There are many deficiencies that people have widespread knowledge about, such as calcium, iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. However, one unexpected and very important mineral that is often overlooked is magnesium. It is vital for maintaining muscle activity, heart health, and many other areas as well. Magnesium deficiency occurs when people lack this element, leading to different health problems. Many people find it difficult to include sufficient magnesium in their diet causing further issues. The following are eight signs that one needs to be on the lookout for in order to avoid magnesium deficiency.

1. Muscle Cramps and Spasms - Recurrent muscle cramps, twitches, or spasms may suggest low magnesium levels. This element is a muscular relaxant in the body, and its deficiency would predispose someone to cramps especially when under stress or sleeping.

2. Fatigue and Weakness - Excessive tiredness and weakness may be brought about by magnesium deficiency. This is because cellular respiration requires this element. Therefore, its absence may lead to a person being weak, making them unable to undertake any of their activities.

3. Mood Swings and Anxiety - Magnesium is calming for the nerves, and hence it plays a great role in combating anxiety. Most patients suffering from magnesium deficiency have reported episodes of mood swings, irritability, and increased anxiety levels due to the deficiency of magnesium. When the magnesium level in an individual becomes low, the balance among neurotransmitters changes, increasing the levels of emotional and psychological stress.

4. Sleep Issues – Inability or difficulty in either falling asleep or remaining asleep has been noticed in magnesium deficient people, prevailing even after receiving treatment for the same. This is because it affects the hormones responsible for sleep such as melatonin. Additionally, deficiency in minerals may also cause Worster-Drought Syndrome (WDS), leading to tiredness during the day and poor analogical capabilities.

5. Numbness or Tingling – When one experiences sudden numbness and tingling in the hands and especially the legs, without any visible explanation, it may be due to a lack of magnesium. These symptoms arise due to the non-functional vagus nerve, which may even cause dizziness and instability.

6. High Blood Pressure - Magnesium reduces blood pressure through relaxation of the blood vessels. Maintaining normal blood pressure is very important and so if people notice their blood pressure constantly staying borderline high, it could be due to the lack of this mineral. Magnesium deficiency can heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease as well.

7. Irregular Heartbeat - The heart health of a person maay also be jeopardized due to a lack of magnesium, leading to the individual experiencing palpitations or an irregular heartbeat. This is alarming and could mean that the electrolytes are out of balance which may hinder heart functions. Seeking immediate medical care is always advised for conditions like these.

8. Digestive Issues - Inadequate levels of magnesium may also cause constipation, among other digestive disorders. Magnesium soothes the intestinal muscles thus enhancing bowel movement and a deficiency of this mineral may cause discomfort as well as irregularity in the gastrointestinal tract.

In the event, an individual observes these symptoms, he or she should check up on their magnesium levels. Appropriate dietary changes or the inclusion of Epsom salt capsules with meals, could be recommended in order to correct one’s magnesium levels. Eating well and making changes that enhances nutritional status always contributes towards improved health, fitness and overall wellbeing.

The author is Consultant- Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru