Signs of a Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium plays a number of essential roles within the body: it is crucial for the production of DNA and RNA and for the proper functioning of hundreds of enzymes, including those that involve the use and synthesis of ATP. Because of magnesium's biological importance, a deficiency can cause a number of distinct symptoms, as well as potentially resulting in the development of a host of other medical conditions.

Fatigue

• Since magnesium is crucial in the production and utilization of ATP, the main source of energy used by cells to power metabolism, even a modest deficiency in magnesium can result in unusual fatigue and a feeling of weakness and lack of energy. Low magnesium levels also affect the adrenal glands' ability to monitor and maintain the body's energy levels, causing even greater fatigue.

Neurological Problems

• Magnesium deficiency can disrupt the proper functioning of neural networks in both the central and peripheral nervous system. These neurological disturbances can cause increased and unexplained irritability, difficulty concentrating, the onset of frequent anxiety or panic attacks, moodiness and behavioral changes. Problems in the functioning of the peripheral nervous system can cause the arms and legs to become numb. The individual may also begin to suffer from insomnia and develop mental problems such as depression.

Heart Problems

• Magnesium deficiency can interfere with the heart's ability to contract and relax properly between beats. An individual lacking adequate amounts of magnesium may begin to experience frequent heart palpitations (episodes in which the heart beats irregularly and seems to be "fluttering" or beating unusually loudly and strongly within the chest), chest pain and a lack of stamina during physical exertion or exercise.

Pain

• Magnesium deficiency can also cause headaches (in some cases, severe migraines) and body aches. Painful cramping in the limbs, especially the legs, is common. An individual can also suffer from a stiff and aching neck and pain along the jaw, as well as pain along the outer chest wall.

Effects on Other Conditions

• There are a variety of medical conditions whose severity can be affected by a deficiency in magnesium. The most common of these include asthma, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, kidney stones, Attention Deficit Disorder,and arthritis. An individual who has one of these preexisting conditions may see an increase in the severity of the symptoms associated with that disorder if they develop a magnesium deficiency.