Fitness
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Magnesium is an essential nutrient that works closely with calcium and other nutrients to maintain good physical and mental well-being. When the body’s levels of magnesium run low, a number of different symptoms may become manifest. Here are examples of some of the more common magnesium deficiency symptoms that may appear.

In terms of physical symptoms of magnesium deficiency, there is a good chance that a person with inadequate levels of magnesium will experience a wide range of aches and pains. Cramps in the legs are often present, along with a sense of stiffness in the neck. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency may also include pain in the jaw that seems to appear for no reason. Tension headaches may become more frequent. In some people, a feeling of tightness in the chest will be one magnesium deficiency symptom, although this particular sign may come and go.

Tension headaches may be a sign of magnesium deficiency.
Tension headaches may be a sign of magnesium deficiency.

When there is a lack of magnesium in the body, the central nervous system is usually compromised in some manner. This is especially true if calcium levels are also low, since the two minerals tend to work hand in hand. Common calcium magnesium deficiency symptoms may include the development of anxiety and panic attacks, higher levels of irritability and a marked increase in restless behavior. Over time, the person suffering with this level of deficiency may also begin to experience agoraphobia and insomnia. Accompanying these magnesium deficient symptoms, the peripheral nervous system may become impaired, causing the individual to experience numbness and tingling in the extremities.

Low magnesium levels may cause insomnia.
Low magnesium levels may cause insomnia.

The heart is anothersite of magnesium deficiency symptoms. Without adequate levels of magnesium within the body, an individual may begin to experience palpitations or angina. The heartbeat itself may become irregular in addition to beating at a faster pace from time to time. In some cases, it is impossible for an individual to tell the difference between symptoms brought on by a magnesium deficiency and those of a mild heart attack.

Magnesium serves many important purposes inside the body, including maintaining a stable blood pressure and heartbeat.
Magnesium serves many important purposes inside the body, including maintaining a stable blood pressure and heartbeat.

There are also random magnesium deficiency symptoms, such as a change in behavior. People who are normally relaxed and confident may become high-strung, easy to anger, and somewhat pessimistic in their outlook. The symptoms of magnesium deficiency also include an unusual craving for salt or chocolate. Women may experience tenderness in the breasts as well as changes in the menstrual cycle. Both genders may find themselves more apathetic in general, especially when anxiety and panic attacks are present.

Spinach is packed with magnesium, an essential electrolyte that helps regulate the nervous system.
Spinach is packed with magnesium, an essential electrolyte that helps regulate the nervous system.

It is important to note that all magnesium deficiency symptoms can also be symptoms of many other conditions. For this reason, no one should assume he or she has this type of deficiency before seeing a doctor. Physicians can run simple tests to determine if magnesium levels are low and also provide guidelines on how to go about increasing the levels to within a normal range.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Babalaas

@ Parmnparsley- Plants can suffer from deficiencies just like people.

Magnesium deficiencies are characterized by yellowing between the veins of the plants, and the withering of the leaves. When leaves wither from magnesium deficiency, they tend to curl up on top of themselves rather than under themselves.

The cause of magnesium deficiency in your garden is likely due to imbalances of other minerals or problems with your water's PH levels. Too much calcium or potassium will cause magnesium to be bound to the soil, not allowing the plants to assimilate the nutrient.

To fix the problem add a tablespoon of Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulfate) to a gallon of water and spray your plants with the solution. You want to facilitate foliar absorption if the PH or Nutrient balance in your soil is preventing your plants from absorbing certain nutrients.

You should also test the PH levels in your water and soil. Hard water and acid water will prevent root absorption. Add a teaspoon of wood ash (not cherry) to a gallon of water to increase alkalinity by 1 point. Wood ash also prevents slugs from eating your plants and will eventually neutralize the PH in your soil.

parmnparsley

I know that people can have mineral deficiencies, but can plants have mineral deficiencies? I have a small vegetable garden and I think some of my plants have deficiencies.

The leaves on my tomato and bell pepper plants are turning yellow and curling at the edges. Can someone tell me if this is a sign of a deficiency? I have heard people talk about iron and magnesium deficiencies in soil so I am wondering if this could be the cause. I water my garden and add organic fertilizer, but I don't know what else to do.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Tension headaches may be a sign of magnesium deficiency.
      By: apops
      Tension headaches may be a sign of magnesium deficiency.
    • Low magnesium levels may cause insomnia.
      By: Dan Race
      Low magnesium levels may cause insomnia.
    • Magnesium serves many important purposes inside the body, including maintaining a stable blood pressure and heartbeat.
      By: concept w
      Magnesium serves many important purposes inside the body, including maintaining a stable blood pressure and heartbeat.
    • Spinach is packed with magnesium, an essential electrolyte that helps regulate the nervous system.
      By: travelbook
      Spinach is packed with magnesium, an essential electrolyte that helps regulate the nervous system.
    • Salmon is one of many foods naturally rich in magnesium.
      By: pilipphoto
      Salmon is one of many foods naturally rich in magnesium.
    • Agoraphobia -- which is a fear of crowded places or open spaces -- can be triggered by a magnesium deficiency.
      By: connel_design
      Agoraphobia -- which is a fear of crowded places or open spaces -- can be triggered by a magnesium deficiency.
    • Calcium magnesium deficiency symptoms may include anxiety and high levels or irritability.
      By: pressmaster
      Calcium magnesium deficiency symptoms may include anxiety and high levels or irritability.
    • Women with a magnesium deficiency may experience tenderness in the breasts or menstrual cycle changes.
      By: Marin Conic
      Women with a magnesium deficiency may experience tenderness in the breasts or menstrual cycle changes.
    • Prolonged fatigue and poor concentration are symptoms of a magnesium deficiency.
      By: kmiragaya
      Prolonged fatigue and poor concentration are symptoms of a magnesium deficiency.