Don’t Ignore These 18 Signs Of Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium Deficiency-40

What Is Magnesium Deficiency?

Your body is a breathtaking symphony of intricate biochemical pathways working in harmony every second of your life. We often take for granted the many facets which make up our bodies and how these simple elements and chemical reactions compose our very being. One small component of our body’s composition is magnesium. Magnesium, along with calcium, potassium, chloride, and sodium are all electrolytes, needed for our brain, nerves, heart, eyes, immune system, and muscles to function.

We function best when magnesium in our body is at its optimal level. When we are lacking in this mineral, or suffering from a magnesium deficiency, our perfect symphony is out of tune, and this disharmony leads us down a path to health problems.

One of the most overlooked nutrient deficiencies that I find as a functional medicine practitioner is magnesium deficiency.

As the fourth most abundant mineral (1) in your body, magnesium is crucial to accomplishing at least 300 important biochemical reactions. If you are magnesium deficient (like 50 to 90 percent of us are), (2) you are most likely experiencing some symptoms.

Why Would Your Magnesium Be Low?

Why are so many suffering from magnesium deficiency? There are four primary reasons:

  • Poor nutrition
  • Medications that deplete magnesium (such as antibiotics and diuretics)
  • Soil depletion
  • Chronic gut problems (e.g., leaky gut syndrome), which can compromise magnesium absorption

The above reasons are common and are major contributors to the population being so deficient as a whole, but they do not always lead to a magnesium deficiency. The following list contains common health issues that are tied to magnesium deficiency.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Make Your Life a Cleanse

SUBSCRIBER-ONLY GUIDES FOR GUT HEALTH, VIBRANT ENERGY, HEALTHY FOOD & CLEAN ALCOHOL

 

Get FREE access to these + giveaways, recipes, & discount codes in personal emails from Dr. Will Cole.

Signs of Magnesium Deficiency

What happens if your body is low in magnesium? You may have heard the terms “magnesium brain fog” or “magnesium fatigue”. There are many common symptoms of magnesium deficiency that can be inconvenient, painful, and trigger other health conditions. Here are some common symptoms of magnesium deficiency:

1. ADHD

Studies suggest (3) that kids who took 200 milligrams of magnesium daily over six months saw a significant decrease in hyperactivity symptoms compared to children in the study who did not supplement with magnesium.

2. Fatigue

I have personally dealt with adrenal fatigue in the past, and I can vouch for magnesium and cortisol’s role in calming stress levels and rehabilitating hormonal systems. Magnesium helps to regulate cortisol levels, allowing for more balanced hormone production which is essential in our fast paced culture.

3. Depression or anxiety

Magnesium works in the brain to calm down the excitatory NMDA receptor. With a magnesium deficiency, calcium and glutamate activate NMDA unchecked, which can lead to depression and anxiety. (4)

4. Asthma

Researchers are suggesting that those who do not include enough magnesium-rich foods in their diet have a higher rate of asthma. One reason could be that magnesium may facilitate healthy bronchodilation. (5)

5. Chronic fatigue syndrome

In a study published in the prominent medical journal Lancet, (6) researchers found that about fifty percent of the hundreds of participants with chronic fatigue syndrome were dealing with magnesium deficiency. These participants saw an improvement of symptoms when they received injections of a 580 milligram supplement.

6. High blood pressure

Studies also suggest that those taking a magnesium supplement lowered their blood pressure levels by up to 12 points. (7)

7. Heart problems

Every 43 seconds someone experiences a heart attack. A study published (8) in the American Journal of Cardiology found that a lower level of magnesium intake increased the risk of coronary heart disease by 50 to 80 percent. In a separate double-blind, placebo-controlled study, (9) participants received either magnesium or a placebo for a period of one year. Over the course of one month, the magnesium group received 6,000 milligrams of magnesium orotate, and 3,000 milligrams of magnesium orotate for another 11 months after. The survival rate of these high risk patients was 76 percent in the magnesium group compared with 52 percent of the placebo group.

8. Inflammation

Inflammation underlies just about every chronic health condition. Magnesium is indicated in decreased CRP (10) and Nf-kb, (11) - two inflammatory blood lab markers.

9. Migraines and other types of headaches

Half of people in the United States report having at least one headache per month. Millions of others are struck with painful migraines. It is estimated that about half of those who suffer from migraines are magnesium deficient. (12) Researchers looked into this, and found that 60 percent of those who suffer from chronic migraines have genetic changes that decrease their body’s ability to metabolize magnesium. Magnesium relaxes blood vessels in the brain. Ionized magnesium administered through an IV significantly reduced pain within 15 minutes in more than 80 percent of patients.

10. Insulin resistance

Half of the US population has some kind of insulin resistance which runs the gamut from metabolic syndrome to type 2 diabetes. A 15 year research study published in the medical journal Circulation showed (13) that among approximately 5,000 people, those who took higher levels of magnesium had a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome. A similar study published (14) in the American Journal of Epidemiology followed more than 1,000 healthy adults for five years. This study suggests that greater magnesium intake improved insulin sensitivity in these individuals. Other studies suggest that magnesium also improves triglycerides, (15) another marker of metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Addressing a magnesium deficiency can prevent any of these benefits.

12. Low thyroid hormone levels

Magnesium deficiency is often an overlooked factor when it comes to those dealing with thyroid problems. Magnesium is an essential component to the production of thyroid hormones. (16)

12. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

People who have OCD were found in studies to have lower levels of magnesium (17) compared to individuals in control groups.

13. Muscle cramps and spasms

Spontaneous spasms, cramps in your muscles, or “charley horses” are not really random - they are the most common signs of magnesium deficiency. (18)

14. Premature aging

The death of human endothelial cells and fibroblasts at a rapid pace contributes to early aging and age-related diseases. (19) Having a magnesium deficiency is indicated in the acceleration of these processes.

15. Poor memory

Research done at MIT found that magnesium is key in regulating brain receptors that are necessary to learning and memory function, and that supplementing with magnesium helped clear so-called brain fog. (20) Magnesium also supports the brain’s lifelong function of adapting, healing, and adding new neural pathways. Getting enough magnesium may help slow down and reverse signs of cognitive decline.

16. Skin health

A study in Poland showed that those with skin allergies saw substantial improvements in their skin with magnesium supplementation. (21)

17. Sleep trouble

Research has found (22) that magnesium supplementation helped improve all the major physiological markers associated with insomnia. For instance a neurotransmitter, GABA is key in the body’s regulation of its sleep system, and GABA receptors in the brain need magnesium to function properly.

18. Weak bones

In two studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (23) a strong correlation between magnesium deficiency and low bone density was found. Low bone density increases one’s risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

When supplemental magnesium (300 mg) was taken for one year by participants in a randomized controlled study bone mineral content (24) increased.

Shop This Article

Dr. Will Cole's Personal Picks

To Elevate Your Wellness

Magnesium Supplements

Since it is difficult to get adequate magnesium through diet alone, supplementation can still be important, especially when trying to correct magnesium deficiency.

When choosing what magnesium supplement  you should take, here’s what you should consider when deciding on a supplement for magnesium deficiency:

  • Research the brand of supplement. Ensure that the brand you choose is transparent with where it sources its ingredients from and what their manufacturing procedures are. It also needs to be free from additional fillers and ingredients that could also contribute to symptoms.
  • Figure out just what your individual body needs. Consider working with a functional medicine practitioner who can test your magnesium levels with advanced nutrient labs. Since the majority of your body’s magnesium is stored in your cells and bones, not your blood, this often contributes to the inaccuracy of conventional nutrient labs.
  • Start with the right amount. Overall, magnesium is safe to take, but large amounts could potentially cause GI upset and diarrhea. Go off your doctor’s recommendations or start at a lower dose and listen to your body and gradually increase your amount over time. For healthy individuals, the daily recommended amounts (1) are:
    • Infants to 6 months: 30 mg
    • 7 to 12 months: 75 mg
    • 1 to 3 years: 80 mg
    • 4 to 8 years: 130 mg
    • 9 to 13 years: 240 mg
    • 14 to 18 years: 360 mg for women; 410 mg for men
    • 19 to 30 years: 310 mg for women; 400 for men
    • 31+: 320 mg for women; 420 mg for men
    • During pregnancy: 350 to 360 mg
    • While breastfeeding: 310 to 320 mg
  • Consider when to take the supplement. There is no “right” time to take magnesium. However, due to its calming effects, taking it right before bed can be the best way to capitalize on its ability to boost GABA levels and relax muscles. Magnesium can be found in multiple different forms, so you’ll want to consider this when deciding which one will work best for your specific symptoms.

What To Look For In A Magnesium Supplement

Since there are multiple different forms, I formulated a magnesium complex that combines 4 different forms to create a well-rounded and bioavailable option. The Magnesium combines Albion chelated magnesium with Magtein ™ (magnesium L-threonate) which boosts the brain’s magnesium levels necessary for healthy cognition, long- and short-term memory, learning, and stress management.

Magnesium chelate

This form is extremely bioavailable and is found in magnesium containing food sources.

