HYPOMAGNESEMIA
Hypomagnesemia is a rare electrolyte disorder in which there is a low level of magnesium in the bloodstream.
- The body uses magnesium as an electrolyte, meaning it generates and carries electric charges around the body when dissolved in the blood
- Magnesium is stored inside cells or bones and helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, contributes to the structural development of bone, helps regulate blood glucose levels, keeps the heartbeat steady, and is required for the synthesis of DNA and RNA
- The gastrointestinal and the kidney systems regulate and control the amount of magnesium absorbed from food and the amount excreted in urine
- In healthy people, the body maintain a normal level of 1.4 to 2.6 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of magnesium at all times
- A magnesium level below 1.4 mg/dL is considered low
- If left untreated, hypomagnesemia can cause chronic conditions (such as cardiac or respiratory arrest) and decrease the body’s level of calcium and potassium
CAUSES
Hypomagnesemia may be commonly caused by inadequate absorption of magnesium from diet or increased excretion or loss of magnesium from the kidney or gastrointestinal gut.
Other causes include:
- Alcoholism
- Diabetes
- Malnutrition
- High blood calcium level
- Chronic diarrhea
- Hypocalcemia
- Hypokalemia
- Acute pancreatitis
- Fluoride poisoning
- Malabsorption
- Acute myocardial infection
- Genetics
- Medications, such as loop and thiazide diuretic, antibiotics (amphotericin, pentamidine, tobramycin), the chemotherapy drug cisplatin
- Long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors
SYMPTOMS
- Weakness and exhaustion
- Twitches, especially in the facial muscles
- Personality changes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors
- Constipation
- Low potassium in the blood
- Muscle cramps
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Seizures
In extreme and prolonged cases, symptoms may include:
- Coma
- Intellectual disability, and even
- Death
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will carry out a blood test and measure the concentration of magnesium in the blood. The severity of the condition is determined by level of magnesium found in the blood.
A normal magnesium level is between 1.46 to 2.6 mg/dL. Anything less than 1.46 is considered low
Other tests that may be done include a potassium blood test and calcium blood test. It is important that the doctor also check the level of calcium and potassium.
TREATMENT
Treatment options depend on the degree of deficiency and may include:
- Magnesium replacement by mouth for people with mild symptoms or intravenous replacement for people with severe symptoms
- Consumption of foods rich in electrolytes, such as brown rice, oatmeal, avocados, almonds, peanuts, cashews, other legumes, leafy green vegetables, and nuts
It is important not to self-diagnose hypomagnesemia and begin supplementation without seeing a doctor. Too much of any nutrient, including magnesium, can be dangerous and may cause an imbalance in other minerals.