Overview
Magnesium deficiency occurs when the body lacks sufficient magnesium, a vital mineral essential for muscle, nerve, and bone function. In Korea, dietary deficiencies, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle factors contribute to magnesium insufficiency, and healthcare providers address this through nutrition and supplementation.
What is Magnesium Deficiency?
Magnesium deficiency, also called hypomagnesemia, is a condition in which magnesium levels in the blood fall below normal. Magnesium is crucial for over 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy production, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. Both adults and children can be affected.
Symptoms
- Muscle cramps, spasms, or tremors
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Tingling or numbness
- Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability
Causes
- Poor dietary intake of magnesium-rich foods
- Gastrointestinal disorders causing malabsorption
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Certain medications (diuretics, proton pump inhibitors)
- Chronic illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease
- Increased magnesium loss due to stress or high physical activity
Risk Factors
- Older adults with reduced nutrient absorption
- Individuals with gastrointestinal diseases (Crohn’s, celiac disease)
- Patients taking diuretics or certain medications
- High alcohol consumption
- Chronic stress or strenuous physical activity
- People on restrictive or low-magnesium diets
Complications
- Muscle weakness and frequent cramps
- Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia)
- Increased risk of hypertension
- Seizures in severe cases
- Osteoporosis over long-term deficiency
- Fatigue impacting daily functioning
Prevention
- Consume magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, and leafy greens
- Limit alcohol intake and manage stress
- Regular check-ups for individuals with chronic illnesses
- Use supplements under medical supervision if dietary intake is insufficient
- Monitor magnesium levels in patients on long-term medications affecting absorption
Treatment Options in Korea
Diagnosis
- Blood tests to measure serum magnesium levels
- Electrolyte panel to assess calcium and potassium balance
- Urinary magnesium excretion tests in select cases
- Clinical assessment for symptoms of deficiency
Medical & Nutritional Treatments
- Oral magnesium supplements (magnesium citrate, oxide, or glycinate)
- Intravenous magnesium for severe deficiency or acute complications
- Dietary counseling to increase magnesium-rich foods
- Management of underlying causes such as malabsorption or medication adjustments
Rehabilitation and Support
- Monitoring of serum magnesium after treatment
- Nutritional guidance for maintaining long-term magnesium levels
- Education on symptom recognition and early intervention
- Lifestyle advice including stress management and exercise balance