Low Magnesium: What to Do?

Magnesium is an important electrolyte in our body, responsible for a variety of functions. Having the right amount of magnesium in the body is important for:

  • Helping your nerves and muscles work properly
  • Bone and heart health
  • Managing your blood pressure
  • Helping your body make certain hormones

Not having enough magnesium in the body is usually a sign of a health problem.

What is Hypomagnesemia?

‘Hypo’ means low, Magnesemia is ‘Magnesium in blood’. This is medical term given to low levels of Magnesium (Mg) in blood.

What causes hypomagnesemia?

Possible causes of hypomagnesemia include:

  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea
  • Taking certain medicines
  • Kidney problems
  • Bone problems
  • Diabetes that is not well managed
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Sometimes, hypomagnesemia can mean you also have low levels of other things, like calcium or potassium.

What are the symptoms of hypomagnesemia?

Symptoms can include:

  • Muscle cramps or spasms
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Lack of energy
  • Delirium
  • Coma
  • Muscle movements you can’t control
  • Abnormal heart rhythm or other heart problems

Sometimes, people with hypomagnesemia don’t have any symptoms.

Will I need tests?

Yes, if there is symptoms of low magnesium, magnesium levels are done to confirm it. Then, some tests are done to find out reasons of hypomagnesemia.

How is hypomagnesemia treated?

Generally, doctors treat hypomagnesemia by giving you more magnesium until you reach a normal level. There are 2 ways of doing this:

  • Intravenous  injection (Injection given in vein). This treatment is often done for people who have severe symptoms or are already in the hospital.
  • Oral supplements – Magnesium is given as supplements by mouth. It comes as a pill, powder, or liquid. Doctor might recommend this if you have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.

Depending on what caused your hypomagnesemia, you might need other treatments, too.

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