Magnesium deficiency results from low intake or excess elimination of magnesium from the human body. Let us explore the causes, signs & symptoms of magnesium deficiency.

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Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms

Magnesium can be described as one of the essential nutrients required for the proper functioning of the human body. There are a number of body functions that require magnesium to be present in right quantities, some of them being digestion, proper muscle functioning, controlling nerve impulses and hormonal balance. Then, the nutrient is also required for dissolving large deposits of calcium in the body. When we talk about magnesium deficiency, it means that the body is either not getting the nutrient in proper quantities or is eliminating too much of it, thus adversely affecting the performance of various body functions. Read on to know more about magnesium deficiency in the human body, as in its causes as well as symptoms.
 
Causes Of Magnesium Deficiency 
  • One of the most common reasons of magnesium deficiency in people comprises of lack of requisite amount of the nutrient in the diet.
  • Excessive deletion of magnesium through the urine is another cause that might result in its deficiency in the body.
  • Disorders of the gastrointestinal system can either result in magnesium not being absorbed adequately by the body or its excessive loss in the stool.
  • Certain diuretics (medications used for treating cancer) and antibiotics can lead to increased loss of magnesium from the body.
  • Uncontrolled might also lead to magnesium being lost excessively in urine and thus, magnesium deficiency.
  • A high intake of alcohol has been linked to magnesium deficiency.
  • Excessive or chronic diarrhea and vomiting can also lead to magnesium deficiency.
  • Adrenocortical Hormones being released in excessive amounts is yet another possible cause of magnesium deficiency.
  • Magnesium deficiency can also be primarily due to genetic disorders. 
Signs & Symptoms Of Magnesium Deficiency 
  • ADHD
  • Allergies
  • Arteriosclerosis
  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Certain form of allergy
  • Compromised immune system (with secondary problems as a result)
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Development of anxiety and panic attacks 
  • Diabetes
  • Epileptic seizures
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fasciculation
  • Feeling of tightness in the chest (erratic)
  • Frequent tension headaches
  • Higher levels of irritability
  • Hypertension
  • Impaired protein metabolism
  • Increase in restless behavior
  • Increased sensitivity to stress
  • Increased susceptibility to high blood pressure
  • Inexplicable pain in the jaw
  • Insomnia
  • Involuntary muscle twitches
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Kidney damage & kidney stones
  • Migraine
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nervous irritability
  • Numbness and tingling in the extremities
  • Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
  • Palpitations or angina
  • Premature wrinkles
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Sense of stiffness in the neck
  • Some forms of cancer
  • Vitamin K deficiency
  • Wide range of aches and pains 
Random Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms 
  • Sudden change in behavior (like relaxed and confident people may become high-strung)
  • Unusual craving for salt or chocolate
  • Tenderness in the breasts (in case of women)
  • Changes in the menstrual cycle (in case of women)
  • Marked apathy in behavior (especially in case of anxiety and panic attacks)

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