The hidden deficiency: Magnesium’s impact on your health

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the human body.

- TDG NETWORK

Despite its importance, magnesium is often overlooked in daily nutrition, and deficiency is more common than many realize. Alongside magnesium, various dietary supplements are increasingly used to fill nutritional gaps, support bodily functions, and manage health conditions.

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and plays a crucial role in over 300 enzymatic reactions. These processes influence a wide array of physiological functions, including:

• Energy production: ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell, requires magnesium to be biologically active.

• Muscle and nerve function: Magnesium helps regulate muscle contractions and supports neurotransmitter function.

• Heart health: It maintains normal heart rhythm and supports healthy blood pressure.

• Bone health: Magnesium works alongside calcium and vitamin D in maintaining bone structure.

• Glucose control: It plays a role in insulin regulation and glucose metabolism.

Despite its importance, magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) is prevalent, especially in populations with poor dietary intake, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, alcohol dependence, or those on certain medications like diuretics or proton pump inhibitors.

• Muscle cramps and spasms

• Fatigue or weakness

• Numbness and tingling

• Abnormal heart rhythms

• Mood disturbances, including anxiety and irritability

In severe cases, deficiency may lead to seizures, personality changes, or cardiac arrest.

Magnesium is found in a variety of whole foods. However, modern dietary patterns, often high in processed foods, contribute to inadequate magnesium intake.

Good dietary sources of magnesium include:

• Leafy green vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale)

• Nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, pumpkin seeds)