more alarming.

This Article is written by Lena Butler, the author of Home Testing Blog - Testing It Up, and a constant contributor to Home Health &Drug Testing Forum, a longer version of this article is located at Signs & Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency and resources from other home health.

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