8 IMPORTANT Signs of a Magnesium Deficiency – Magnesium Might Be All You Need To Thrive
starvation
certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and proton pump inhibitors
acute or chronic diarrhea
“hungry bone syndrome” after parathyroid or thyroid surgery
gastric bypass surgeryHealth conditions such as diabetes, poor absorption, chronic diarrhea, and celiac disease are associated with magnesium loss. People with alcohol use disorder are also at an increased risk of deficiency (2Trusted Source).
This article lists 7 symptoms of magnesium deficiency.Twitches, tremors, and muscle cramps are signs of magnesium deficiency. In worst-case scenarios, deficiency may even cause seizures or convulsions (1Trusted Source
, 3Trusted Source).
Scientists believe these symptoms are caused by a greater flow of calcium into nerve cells, which overexcites or hyperstimulates the muscle nerves (4).
While supplements may help relieve muscle twitches and cramps in some people with a deficiency, one review concluded that magnesium supplements are not an effective treatment for muscle cramps in older adults. Further studies are needed in other groups (5Trusted Source).
Keep in mind that involuntary muscle twitches may have many other causes. For example, stress or excessive caffeine could also cause involuntary muscle spasms.
They may also be a side effect of some medications or a symptom of a neuromuscular disease such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, or myasthenia gravis.
While occasional twitches are common, you should see your doctor if your symptoms persist.