Magnesium Deficiency

General text about the lack of minerals can be found here.

Magnesium is a chemical element that is in our bodies present only in small amount, but it is important and its deficiency causes a lot of troubles.

Causes

The problem may occur in inadequate intake of minerals, particularly in dehydration with low intake of mineral water. Magnesium deficiency is also often present in patients with gastrointestinal disorders such as malabsorption of nutrients, and chronic diarrhea.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of magnesium deficiency are fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, leg pain and restless leg syndrome. Severe forms of deficiency may cause neurological symptoms such as mood swings, depression and hallucinations. Cardiovascular system may react by a variety of less or more severe arrhythmias.

Diagnosis

Magnesium blood levels can be easily detected in a sample of venous blood. Serum magnesium level may not absolutely accurately reflect its total amount in the body, but usually these two values are in direct proportion.

Treatment

The treatment consists mainly of deliver of missing magnesium. The majority of preparations exist in form of tablets or powders, but magnesium can be administered even intravenously in case of an acute condition.