7 Signs and Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency, also known as hypomagnesemia, is an often overlooked health problem.
While less than 2% of Americans have been estimated to experience magnesium deficiency, one study suggests that up to 75% are not meeting their recommended intake (1Trusted Source).
In some cases, deficiency may be underdiagnosed since the obvious signs commonly don’t appear until your levels become severely low.
The causes of magnesium deficiency vary. They range from inadequate dietary intake to loss of magnesium from the body (2Trusted Source).
Health problems associated with magnesium loss include diabetes, poor absorption, chronic diarrhea, celiac disease and hungry bone syndrome. People with alcoholism are also at an increased risk (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
This article lists 7 symptoms of magnesium deficiency.
1. Muscle Twitches and Cramps
Twitches, tremors and muscle cramps are signs of magnesium deficiency. In worst case scenarios, deficiency may even cause seizures or convulsions (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
Scientists believe these symptoms are caused by a greater flow of calcium into nerve cells, which overexcites or hyperstimulates the muscle nerves (7Trusted Source).
While supplements may help relieve muscle twitches and cramps in individuals 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 (8Trusted Source).
Keep in mind that involuntary muscle twitches may have many other causes. For example, stress or too much caffeine may be causing them.
They may also be a side effect of some medications or a symptom of a neurological disease, such as neuromyotonia, or motor neuron disease.
While occasional twitches are normal, you should see your doctor if your symptoms persist.
2. Mental health disorders
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