What is Hypomagnesemia

Hypomagnesemia is a condition in which the level of magnesium in the blood is low. Magnesium is a mineral that is found in many foods. It is used in many different processes in the body. Hypomagnesemia can affect every organ in the body. In severe cases, it can cause life-threatening problems.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

• Not getting enough magnesium in your diet.
• Malnutrition.
• Problems with absorbing magnesium from the intestines.
• Dehydration.
• Alcohol abuse.
• Vomiting.
• Severe or chronic diarrhea.
• Some medicines, including medicines that make you urinate more (diuretics).
• Certain diseases, such as kidney disease, diabetes, celiac disease, and overactive thyroid.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Involuntary shaking or trembling of a body part (tremor).
• Muscle weakness.
• Tingling in the arms and legs.
• Sudden tightening of muscles (muscle spasms).
• Confusion.
• Psychiatric issues, such as depression, irritability, or psychosis.
• A feeling of fluttering of the heart.
• Seizures.

These symptoms are more severe if magnesium levels drop suddenly.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms and medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Blood and urine tests.

How is this treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. It may be treated with:

• A magnesium supplement. This can be taken in pill form. If the condition is severe, magnesium is usually given through an IV.
• Changes to your diet. You may be directed to eat foods that have a lot of magnesium, such as green leafy vegetables, peas, beans, and nuts.
• Stopping any intake of alcohol.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Make sure that your diet includes foods with magnesium. Foods that have a lot of magnesium in them include:
  • Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli.
  • Beans and peas.
  • Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and sunflower seeds.
  • Whole grains, such as whole grain bread and fortified cereals.
• Take magnesium supplements if your health care provider tells you to do that. Take them as directed.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Have your magnesium levels monitored as told by your health care provider.
• When you are active, drink fluids that contain electrolytes.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You get worse instead of better.
• Your symptoms return.

Get help right away if you:

• Develop severe muscle weakness.
• Have trouble breathing.
• Feel that your heart is racing.

Summary

• Hypomagnesemia is a condition in which the level of magnesium in the blood is low.
• Hypomagnesemia can affect every organ in the body.
• Treatment may include eating more foods that contain magnesium, taking magnesium supplements, and not drinking alcohol.
• Have your magnesium levels monitored as told by your health care provider.