Many factors can affect magnesium balance: A diet high in sodium, calcium, and protein [5,23,24,25], the consumption of caffeine and alcohol [5,13,26], and the use of certain medicines such as diuretics, proton-pump, and inhibitors or antibiotics [13,26,27], which can all cause lower magnesium retention.
Phytates in the diet bind to magnesium and impair its absorption. However the quantities present in normal diet do not affect magnesium absorption. Other dietary factors that are thought to affect magnesium absorption are oxalate, phosphate, proteins, potassium and zinc.
Prescribed drugs further deplete the stores of magnesium in the body. Among these are proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux, including Prilosec, Zantac or Nexium; statins; and blood pressure medications, Dean said. The biggest magnesium busters are drugs containing fluoride, she said.
Magnesium Balance
The levels are regulated primarily in the kidney at the level of renal tubular reabsorption. Instead, control seems to be as fluxes at the intestine, kidney, intracellular fluids and perhaps the skeleton. The kidney is the prime regulator of serum Mg concentration.
Since you can't properly metabolize vitamin D without the right level of magnesium, taking vitamin D by itself may not fix a deficiency. Taking vitamin D in large doses can also deplete magnesium, leading to a deficiency or making an existing one worse.
Very low magnesium levels may cause:
Nausea. Constipation. Headaches. Nighttime leg cramps.
Hypomagnesemia and magnesium deficiency are common in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, in conditions causing steatorrhea or severe chronic diarrhea such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, coeliac disease, Whipple's disease, and short-bowel syndrome.
Thus, the elderly population is especially at risk of magnesium deficiency due to low intake but also increased risk for chronic diseases that predispose to magnesium deficiency (ageing also reduces magnesium absorption from the diet, ie, achlorhydria).
Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia
Magnesium depletion typically occurs after diuretic use, sustained alcohol consumption, or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Every organ in the body, especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys, needs the mineral magnesium. It also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones. Magnesium is needed for many functions in the body. This includes the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy (metabolism).
Chronic magnesium deficiency is often associated with normal serum magnesium despite deficiency in cells and in bone; the response to oral supplementation is slow and may take up to 40 weeks to reach a steady state.
If You Take Mineral Supplements
Large doses of minerals can compete with each other to be absorbed. Don't use calcium, zinc, or magnesium supplements at the same time.
Through boosting metabolism, regulating blood sugar, and reducing inflammation, magnesium can be a valuable addition to your weight loss journey. Scientific research supports the use of magnesium supplementation for weight loss, with studies showing significant improvements in body composition and metabolic health.
Without magnesium present, Vitamin D is stored in the body and not used. The body depends on magnesium to convert Vitamin D into its active form within the body. Magnesium also helps Vitamin D bind to its target proteins, as well as helping the liver and the kidneys to metabolize Vitamin D.
You can test your magnesium levels by purchasing a simple at-home finger prick test kit which is then analysed at an accredited lab. Forth offers a number of blood tests which include magnesium such as our Nutri-check test and Menopause Health blood test.
Coffee does not directly affect magnesium in your body. But it halts the further absorption of magnesium gradually in your intestines. The more coffee you consume, the less your magnesium absorption rate gets. But a heavy dose of coffee can lead to magnesium depletion.
A blood test will be ordered to check your magnesium level. Normal range is 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L). Other blood and urine tests that may be done include: Calcium blood test.
Treatment for hypomagnesemia
If your magnesium is low because you aren't getting enough magnesium in your diet, try to eat more of the following foods that have lots of magnesium: Nuts and nut butters — especially almonds, peanuts, and cashews. Spinach. Grains, like rice and whole-wheat breads and cereals.