Magnesium deficiency: 10 common signs and symptoms

Magnesium deficiency: 10 common signs and symptoms

Magnesium Deficiency: What You Need to Know

A study conducted in 2005–2006 showed that 48% of Americans do not follow the recommended dietary intake. However, true magnesium deficiency, or hypomagnesemia, affects less than 2% of the population, and risk is increased by conditions such as type 2 diabetes, refeeding syndrome, “hungry bone” syndrome, and genetic kidney problems.

What is Magnesium Deficiency?

Hypomagnesemia is defined as a magnesium concentration in the blood serum lower than 1.8 mg/dL. Although this condition is uncommon, many people do not get enough magnesium and hover near deficiency levels. Symptoms are often subtle and may go unnoticed until magnesium levels are very low, and even a healthy diet is not always enough to prevent issues.

Health issues like digestive disorders (e.g., celiac disease) can reduce magnesium absorption. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, refeeding syndrome, “hungry bone” syndrome, and genetic kidney problems also increase the likelihood of hypomagnesemia.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium deficiency is often hard to diagnose because symptoms usually do not appear until levels are significantly low. They can also be nonspecific and mistaken for other problems. Knowing the signs can help you seek medical advice on time.

Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite can be an early indication of magnesium deficiency.

Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea or vomiting may be related to low magnesium and can mimic digestive issues.

Fatigue
Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest may be linked to magnesium deficiency.

Muscle Weakness
Magnesium is vital for proper muscle function, and deficiency may lead to weakness due to associated potassium depletion.

Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps and spasms — especially after intense exercise — can be a sign of low magnesium. Epsom salt baths, which contain magnesium sulfate, are often used to soothe muscles.

High Blood Pressure
Magnesium deficiency can contribute to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.

Irregular Heartbeat
Low magnesium may cause arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms.

Seizures
Severe deficiency may affect the nervous system and lead to seizures.

Personality Changes
Emotional numbness, irritability, or apathy can occur with magnesium deficiency.

Osteoporosis
Magns deficiency may weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis by affecting calcium metabolism.


Treatment and Supplements

Magnesium deficiency can often be corrected relatively quickly with proper intake. Magnesium supplements may help restore optimal magnesium balance, especially if dietary sources and absorption are inadequate. If your healthcare provider prescribes magnesium, follow the instructions to avoid excessive magnesium levels (hypermagnesemia).

Here are several product options from Bonum.lt that can support magnesium balance:

📌 Magnesium‑Containing and Related Supplements

🔗 Basica Sport 660 g (single) – a fast‑dissolving powder with minerals (including magnesium), vitamins, and carbohydrates that supports endurance, energy metabolism, and normal muscle function. Available here: https://www.bonum.lt/basica-sport-660-g

🔗 Basica Sport 660 g (multi‑pack, 3 pcs.) – value set of 3 units, same formula and benefits, ideal for regular use or larger households. https://www.bonum.lt/3-vnt-basica-sport-660-g

🔗 5 pcs. Basica Sport 660 g – bulk pack of five, offering magnesium support and electrolytes for long‑term use. https://www.bonum.lt/5-vnt-basica-sport-660-g

(Products above help maintain muscle function and electrolyte balance, as magnesium contributes to normal muscle and nervous system function.)

You can choose the pack size that fits your lifestyle — single, 3‑pack, or 5‑pack — depending on how often you want to use the product.


Sources

  • Barbagallo, M. (2015). Magnesium and Aging. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 100(8), 3145–3152.

  • Caddell, M. (2001). Magnesium Deficiency and Muscle Weakness. Clinical Chemistry, 47(3), 518–522.

  • Dyckner, T. (1980). Magnesium and Cardiac Arrhythmias. American Journal of Cardiology, 46(1), 79–83.

  • Huang, J. (2007). Potassium and Magnesium in Muscle Contraction. Muscle & Nerve, 35(4), 516–523.

  • Mizushima, Y. (1998). Magnesium Deficiency and Hypertension. Journal of Hypertension, 16(10), 1355–1362.

  • Song, Y. (2006). Magnesium Intake and Blood Pressure: A Meta‑analysis. Journal of Hypertension, 24(6), 1053–1059.

  • Zhang, Z. (2016). Magnesium Supplements and Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 18(4), 395–405.

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