Do you just feel tired? Or do you often have muscle cramps in your legs and arms? Although we often think of these as normal things, sometimes this can be a sign of a deficiency in magnesium, a very important mineral in our body. This is medically called hypomagnesemia. Although the name is a bit complicated, the fact is very simple. Today we will talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is hypomagnesemia?
Hypomagnesemia is a condition where the level of magnesium in your blood is low. Now you're probably wondering, "What is this magnesium?"
Imagine that our body is a well-functioning vehicle. Then this magnesium is like the engine oil of that vehicle. Just as an engine needs oil to run properly, magnesium is essential for our heart, brain, muscles, and bones to function properly and produce energy. In fact, magnesium contributes to more than 300 chemical processes that occur in our body.
Most of the total magnesium in our bodies is found in bones and soft tissues. The blood contains a very small amount, about 1%. But the easiest way to measure magnesium levels in the body is with a blood test. Usually, if your blood magnesium level is less than 0.75 mmol/L , doctors diagnose it as hypomagnesemia.
Why do we have low magnesium levels in our bodies?
There are several main reasons why magnesium deficiency can occur. One is that we don't get enough magnesium from the foods we eat. Another is that more magnesium is excreted through the kidneys or intestines than the body receives. Some people are at a higher risk. Let's see who that is.
| Cause/Risk group | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Digestive system diseases | People with conditions like Crohn's disease or celiac disease may have reduced absorption of magnesium from food. |
| Type 2 Diabetes | Because the kidneys of people with diabetes excrete more urine than normal, more magnesium can be excreted through them. |
| Excessive drinking | Alcohol can disrupt the functioning of the kidneys and digestive system, leading to magnesium deficiency. |
| Because of some medications... | |
| Some diuretics | These medications, which are given to remove excess water and salt from the body, can cause magnesium to be excreted in the urine. |
| Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) | This medication, which is commonly prescribed for gastritis (acid reflux), can reduce magnesium absorption when used for a long time. |
| Other medications | This condition can also be caused by certain antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, the antifungal Amphotericin B, digitalis, which is used for heart disease, and some chemotherapy drugs. |
What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency?
When magnesium levels are slightly low, you may not experience any symptoms. However, when levels are significantly low, the following symptoms may occur.
- Muscle twitching, trembling, or pain: This is the most common symptom.
- Feeling lethargic and constantly sleepy: Feeling extremely tired for no reason.
- The food is tasteless.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Personality changes: Things like getting angry for no reason, being irritable.
The important thing is that these symptoms can also be seen in other diseases. Therefore, if you have these symptoms, it is very important to definitely see your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis.
Additionally, when a person's blood calcium and potassium levels are low, doctors may also suspect magnesium levels. Because magnesium is like a master regulator of other minerals, when it is low, the balance of the others can be thrown off.
How is this condition treated?
The treatment depends on how low your magnesium levels are and whether you have symptoms.
- Severe cases with symptoms: In such cases, the doctor may decide to give magnesium intravenously (IV). This means giving it as a saline solution. This can quickly restore the body's magnesium levels to normal. Then, the doctor may tell you to continue treatment in the form of pills.
- Mild cases without symptoms: If your magnesium levels are only mildly low and you have no symptoms, you may not need any special treatment. Your doctor may advise you to make dietary changes.
- Treat the underlying cause: This is the most important thing. It is essential to properly treat the underlying condition (e.g., diabetes, bowel disease) that caused the magnesium deficiency. Otherwise, the condition may recur even if magnesium is given.
People with diabetes should be especially careful about magnesium deficiency. Some studies have shown that when magnesium levels are low, insulin resistance increases, making it harder to control diabetes. When diabetes is uncontrolled, the kidneys release more magnesium. This can lead to a condition called "sliding downhill."
Should I take magnesium supplements?
This is a problem for many people. Remember, the best and safest way to get magnesium is through a balanced diet .
Here are some foods that are rich in magnesium:
- Nuts: cashews, almonds, peanuts
- Types of seeds: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
- Whole grains: brown rice, oats, buckwheat
- Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, green peas, beans
- Dark green vegetables: things like spinach, kale, collard greens
Warning: Do not go to the pharmacy and take magnesium supplements without consulting your doctor. This is because taking too much magnesium can be dangerous. It can cause side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. Therefore, your doctor will decide how much to take, if any.
If this continues, could other problems arise?
Yes. If hypomagnesemia is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to several serious health problems.
- Heart disease: Magnesium is a mineral that helps maintain a healthy heart rhythm. When it is low, the heart can beat irregularly (arrhythmia). Sometimes there is a risk of dangerous heart rhythm disorders such as `torsades de pointes`.
- Diabetes: As we've discussed before, low magnesium levels are linked to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Osteoporosis: This is a condition in which bones become thin and brittle. Magnesium is essential for strong bones.
- Migraine: Some people with migraines have been found to have low magnesium levels. Taking magnesium under the supervision of a doctor may help reduce the frequency of headaches.
So, don't take this lightly. If you have even the slightest doubt about this, it's best to seek medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Hypomagnesemia is a condition in which the level of magnesium in the blood is low. This affects many functions in the body, including our heart, brain, and muscles.
- Symptoms such as frequent fatigue and muscle twitching can be signs of this condition. However, do not make any conclusions about the disease based on these symptoms alone.
- Dietary deficiencies, other diseases such as diabetes, and some medications can cause this.
- Be sure to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Do not just buy magnesium pills from the pharmacy and take them.
- The best way to get magnesium is to eat a balanced diet that includes nuts, seeds, whole grains, and green vegetables.
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