Symptoms of magnesium deficiency
Severe magnesium deficiency may cause several symptoms, many of which can also be linked to other conditions. It is therefore necessary to undergo blood tests in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
You should normally pay attention to:
Muscle spasms and cramps
A muscle cramp is a sudden, brief, involuntary, and painful contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. It has several causes, including a lack of magnesium in muscle tissue. Electrolytes help regulate fluid balance in the body. An imbalance in their concentrations, such as low magnesium levels, can trigger the onset of cramps. It is then necessary to restore magnesium levels to their optimum so that the muscle tissue can relax again.
Anxiety and depression
Anxiety, stress, and depression are closely connected and linked to hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for characteristic symptoms such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and sleep difficulties.
Since magnesium is involved in many metabolic processes, it also has a positive effect on the nervous system and the brain. Indeed, many studies show that magnesium deficiency can have a significant impact on mental health.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a condition characterised by difficulty falling or staying asleep.
It has been shown that certain forms of insomnia are associated with low magnesium levels in the body.
Indeed, magnesium is an important regulator of the nervous system, since vitamin B1, which is specific to the brain, is not active without this mineral.
In addition, optimal magnesium levels are linked to improved production of melatonin, the main hormone involved in regulating the body’s biological clock and the physiological alternation of the circadian rhythm.
Fatigue
Magnesium is required for the reactions that produce ATP, the energy used by cells. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the main source of energy in cells and must bind to a magnesium ion to become active.
As a result, when magnesium levels are too low, cells lack energy. This translates into tiredness, low energy, and various physical problems.
Fragile bones
Calcium has always been considered the most important mineral for bone health, but it has recently been discovered that magnesium is just as crucial.
Magnesium is necessary for the absorption of vitamin D, which in turn is essential for calcium absorption.
Moreover, once calcium has been absorbed, it needs to be stored in the bones. This process is carried out by calcitonin, whose activity is regulated by the body’s magnesium reserves.