The Swiss Society for Nutrition Research stated that magnesium is an essential mineral for muscle, bone, and heart health. The society added that magnesium deficiency in the body can be caused by several factors, including a one-sided diet lacking magnesium, persistent diarrhea over a long period, and gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and hyperaldosteronism (a disease affecting the adrenal glands).
Magnesium deficiency can also result from long-term use of certain medications, such as laxatives, diuretics, antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, and heart medications.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle cramps, muscle weakness, heart issues such as palpitations and arrhythmias, and heart pain. Additionally, it can cause internal disturbances, irritability, and rapid excitability, along with general symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and poor concentration.
The society noted that the body requires magnesium at a rate of 300 milligrams daily for women and 350 milligrams for men. Foods rich in magnesium include nuts, oatmeal, wheat bran, dairy products, beans, and potatoes, in addition to magnesium-rich mineral water.
In cases of severe deficiency, magnesium supplements can also be used under medical supervision, as exceeding the recommended dosage can lead to side effects such as diarrhea and low blood pressure.
