Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It is needed for energy production, nerve function, muscle contraction, and the regulation of blood pressure.

Despite its importance, many people are not getting enough magnesium in their diets.

Causes of Magnesium Deficiency

There are several reasons why someone may become deficient in magnesium. One of the main causes is a poor diet. Many processed and refined foods are stripped of their natural magnesium content.

Additionally, certain medical conditions and medications can interfere with the absorption and utilization of magnesium in the body.

Poor Dietary Intake

One of the primary reasons for magnesium deficiency is a diet that lacks magnesium-rich foods. The modern Western diet, characterized by its high intake of processed and refined foods, is typically low in magnesium.

Foods that are rich in magnesium include leafy green vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. By consuming a diet that is lacking in these foods, individuals are at risk of not obtaining adequate amounts of magnesium.

GI Disorders

Individuals with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are at an increased risk of magnesium deficiency.

These conditions can lead to malabsorption, where nutrients including magnesium are not properly absorbed by the body. Additionally, chronic diarrhea or vomiting associated with GI disorders can result in magnesium loss.

Kidney Disease

The kidneys play a key role in regulating magnesium levels in the body. Individuals with kidney disease, especially those undergoing dialysis, may have impaired kidney function, which can lead to magnesium deficiency.

The kidneys may excrete excessive amounts of magnesium, causing a depletion in the body.

Alcoholism

Chronic alcoholism is another risk factor for magnesium deficiency. Alcohol increases urinary excretion of magnesium and impairs absorption in the intestines.

Prolonged heavy alcohol consumption can deplete magnesium levels over time, leading to a deficiency.

Older Adults

As people age, their risk of magnesium deficiency tends to increase. Older adults may have reduced magnesium absorption, increased magnesium excretion, and a decreased intake of magnesium-rich foods.

Additionally, certain medications commonly used by older adults, such as proton pump inhibitors and diuretics, can further contribute to magnesium deficiency.

Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of magnesium deficiency. Poorly controlled diabetes can result in excessive urinary excretion of magnesium, leading to a depletion in the body.

Additionally, certain oral medications used to manage diabetes, such as diuretics and some types of insulin, can further contribute to magnesium loss.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women have higher magnesium requirements due to the increased nutrient demands of the developing fetus. However, many pregnant women do not meet the recommended daily intake of magnesium.

This, coupled with increased magnesium excretion through urine, can result in magnesium deficiency during pregnancy.

Eating Disorders

Individuals with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, are at an increased risk of magnesium deficiency. Restrictive dietary intake and/or purging behaviors can lead to inadequate magnesium intake and absorption.

Malnutrition associated with eating disorders can further exacerbate magnesium deficiency.

Medications

Several medications can interfere with magnesium levels in the body. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly used to treat acid reflux and ulcers, can reduce magnesium absorption.

Diuretics, often prescribed for high blood pressure or heart failure, can increase urinary excretion of magnesium. Other medications that may contribute to magnesium deficiency include certain antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and immunosuppressants.

Conclusion

Magnesium deficiency is a common problem, and certain individuals are more prone to experiencing this deficiency.

Those following a poor diet, individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, alcoholism, older adults, individuals with diabetes, pregnant women, those with eating disorders, and individuals taking specific medications are at an increased risk of magnesium deficiency. It is important for these individuals to be mindful of their magnesium intake and consider supplementation if needed, under medical supervision.