Magnesium oxide

This is most commonly used in supplements. Research shows (25) it only has a 4 percent absorption rate so if you are struggling with absorption issues this is probably not your best option. This low bioavailability gives it an intensive laxative effect that makes it a good constipation remedy.

Magnesium citrate

Magnesium is combined with citric acid to make this form. At 16 percent, it has a higher absorption rate than magnesium oxide, but also makes a great choice for relieving constipation.

Magnesium Threonate

Since this form can pass the mitochondrial membrane, research is supporting its ability as a powerful neurological support and a good option for those with depression, anxiety, or magnesium brain fog. However, this form is not as readily available.

Magnesium oil

This is a whole new way to boost your magnesium levels. Instead of ingesting it, magnesium oil is placed directly on the skin. This makes it one of the best options for people with gut dysfunctions that limit absorption. Since it also soothes the muscles in your digestive tract, rubbing magnesium oil on your abdomen can combat an upset stomach.

Magnesium salt

Another way to get in magnesium is by soaking in epsom salts or magnesium flakes. One study showed that after 12 weeks of topical magnesium therapy – soaks and oils – magnesium increased by 25 percent in participants! No wonder soaking in magnesium is so relaxing – your muscles will be relaxed and you’ll be ready to head directly to bed.

What food is highest in magnesium?

Healthy foods are a great way to help with a magnesium deficiency. There are many foods, mostly plant-based, that contain magnesium. This makes it an easy nutrient for most anyone to obtain through diet. Here are some of the best foods for magnesium deficiency and their recommended daily portions.

  • Spinach, 1 cup: 157 mg
  • Swiss chard, 1 cup: 154 mg
  • Dark chocolate, 1 square: 95 mg
  • Pumpkin seeds, ⅛ cup: 92 mg
  • Almonds, 1 ounce: 80 mg
  • Black beans, ½ cup: 60 mg
  • Avocado, 1 medium: 58 mg
  • Salmon, 1 fillet: 53 mg
  • Kefir, 1 cup: 50 mg
  • Figs, ½ cup: 50 mg
  • Banana, 1 medium: 32 mg

If you have indications of magnesium deficiency it is wise to check in with your doctor to have your magnesium levels tested. Because the standard nutrient labs are not always accurate, I recommend advanced nutrient labs (a functional medicine practitioner can help you with this) to assess your magnesium level.

Seeking support from a functional medicine expert

It is extremely important to get support from a functional medicine expert that can help pinpoint your body’s specific functions, imbalances, and any other underlying conditions. With this guidance you can confidently follow the most effective treatment path for your magnesium deficiency and take back your health ASAP!

Don’t know if you’re dealing with a magnesium deficiency? We can help! As one of the first functional medicine telehealth clinics in the world, we provide webcam health consultations for people around the globe.

Photo: unsplash.com

Start Your Health Journey Today

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CONSULTATIONS FOR PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD

References:

