Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions. It contributes to the formation of bones, supports muscle function, maintains a healthy heart rhythm, and regulates blood pressure.

Despite its significance, magnesium deficiency is a common problem that affects approximately half of the population. Let’s explore the various factors that contribute to magnesium deficiency and the individuals who are most prone to it.

1. Individuals with Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can interfere with proper nutrient absorption, ultimately leading to deficiencies.

Magnesium is absorbed in the intestines, and any impairment in their function can hinder the absorption process. People with these conditions are therefore at a higher risk of developing magnesium deficiency.

2. Older Adults

As we age, our bodies undergo several physiological changes that can affect nutrient absorption and utilization. Older adults often experience reduced stomach acid production, which hampers the breakdown and absorption of magnesium.

Additionally, certain medications commonly prescribed to seniors, such as diuretics or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can further exacerbate magnesium deficiency.

3. Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have insufficient magnesium levels due to several factors. Firstly, elevated blood sugar levels increase urine production, leading to increased magnesium excretion.

Secondly, the body’s impaired insulin function affects magnesium transport inside the cells, making it harder for the body to maintain adequate levels.

4. Individuals with Alcoholism

Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to magnesium deficiency due to several mechanisms. Alcohol promotes increased urine production, resulting in the loss of magnesium through urine.

Additionally, alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to absorb and utilize magnesium properly. Individuals with alcoholism are at a particularly high risk of developing magnesium deficiency.

5. People with Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is crucial for magnesium absorption in the intestines. Insufficient vitamin D levels can impair magnesium absorption and metabolism, leading to deficiencies.

Individuals with low levels of vitamin D are consequently more prone to magnesium deficiency, as these two nutrients work synergistically to maintain optimal health.

6. Individuals on Certain Medications

Several medications can interfere with magnesium levels in the body. Diuretics, commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and edema, increase magnesium excretion through urine.

Proton pump inhibitors, used to manage acid reflux and ulcers, can also contribute to magnesium deficiency by impairing its absorption in the intestines. Other medications, such as certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, may also affect magnesium levels.

7. Athletes and Active Individuals

Those who engage in regular physical exercise, especially endurance athletes, may experience higher magnesium requirements due to increased sweating and magnesium loss through urine.

Furthermore, magnesium plays a vital role in muscle contraction and relaxation, making it crucial for athletes to maintain adequate levels for optimal performance and recovery.

8. Individuals with Chronic Stress

Chronic stress can deplete magnesium levels in the body. During periods of stress, the body excretes more magnesium in urine and increases the production of stress hormones, both of which can contribute to a deficiency.

Furthermore, stress negatively affects digestive function and disrupts nutrient absorption, further hindering magnesium levels.

9. Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Pregnant and breastfeeding women have higher magnesium requirements due to its crucial role in fetal and infant development. Insufficient magnesium during pregnancy can lead to complications like preeclampsia, preterm labor, and restricted fetal growth.

Additionally, breastfeeding mothers pass on magnesium to their infants through breast milk, further increasing the need for adequate magnesium intake.

10. Individuals on Low-Magnesium Diets

Lastly, individuals who follow restrictive diets that exclude magnesium-rich foods may be at a higher risk of developing magnesium deficiency.

People on weight loss diets, vegan or vegetarian diets, or diets high in processed foods often have limited magnesium intake. This, coupled with factors like limited nutrient absorption or increased excretion, can lead to inadequate magnesium levels.