Symptoms of low magnesium levels can include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, and more. However, a true magnesium deficiency, or hypomagnesemia, is rare. Symptoms usually indicate an underlying condition.
Magnesium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a role in many bodily processes, including:
- energy production
- bone and teeth structure
- muscle function
- nerve function
- DNA replication
- RNA and protein synthesis
As such, it is vital that people are getting enough magnesium in their diet. If a person has concerns about how much magnesium they are getting, it is best to contact a doctor for advice.
Read on to learn more about low magnesium. This article looks at the symptoms of low magnesium, possible complications, how doctors diagnose magnesium deficiency, and more.
- muscle cramps or twitching
- nausea
- vomiting
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- weakness
Muscle cramps or twitching is
As low magnesium levels progresses, people may experience:
- hypocalcemia, or lower calcium levels in the blood
- hypokalemia, or lower potassium levels in the blood, which occurs in about
60% of cases - cardiovascular symptoms
- hyperparathyroidism
Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia does not usually cause any symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, a person may also experience:
- muscle cramps in the back and legs
- changes in the function of the brain, which can lead to dementia, psychosis, or depression
- papilledema, or swelling in the optic nerves of the eyes
- seizures in severe cases
Hypokalemia
Symptoms of hypokalemia
- muscle weakness
- cramping
- fatigue
- constipation
- palpitations
Cardiovascular symptoms
Low magnesium levels can lead to cardiovascular symptoms, such as:
- atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- ventricular arrhythmia
- cardiac ischemia
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands produce high amounts of the parathyroid hormone.
A
Those with hypomagnesemia were more likely to experience typical symptoms of hyperparathyroidism, which can include:
- bone pain
- bone fractures
- kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
- increased urination (polyuria)
- increased thirst (polydipsia)
People with both hypomagnesemia and hyperparathyroidism were also more likely to experience:
- anemia
- osteoporosis
- hypercalcemic crisis, or severe hypercalcemia
It is important to write down any symptoms that a person is experiencing. This can help a doctor reach an accurate diagnosis and advise on suitable treatments for low magnesium and any other conditions.
If a person has prolonged or severe low magnesium levels, they may develop complications.
Long-term magnesium deficiency
- bone density
- nerve and muscle function
- digestive system
In younger people, magnesium deficiency may prevent bone growth. It is vital to get enough magnesium during childhood when the bones are still developing.
In older people, magnesium deficiency may increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Other complications can include fatal cardiac arrhythmias and chondrocalcinosis.
It is best to contact a doctor as soon as a person develops new or worsening symptoms. A doctor may order tests to determine if any complications have developed.
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 found that 48% of Americans consume less magnesium than the estimated average requirement (EAR).
However, the body can retain good levels of magnesium, so it is quite rare for a person to experience deficiency symptoms.
However, certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing magnesium deficiency symptoms. These
- continually eating a low-magnesium diet
- gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or regional enteritis
- alcohol use disorder
- type 2 diabetes
- reduced magnesium absorption due to older age
- being hospitalized
- having parathyroid disorders and hyperaldosteronism
- taking certain medications, such as:
- proton pump inhibitors
- diuretics
- bisphosphonates
- antibiotics
Directly addressing the underlying cause may help improve symptoms of low magnesium.
A person may be able to increase their magnesium levels by making dietary changes, taking supplements, and improving magnesium absorption.
It is possible to reach the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium by eating foods that contain high levels of magnesium. The recommended daily allowance for adults is between
A person’s doctor can provide them with more information about how much magnesium they should aim for each day based on their individual circumstances.
View the table below for examples of foods high in magnesium, and how much magnesium they contain per serving.
| Food | Amount per serving (mg) |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin seeds | 156 mg |
| Chia seeds | 111 g |
| Almonds | 80 mg |
| Spinach | 78 mg |
| Cashews | 74 mg |
| Peanuts | 63 mg |
| Soymilk | 61 mg |
| Black beans | 60 mg |
| Edamame | 50 mg |
| Peanut butter | 49 mg |
| Baked potato with skin | 43 mg |
| Brown rice | 42 mg |
| Low fat plain yogurt | 42 mg |
Magnesium supplements
A doctor may recommend magnesium supplements for people who have poor magnesium absorption or an underlying health condition that may prevent sufficient magnesium intake.
Magnesium supplements are available in a variety of formulations, such as:
- magnesium oxide
- magnesium citrate
- magnesium chloride
Anyone considering taking a supplement should contact a doctor first to ensure the supplement does not interfere with any medications they may be taking.
A doctor can also advise on whether a person needs to take a magnesium supplement. Some studies have suggested that taking vitamin and mineral supplements when unnecessary may have no effect or even be harmful.
Exceeding the recommended dose of magnesium can cause diarrhea, cramping, and nausea. Infants, older adults, and people with reduced renal function are at increased risk of magnesium toxicity and should avoid high-dose supplements.
Improving magnesium absorption
Certain nutrients and conditions can affect how much magnesium a person absorbs. People wanting to increase their magnesium levels by improving absorption could try avoiding high dose zinc supplements, and treating vitamin D deficiency.
A person’s doctor can advise on other ways that they may be able to improve magnesium absorption. Treating an underlying condition may also help.
Here are some frequently asked questions about magnesium.
What depletes magnesium?
Certain conditions can affect a person’s magnesium levels.
How can I raise my magnesium level quickly?
If a person has severe magnesium deficiency, a person may require intravenous treatment to raise their magnesium levels. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) defines severe magnesium deficiency as a blood magnesium level of under 0.4 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
Certain foods high in magnesium, such as pumpkin seeds and chia seeds, can also help a person raise their magnesium levels in less severe cases.
What food is highest in magnesium?
Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, containing 156 mg per 1-ounce (oz) serving. Chia seeds provide 111 mg of magnesium per oz, and dry roasted almonds provide 80 mg per oz.
Many people are not getting enough magnesium in their diet. However, for people without an underlying health condition, it is unusual to experience symptoms of low magnesium or magnesium deficiency.
If symptoms do develop, they can include nonspecific symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, and muscle cramps or twitching.
In more severe cases, a person may experience symptoms of hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, and hyperparathyroidism. They may also develop heart problems, such as AFib.
Most people can increase their magnesium levels by eating more magnesium-rich foods. Anyone experiencing symptoms of deficiency should contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment plan.