  1. Magnesium NIH March 24, 2020. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
  2. Killilea DW, Ames BN. Magnesium deficiency accelerates cellular senescence in cultured human fibroblasts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008;105(15):5768‐5773. doi:10.1073/pnas.0712401105
  3. Starobrat-Hermelin B, Kozielec T. The effects of magnesium physiological supplementation on hyperactivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Positive response to magnesium oral loading test. Magnes Res. 1997;10(2):149‐156.
  4. Felice N. Jacka, Simon Overland, Robert Stewart, Grethe S. Tell, Ingvar Bjelland & Arnstein Mykletun (2009) Association between magnesium intake and depression and anxiety in community-dwelling adults: the Hordaland Health Study, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 43:1, 45-52, DOI: 10.1080/00048670802534408
  5. Soutar A, Seaton A, Brown K. Bronchial reactivity and dietary antioxidants. Thorax. 1997;52(2):166‐170. doi:10.1136/thx.52.2.166
  6. Cox IM, Campbell MJ, Dowson D. Red blood cell magnesium and chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet. 1991;337(8744):757‐760. doi:10.1016/0140-6736(91)91371-z
  7. Kass LS, Poeira F. The effect of acute vs chronic magnesium supplementation on exercise and recovery on resistance exercise, blood pressure and total peripheral resistance on normotensive adults [published correction appears in J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018 Jul 25;15(1):36]. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12:19. Published 2015 Apr 24. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0081-z
  8. Abbott RD, Ando F, Masaki KH, et al. Dietary magnesium intake and the future risk of coronary heart disease (the Honolulu Heart Program). Am J Cardiol. 2003;92(6):665‐669. doi:10.1016/s0002-9149(03)00819-1
  9. Stepura OB, Martynow AI. Magnesium orotate in severe congestive heart failure (MACH). Int J Cardiol. 2009;131(2):293‐295. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.11.022
  10. Almoznino-Sarafian D, Berman S, Mor A, et al. Magnesium and C-reactive protein in heart failure: an anti-inflammatory effect of magnesium administration?. Eur J Nutr. 2007;46(4):230‐237. doi:10.1007/s00394-007-0655-x
  11. Sugimoto J, Romani AM, Valentin-Torres AM, et al. Magnesium decreases inflammatory cytokine production: a novel innate immunomodulatory mechanism. J Immunol. 2012;188(12):6338‐6346. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.1101765
  12. Mauskop A, Altura BT, Cracco RQ, Altura BM. Intravenous magnesium sulfate relieves cluster headaches in patients with low serum ionized magnesium levels. Headache. 1995;35(10):597‐600. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.1995.hed3510597.x
  13. He K, Liu K, Daviglus ML, et al. Magnesium intake and incidence of metabolic syndrome among young adults. Circulation. 2006;113(13):1675‐1682. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.588327
  14. Ma B, Lawson AB, Liese AD, Bell RA, Mayer-Davis EJ. Dairy, magnesium, and calcium intake in relation to insulin sensitivity: approaches to modeling a dose-dependent association. Am J Epidemiol. 2006;164(5):449‐458. doi:10.1093/aje/kwj246
  15. He K, Song Y, Belin RJ, Chen Y. Magnesium intake and the metabolic syndrome: epidemiologic evidence to date. J Cardiometab Syndr. 2006;1(5):351‐355. doi:10.1111/j.1559-4564.2006.05702.x
  16. Moncayo R, Moncayo H. The WOMED model of benign thyroid disease: Acquired magnesium deficiency due to physical and psychological stressors relates to dysfunction of oxidative phosphorylation. BBA Clin. 2014;3:44‐64. Published 2014 Nov 12. doi:10.1016/j.bbacli.2014.11.002
  17. Shohag H, Ullah A, Qusar S, Rahman M, Hasnat A. Alterations of serum zinc, copper, manganese, iron, calcium, and magnesium concentrations and the complexity of interelement relations in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2012;148(3):275‐280. doi:10.1007/s12011-012-9371-3
  18. Supakatisant, C. and Phupong, V. (2015), Oral magnesium in pregnancy‐induced leg cramps. Matern Child Nutr, 11: 139-145. doi:10.1111/j.1740-8709.2012.00440.x
  19. Killilea DW, Maier JA. A connection between magnesium deficiency and aging: new insights from cellular studies. Magnes Res. 2008;21(2):77‐82.
  20. Slutsky I, Sadeghpour S, Li B, Liu G. Enhancement of synaptic plasticity through chronically reduced Ca2+ flux during uncorrelated activity. Neuron. 2004;44(5):835‐849. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2004.11.013
  21. Błach J, Nowacki W, Mazur A. Wpływ magnezu na reakcje alergiczne skóry [Magnesium in skin allergy]. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2007;61:548‐554. Published 2007 Oct 8.
  22. Abbasi B, Kimiagar M, Sadeghniiat K, Shirazi MM, Hedayati M, Rashidkhani B. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Res Med Sci. 2012;17(12):1161‐1169.
  23. New SA, Robins SP, Campbell MK, et al. Dietary influences on bone mass and bone metabolism: further evidence of a positive link between fruit and vegetable consumption and bone health?. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71(1):142‐151. doi:10.1093/ajcn/71.1.142
  24. Carpenter TO, DeLucia MC, Zhang JH, et al. A randomized controlled study of effects of dietary magnesium oxide supplementation on bone mineral content in healthy girls. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(12):4866‐4872. doi:10.1210/jc.2006-1391
  25. Firoz M, Graber M. Bioavailability of US commercial magnesium preparations. Magnes Res. 2001;14(4):257‐262.

View More At Our Store

Purchase personally curated supplements
and Dr. Will Cole’s books!

Shop Dr. Will Cole

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Our content may include products that have been independently chosen and recommended by Dr. Will Cole and our editors. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission.

Bio-Image

BY DR. WILL COLE

Evidence-based reviewed article

Dr. Will Cole, DNM, IFMCP, DC is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is the host of the popular The Art Of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian, The Inflammation Spectrum and the brand new book Gut Feelings: Healing the Shame-Fueled Relationship Between What You Eat and How You Feel.

Gut Feelings Dr. Will Cole 6

Gut Feelings

Healing The Shame-Fueled Relationship
Between What You Eat And How You Feel