Initial signs are easily overlooked
Magnesium is a mineral that participates in most of the body's vital activities, but deficiency often does not cause obvious symptoms. Patients only notice abnormalities when they are tired, weak, anorexia or have a long-term nausea.
Clinical nutritionist Jennifer lefton (Cleeland Clinic, USA) said: Early magnesium deficiency has almost no signs. Only when the concentration drops sharply does the body experience cramps, numbness or arrhythmia."
Prolonged deficiency can lead to hypocalcemia, hypocalcemia, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and the risk of stroke. This is a group of complications that has been warned of increasingly in recent clinical surveys.
High-risk subjects
According to Elizabeth Barnes, St. Petersburg Clinical Nutrition Center. Louis (USA), magnesium deficiency is common in people with digestive diseases (Crohn, celiac), type 2 diabetes, alcoholism and the elderly.
Some long-term medications, such as diuretic drugs, proton pump inhibitors, or antibiotics, can reduce blood magnesium by increasing urine excretion, says Barnes.
A diet lacking nuts, green vegetables, and whole grains also contributes to magnesium levels decreasing over time. Because magnesium testing is not included in the basic testing package, people with vague but prolonged symptoms should discuss with a doctor for the correct prescription.
How to supplement safely and effectively
To a mild extent, magnesium deficiency can be improved through foods rich in magnesium such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, black beans, bananas, avocados, salmon, soy milk, oats and whole grains. This is an easy-to-absorb source of magnesium and is suitable for most diets.
Once a deficiency has been determined through testing, the doctor may prescribe supplements of magnesium tablets. However, expert Jennifer lefton recommends not taking it on self because high doses can cause diarrhea, electrolyte disorders or interact with the drug being used. Choosing which type of magnesium and how much dosage should be personalized.
The information in the article is for reference only, not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate advice that is suitable for your health condition.
