Symptoms of magnesium deficiency initially include:
- Appetite loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
As the deficiency progresses, you may experience:
- Numbness and tingling
- Seizures
- Muscle cramps
- Personality changes
- Abnormal heart rhythms
If you experience any of the following symptoms, this could indicate that you may need to boost your magnesium intake.
- Poor sleep patterns
- Night-time muscle tension (restless legs)
- Joint discomfort and stiffness
- Increased menstrual discomfort
- Cardiovascular problems
- Poor concentration
- Respiratory issues (including asthma)
- Poor skin conditions (including psoriasis and eczema)
- Low energy levels (particularly mid-morning and afternoon)
- Stress and anxiety
The classic physical signs of low magnesium are:
Neurological:
Behavioral disturbances
Irritability and anxiety
Lethargy
Impaired memory and cognitive function
Anorexia or loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures
Difficulty swallowing Metabolic:
Increased intracellular calcium
Hyperglycemia
Calcium deficiency
Potassium deficiency
Among children:
Growth retardation or “failure to thrive”
Muscular:
Weakness
Muscle spasms (tetany)
Tics
Muscle cramps
Hyperactive reflexes
Impaired muscle coordination (ataxia)
Tremors
Involuntary eye movements and vertigo
Cardiovascular:
Irregular or rapid heartbeat
Coronary spasms