Magnesium Deficiency - Causes & Side Effects

Disorders Cure

oi-Gowri Nandini

By Nandhini Devi

Saturday, July 30, 2011, 11:40

Magnesium is a mineral that is required for proper functioning of most of the organs of our body, mainly muscles, kidney and heart. The most important use of magnesium, is that it activates the enzymes in our body and helps in energy production.

Magnesium also helps in maintaining the balance of various nutrients in our body such as calcium, potassium, zinc, vitamin D and others. Green vegetables, whole grains and nuts are a major source of this mineral. Though magnesium deficiency does not happen very often, it does happen due to certain medical conditions.

Magnesium deficiency can be caused due to improper intake of food, or chronic diarrhea. Too much alcohol consumption also leads to this deficiency.

Some of the side-effects of magnesium deficiency is as follows:

Sleepiness: This is one common side-effect of magnesium deficiency. Sleeping off at irregular timings and constantly feeling drowsy can be cured by consuming foods that are rich in magnesium.

Hyperexcitability: This is a condition when a person is usually overexcited about anything. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to abnormal behavior in a person.

Muscle Weakness: Extreme weakness of muscles and pain in the muscles is one more condition that occurs due to magnesium deficiency.

Loss of appetite: Nausea, fatigue, no energy – all these conditions occur due to lack of magnesium in the human body. It this deficiency is not treated fast, it might lead to the person suffer from numbness or seizures.

Hypocalcemia: This is a condition that is a result of low level of calcium in the body. Since, there is a lack of magnesium in the body, there is an imbalance in the calcium level, which can lead to this condition.

Hypokalemia: Magnesium deficiency can lead to low potassium too, which makes a human suffer from hypokalemia.

Type 2 diabetes: This too is a condition that is occurs due to lack of magnesium in the body.

These are some of the side-effects of magnesium deficiency, which if not treated at an early stage will lead to fatal consequences. Consuming a healthy diet that is rich in foods that contain magnesium is very important to overcome this deficiency.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.