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The lack of magnesium, also known as hypomagnesemia, can cause several diseases such as dysregulation of blood sugar, changes in nerves and muscles. Some signs of a lack of magnesium are loss of appetite, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness and muscle weakness. In addition, the lack of magnesium is also related to chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes mellitus.
The main source of magnesium for the body is the diet, through the ingestion of foods such as seeds, peanuts and milk, so one of the main causes of the lack of magnesium happens when these types of foods are not consumed frequently.
Main causes
Although one of the main causes of the lack of magnesium is the low consumption of vegetables, seeds and fruits and the high consumption of industrialized and processed products, there are also other causes such as:
- Low absorption of magnesium by the intestines: it occurs due to chronic diarrhea, bariatric surgery or inflammatory bowel disease;
- Alcoholism: alcohol decreases the amount of vitamin D in the body that is important for the absorption of magnesium by the intestine, in addition, it increases the elimination of magnesium in the urine;
- Use of some medications: especially proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lanzoprazole, esomeprazole), antibiotics (gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin, amikacin, amphotericin B), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, sirolimus), diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, chemotherapy) , carboplatin) and monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab, panitumumab);
- Gitelman syndrome: it is a genetic disease of the kidneys in which there is an increased elimination of magnesium by the kidneys.
In addition, during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, greater elimination of magnesium occurs by the kidneys, often requiring magnesium supplementation. Learn more about the benefits of magnesium in pregnancy.
Symptoms of lack of magnesium
Symptoms related to magnesium deficiency are:
- Tremors;
- Muscle spasms;
- Cramps and tingling;
- Depression, nervousness, tension;
- Insomnia;
- Convulsions;
- High blood pressure (hypertension);
- Fast heartbeat.
In addition, the lack of magnesium also increases the risk of some diseases such as diabetes mellitus (type 2), heart attack, heart failure, angina, high blood pressure, kidney stones, premenstrual tension, mental disorders and even eclampsia during pregnancy .
Tests that confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of magnesium deficiency is confirmed by a conventional blood test or urine test. At the time of the examination, it is important to inform all medications that are being used, as they may interfere with the result.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of magnesium deficiency should be guided by a doctor or nutritionist. In the mildest cases, treatment consists of increasing consumption of magnesium-rich foods such as almonds, oats, bananas or spinach. Check out the 10 most magnesium-rich foods.
However, when the diet is not enough to replace magnesium, the doctor may recommend supplements or medications with magnesium salts orally. Supplements can have side effects such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps, and are often not well tolerated.
In the most severe cases of lack of magnesium, hospitalization and administration of magnesium directly into the vein is required.
Generally, magnesium deficiency does not occur in isolation, and calcium and potassium deficiency must also be treated. Thus, the treatment will correct not only the lack of magnesium, but also the changes in calcium and potassium. See how a lack of magnesium can alter calcium and potassium.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
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- ISMAIL, Adel A. A .; ISMAIL, Yasmin; ISMAIL, Abbas A .. Chronic magnesium deficiency and human disease; time for reappraisal?. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine. 1-10, 2017
- de BAAIJ, Jeroen H. F .; HOENDEROP, Joost G. J .; BINDELS, René J. M .. Magnesium in Man: Implications for Health and Disease. Physiol Rev. 95. 1-46, 2015
- van LAECKE, Steven. Hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia. Acta Clinica Belgica International Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Medicine. 1-7, 2018