Magnesium deficiency
Low blood magnesium; Magnesium - low; HypomagnesemiaMagnesium deficiency is a condition in which the amount of magnesium in the blood is lower than normal. The medical name of this condition is hypomagnesemia.
Causes
Every organ in the body, especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys, needs the mineral magnesium. It also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones. Magnesium is needed for many functions in the body. This includes the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy (metabolism).
Metabolism
Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy, such as:BreathingCirculating bloodControlling bo...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleWhen the level of magnesium in the body drops below normal, symptoms may develop due to low magnesium.
Common causes of low magnesium include:
-
Alcohol use
Alcohol use
Alcohol use disorder is when your drinking causes serious problems in your life, yet you keep drinking. You may also need more and more alcohol to f...
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- Chronic diarrhea
- Excessive urination (polyuria), such as in uncontrolled diabetes and during recovery from acute kidney injury
Diabetes
Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleAcute kidney injury
Acute kidney failure is the rapid (less than 2 days) loss of your kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in your b...
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Hyperaldosteronism (disorder in which the adrenal gland releases too much of the hormone aldosterone into the blood)
Hyperaldosteronism
Hyperaldosteronism is a disorder in which the adrenal gland releases too much of the hormone aldosterone into the blood. Hyperaldosteronism can be pr...
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-
Malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease
Malabsorption
Malabsorption involves problems with the body's ability to take in (absorb) nutrients from food.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCeliac disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage comes from a reaction to eating gluten. This ...
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Malnutrition
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Medicines including amphotericin, antibodies targeting the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, cisplatin, cyclosporine, diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, tacrolimus, and aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Pancreatitis (swelling and inflammation of the pancreas)
- Excessive sweating
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
Nystagmus
Nystagmus is a term to describe uncontrollable movements of the eyes that may be:Side to side (horizontal nystagmus)Up and down (vertical nystagmus)R...
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- Fatigue
- Muscle spasms or cramps
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.
Tests that may be ordered include an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleA blood test will be ordered to check your magnesium level. Normal range is 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L).
Blood test
A serum magnesium test measures the level of magnesium in the blood.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleOther blood and urine tests that may be done include:
-
Calcium blood test
Calcium blood test
The calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in the blood. This article discusses the test to measure the total amount of calcium in your blo...
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Comprehensive metabolic panel
Comprehensive metabolic panel
A comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...
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Potassium blood test
Potassium blood test
This test measures the amount of potassium in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood. Potassium (K+) helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also ...
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Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the low magnesium problem and may include:
- Fluids given through a vein (IV)
- Magnesium by mouth or through a vein
- Medicines to relieve symptoms
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome depends on the condition that is causing the problem.
Possible Complications
Untreated, this condition can lead to:
- Cardiac arrest
-
Respiratory arrest
Respiratory arrest
Breathing that stops from any cause is called apnea. Slowed breathing is called bradypnea. Labored or difficult breathing is known as dyspnea....
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
When your body's magnesium level drops too much, it can be a life-threatening emergency. Call your provider right away if you have symptoms of this condition.
Prevention
Treating the condition that is causing low magnesium can help.
If you play sports or do other vigorous activity, drink fluids such as sports drinks. They contain electrolytes to keep your magnesium level in a healthy range.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleReferences
Chonchol M, Smogorzewski MJ, Stubbs JR, Yu ASL. Disorders of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate balance. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.
Pfennig CL, Slovis CM. Electrolyte disorders. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 114.
Review Date: 6/12/2023
Reviewed By: Jacob Berman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.