The consequences of magnesium deficiency

Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals for humans. For this reason, it is important to ensure that the substance is adequately absorbed. Although the daily requirement for magnesium can be covered by a balanced diet, sometimes different circumstances nevertheless lead to a deficit of the mineral.

There is therefore a magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia, that is, a reduced concentration of the substance in the blood. From barely noticeable symptoms to serious health problems, this can have a number of consequences.

But how do you recognize such a deficiency and what are the consequences?

Since magnesium is responsible for numerous functions in our body, a deficiency can manifest itself in many ways. This often makes it difficult for doctors to specifically diagnose a magnesium deficiency. As a rule, the symptoms vary depending on the degree and duration of the deficiency.

A slight undersupply therefore has different consequences than a serious deficit:

What are the consequences of mild magnesium deficiency?

The consequences of a slight magnesium deficiency are many and some of them have probably already been experienced by everyone. Symptoms include:

• Headache
• increased irritability
• Insomnia
• Cold feet
• Fatigue / Fatigue
• Digestive problems
• Muscle twitching and cramps

But: Even if you are aware of the symptoms, this does not necessarily mean that you suffer from magnesium deficiency.

Because the consequences of a magnesium deficit are so wide-ranging, other circumstances can also lead to the above-mentioned problems, which makes a mineral deficiency generally difficult to diagnose. Especially if it is only a slight one.

In addition to the cognitive consequences, however, it is often muscle problems that indicate a magnesium deficiency at an early stage. The typical calf cramps, for example, are among the common symptoms. It should be noted that these can also have more harmless causes, such as simple overexertion.

What is important here is the frequency with which the symptoms occur. Due to certain health conditions, such as diabetes and chronic diseases of the kidneys or digestive tract, a magnesium deficiency can also occur permanently. The consequences of such a chronic magnesium deficiency can also be different. A long-lasting deficit of the mineral is usually also coined with chronic ailments. Possible consequences are:

• Rapid fatigue
• Constant fatigue
• Regular migraines
• Increased sensitivity to loud noises
• A chronic feeling of weakness

Again, other factors can trigger the symptoms. In case of doubt, however, it is always advisable to contact your GP in case of recurring consequences of a potential chronic magnesium deficiency.

What are the consequences of severe magnesium deficiency?

All the consequences of a slight magnesium deficit can be correspondingly aggravated in the case of a pronounced deficiency. In addition, there are a number of other serious consequences, such as:

• Constant exhaustion
• Circulatory
• Disorders of the heart muscle
• Numbness in hands or feet
• Pronounced concentration disorders up to confusion
• Depression

In addition, the consequences of magnesium deficiency may vary depending on the age of the person concerned. For example, in children of primary school age, this is usually manifested by neurological problems such as concentration disorders or nervousness. From the age of 10, muscle spasms and feelings of distress or shortness of breath can also occur during puberty. In girls, the delayed onset of the rule can also be a consequence of magnesium deficiency.

Due to the numerous effects of magnesium on our cognitive abilities, the consequences of magnesium deficiency are partly similar to the symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Particularly interesting: If ADHD is diagnosed with a parallel magnesium deficiency, magnesium therapy can be shown to alleviate the symptoms.

Since magnesium is extremely important for the human organism, a deficiency can have very serious consequences. Medical treatment is therefore strongly recommended, especially in the case of increased symptoms.

What are the consequences of magnesium deficiency in pregnancy?

Women have an increased need for magnesium during pregnancy. Although this can also be covered by a balanced diet, one should nevertheless (or woman) keep an eye on the magnesium level during this time and discuss a possible therapy with the doctor in case of possible symptoms.

However, if there is a deficit, it can also have serious consequences, such as:

• Hypertension
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Oedema
• Miscarriages

However, these consequences can be treated with magnesium preparations in medical consultation. Here too, however, caution is required: it is generally recommended not to take additional magnesium in the period just before the date of birth, for example, as this can lead to complications.

Since the human organism has a generally higher need for minerals during pregnancy, deficiency symptoms are therefore more frequent. Pregnant women should therefore ensure that the nutrients are adequately intake. This additional intake is often done by the right diet, as women during pregnancy are often tempted by their desirefor certain foods to compensate for missing nutrients. Hearing on one’s own body can therefore prevent a magnesium deficiency, especially during pregnancy.

If symptoms nevertheless occur, a consultation with the doctor is recommended in any case.

What helps?

As you can see, the consequences of magnesium deficiency range from barely noticeable symptoms to serious health problems. The deficit is all the more serious when undersupply is chronic.

With all the possible, sometimes severe consequences, however, can be reassured, because: In general, a magnesium deficiency is well treatable.

The simplest method of prevention is still the good old balanced diet. If this does not cover the needs, for example during pregnancy or in the case of chronic diseases, a deficiency can be compensated by taking magnesium preparations. The therapy usually addresses the consequences of undersupply quickly and can provide lasting relief.

Especially in the case of severe or chronic symptoms, however, the consultation of the intake with the family doctor or the family doctor of the trust is worth gold. After all, once a mineral deficiency has been diagnosed, the missing nutrients can be fed in a targeted manner and the symptoms can be cured.