So, what is the role of magnesium in our bodies? Well, magnesium is a cofactor in enzyme systems involving energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Magnesium also plays a role in the active transport of calcium and potassium across cell membranes and is pivotal to nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and the maintenance of a regular heart rhythm.
Now, normal ranges of serum magnesium are around about 0.7-1.0 mmol/L. A mild deficiency is generally classified as 0.5-0.7 mmol/L, a moderate deficiency as 0.4-0.5 mmol/L, and severe deficiency as less than 0.4 mmol/L. Once again, hypomagnesemia can be serious and potentially fatal in severe deficiency. That said, most individuals are asymptomatic, with symptoms usually not apparent until magnesium levels are less than 0.5 mmol/L. A moderate deficiency with symptoms, or severe deficiency, usually requires hospital assessment and intravenous magnesium replacement.
So, what are the risk factors or causes for hypomagnesemia? Magnesium needs to be absorbed throught your gut so if your microbiom is off or too many “bad bacteria, yeast and fungus are there you are in a state of dysbiosis or (poor working intestinal tract) so you won’t absorb nutrients from you diet or supplements. This will lead ot a condition called Leaky Gut which is the precursor of all autoimmune disease manifestation. And of course acute or chronic diarrhea due to these malabsorption states, including celiac disease. Acute pancreatitis and over use of laxatives. Of course any eating disorder, including anorexia nervosa or bellimia will cause loss of magnesium,. Magnesium can also be lost via the kidneys related to alcohol dependence, diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis, and after acute kidney injury or AKI. Finally, there are many commonly prescribed medications that can lead to low magnesium levels, including PPIs (as I’ve mentioned already), loop and thiazide diuretics, digoxin, gentamicin, salbutamol, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy agents. Hypomagnesemia also increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Low magnesium levels can lead to neuromuscular effects, including muscular weakness, ataxia (poor gait), tremors, and spasms of the hands and feet usually worse at night when laying down. Cardiovascular effects include ECG abnormalities and ventricular arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes. Low magnesium levels are also often associated with low calcium and potassium. Other effects include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
Plant based or chelated magnesium is a great supplement for general improvement of low magnesium levels and of course eating as many dark green leafy vegetables shich are high in magnesium is vital. Other magnesium supplements like magnesium citrate for muscle issues and constipation and magnesium oxide is good for laxitive issues but not as good for muscle cramps.
But always focuse on making your gut HEALTHIER! Knowing what foods yoru are sensitive to, what environmental pollution has “clogged” up your system is crucial to fixing your intestinal tract. That is what a good Functional Medicine and nutritional expert like Dr. Kydonieus can help you figure out. Lab testing, muscle reflex testing and a detailed History are really needed to sort out each case. This is not always as simple as just gtake a magnesium supplement and your better.
Contact Dr. Kydonieus for a consultion either in the office or over the internet.