From the Guidelines
Many people have low levels of magnesium due to various factors, including decreased absorption or increased loss of magnesium from the kidneys or intestines, as well as certain medications and malnourishment. According to the study published in Circulation in 2010 1, hypomagnesemia, defined as a serum magnesium concentration <1.3 mEq/L, is far more common than hypermagnesemia and can result from alterations in thyroid hormone function, certain medications, and malnourishment.
Some of the key factors that contribute to low magnesium levels include:
- Decreased absorption of magnesium from the intestines
- Increased loss of magnesium from the kidneys or intestines, such as through diarrhea
- Certain medications, such as diuretics, pentamidine, and alcohol
- Malnourishment or poor dietary choices
- Chronic conditions, such as digestive disorders, which can impair magnesium absorption or increase its excretion, as reported in the study published in Gut in 2019 1.
To maintain adequate magnesium levels, it is essential to consume magnesium-rich foods and consider supplementation for those with confirmed deficiency. Magnesium-rich foods include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. For those with confirmed deficiency, supplementation with magnesium glycinate, citrate, or malate at 200-400mg daily may be beneficial, though this should be discussed with a healthcare provider 1. Magnesium is crucial for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy production, muscle function, nerve transmission, and bone health, making adequate levels essential for overall health.
From the FDA Drug Label
Magnesium is an important cofactor for enzymatic reactions and plays an important role in neurochemical transmission and muscular excitability. While there are large stores of magnesium present intracellularly and in the bones of adults, these stores often are not mobilized sufficiently to maintain plasma levels.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Magnesium Deficiency Prevalence
- Many people have low levels of magnesium, with studies indicating that almost half of the US population consumes less than the required amount of magnesium from food 2.
- The prevalence of low magnesium levels is a significant concern, as it has been associated with various disorders, such as skeletal deformities, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome 3.
Factors Contributing to Low Magnesium Levels
- Changes in agricultural practices and dietary patterns have affected magnesium consumption over time, contributing to inadequate magnesium intake 4.
- The rising calcium-to-magnesium food-intake ratio in the United States has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other inflammation-related disorders 2.
- The lack of a simple and accurate test to determine whole-body magnesium status makes it challenging to monitor magnesium consumption and identify individuals with magnesium deficiency 4.
Health Consequences of Low Magnesium Levels
- Low levels of magnesium have been associated with a range of chronic diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 5.
- Magnesium deficiency can also lead to neuromuscular, cardiac, and nervous disorders, highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate magnesium levels 5.
- The clinical consequences of inadequate magnesium status are well established, emphasizing the need to encourage increased magnesium intake in adults, particularly through the consumption of healthy foods rich in magnesium 4.