8 Tell Tale Signs of a Magnesium Deficiency

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. 

“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. 

Signs You May Have a Magnesium Deficiency