The Effects of Low Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in more than 300 bodily processes. It is necessary for the performance of the heart, kidneys and muscles. It is a key ingredient in the composition of teeth and bones. Deficiency in magnesium usually leads to health problems such as abnormal heart rhythms, weakness and sleeping disorders.

Common Symptoms

• Low magnesium levels can cause irritability, low blood pressure, hyperventilation, confusion, agitation and anxiety, sleep disorders, nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, poor nail growth, restless leg syndrome and seizures.

Diabetes

• Magnesium deficiency in the blood is associated with type 2 diabetes. Low magnesium levels tend to decrease insulin sensitivity, thus increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Magnesium deficiency in diabetic patients also damages their immune system, making them vulnerable to infections and illness.

Heart Disease

• Magnesium maintains our normal heart rhythm so a deficiency in magnesium often causes arrhythmia, which can lead to congestive heart failure.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• People with inflammatory bowel disease often have magnesium deficiencies in their blood. Some early clinical evidence suggests that dietary magnesium supplements are effective in preventing inflammatory bowel disease outbursts.

Asthma

• The American Journal of Medicine claims that low magnesium intake might be associated with a risk of developing respiratory disorders such as asthma and emphysema.