Causes of magnesium deficiency

The causes of magnesium deficiency may arise from several factors, such as diet, intense physical activity, stress, pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as various medical conditions.
Magnesium deficiency, known as hypomagnesaemia, occurs when the plasma concentration of this mineral falls below 1.9 mg/dl.

Among the main causes of magnesium deficiency are:

Diet

Magnesium deficiency is very common, even though this mineral is found in many foods. The high incidence of magnesium deficiency is mainly due to the Western diet, which is low in fruit, vegetables, and legumes, and high in fatty and refined foods.

Sport and intense physical activity

Competitive sports and heavy physical loads promote the loss of minerals, including magnesium, mainly through sweat. The greater the intensity of the activity, the higher the amount of magnesium eliminated.
During physical exertion, muscles also have a higher demand for energy. This energy in the cells exists in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which must bind to a magnesium ion to become active. This leads to an increased consumption of magnesium.

Stress

Under stress, our body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which increase the elimination of magnesium. This response can lead to a reduction in magnesium availability and, if stress is prolonged, to a significant deficiency.
When magnesium levels in the body drop too low due to stress, the consequences include tiredness, fatigue, and tension. Low magnesium levels also make us more susceptible to stress, creating a vicious circle.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, even with a balanced diet, the amount of magnesium consumed may not be sufficient. In this stage of life, the daily magnesium requirement can increase to as much as 450 mg. In addition, nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to greater magnesium loss.

Diseases

Absorption disorders can cause magnesium deficiency due to reduced nutrient uptake from food. Among these are conditions such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease.

Deficiency may also result from increased excretion of magnesium, for example due to metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, or other gastrointestinal diseases.