Early symptoms of magnesium deficiency include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, and weakness. Although many people do not get enough magnesium, deficiencies are rare and symptoms are often indicative of an underlying medical condition.
In this article, we will discuss why magnesium is needed by humans, what magnesium deficiency means, and what are the main symptoms of deficiency. We also include diagnosis, Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), foods to eat, tips to improve absorption, and magnesium supplements.
Why do we need magnesium?
Magnesium is a mineral and electrolyte that plays an important role in many bodily processes, including:
energy production
bone and tooth structure
muscle activity
neural activity
DNA replication
RNA and protein synthesis
Therefore, it is vital that people get enough magnesium in their diet every day to stay healthy.
What does magnesium deficiency mean?
The 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that most people in the United States do not get enough magnesium in their diets.
However, since the body can store enough magnesium, deficiency symptoms are rare.