Can Crohn's Disease Be a Result of Low Magnesium?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. While the condition can trigger poor magnesium absorption, its underlying causes appear to stem from immune system malfunction and inherited genetic factors.

Magnesium

• Magnesium is a common mineral with an important role in more than 300 human biochemical processes, according to the National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements. Human bodies absorb dietary magnesium in the small intestine.

Magnesium Deficiency

• The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that the presence of Crohn’s disease can significantly impair normal magnesium absorption. In some cases, impaired uptake can lead to clinical magnesium deficiencies.

Causes

• Doctors once believed that dietary factors and stress caused Crohn’s disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. While the exact cause is still unknown, evidence now points toward factors including heredity and abnormal immune response as the disease’s underlying triggers.

Autoimmune Reactions

• Cases of Crohn’s disease may develop in part from an autoimmune reaction to common bacteria present in the intestine, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Heredity

• Individuals with Crohn’s disease frequently have mutations of a gene called NOD2, notes the Mayo Clinic. Medline Plus notes that individuals of Jewish ancestry may also have a heightened risk of developing the disease.