Causes of magnesium deficiency
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Causes of Magnesium Deficiency
Introduction to Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in numerous physiological functions, including energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and the regulation of blood glucose and blood pressure. Despite its importance, magnesium deficiency is a common issue, particularly in hospitalized patients and those with chronic illnesses 124. This article explores the various causes of magnesium deficiency, highlighting gastrointestinal and renal losses, dietary insufficiencies, and other contributing factors.
Gastrointestinal Causes of Magnesium Deficiency
Malabsorption and Gastrointestinal Disorders
Magnesium deficiency often results from gastrointestinal issues that impair absorption. Conditions such as chronic diarrhea, steatorrhea, short bowel syndrome, and bowel fistulas can lead to significant magnesium loss 2. Continuous nasogastric suctioning and primary familial magnesium malabsorption are also notable causes 2.
Dietary Insufficiencies
Inadequate dietary intake is a prevalent cause of magnesium deficiency. Modern dietary practices, including the consumption of processed foods and the decline in the mineral content of vegetables due to contemporary farming techniques, contribute significantly to this issue 5. Starvation and specific life stages such as early childhood, pregnancy, and lactation increase magnesium requirements, making dietary intake crucial during these periods 6.
Renal Causes of Magnesium Deficiency
Renal Magnesium Wasting
Several renal conditions can lead to magnesium deficiency by increasing renal excretion. These include Bartter's and Gitelman's syndromes, post-obstructive diuresis, post-acute tubular necrosis, renal transplantation, and interstitial nephropathy 2. The use of certain medications, such as loop and thiazide diuretics, aminoglycosides, cisplatin, pentamidine, and foscarnet, can also cause renal magnesium wasting 2.
Alcoholism and Diabetes
Magnesium deficiency is frequently observed in individuals with alcoholism and diabetes. In these populations, a combination of factors, including poor dietary intake, gastrointestinal losses, and renal wasting, contribute to the deficiency 23.
Cellular Redistribution and Stress
Cellular Redistribution
Magnesium deficiency can also result from the redistribution of magnesium within the body. Conditions that cause cellular redistribution include acute stress, serious injury, extensive surgery, and the administration of epinephrine 6. These situations can lead to acute hypomagnesemia even in the absence of chronic magnesium deficiency 6.
Chronic Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress
Chronic magnesium deficiency is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. This is due to the role of magnesium in controlling the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory molecules such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha 4. The combination of oxidative stress and inflammation exacerbates the risk of developing chronic diseases 4.
Conclusion
Magnesium deficiency is a multifaceted issue with various causes, including gastrointestinal and renal losses, dietary insufficiencies, and cellular redistribution. Understanding these causes is crucial for the effective prevention and management of magnesium deficiency, particularly in vulnerable populations such as hospitalized patients, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those with specific dietary needs. Addressing these underlying causes through dietary adjustments, appropriate medical interventions, and supplementation when necessary can help mitigate the adverse effects of magnesium deficiency.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Magnesium metabolism and its disorders.
Magnesium deficiency and hypermagnesaemia can cause various symptoms and are associated with chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
Highly CitedMagnesium deficiency: pathophysiologic and clinical overview.
Magnesium deficiency can result from various causes, including gastrointestinal disorders, renal conditions, and therapeutic agents, and can cause various clinical presentations.
Highly CitedImplications of Magnesium Deficiency in Type 2 Diabetes: A Review
Magnesium deficiency can lead to insulin resistance and contribute to various metabolic issues in type 2 diabetes.
Highly CitedMagnesium (Mg2+) Deficiency, Not Well-Recognized Non-Infectious Pandemic: Origin and Consequence of Chronic Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress-Associated Diseases.
Magnesium deficiency leads to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Challenges in the Diagnosis of Magnesium Status
Magnesium deficiency is common and linked to diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and neurological disorders, but determining its status is challenging due to its unique absorption mechanism and sensitive compartmental handling in the body.
Literature Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMagnesium deficiency. Etiology and clinical spectrum.
Magnesium deficiency can cause various symptoms and complications, and its treatment requires careful monitoring and dose adjustment for patients with renal insufficiency.
Highly CitedMagnesium Deficiency in Critical Illness
Magnesium deficiency in critical illness leads to higher mortality and worse outcomes, and therapy may be beneficial for treating hypomagnesemia, preeclampsia, and torsade de pointes.
Highly CitedMechanism of hypokalemia in magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium deficiency exacerbates hypokalemia by increasing distal potassium secretion, but alone may not cause hypokalemia; additional factors may play a role.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedMagnesium in cardiovascular and other disorders.
Magnesium supplementation can help prevent and treat deficiency in conditions like hypertension, congestive heart failure, and diabetes mellitus, while also addressing underlying causes.
Highly CitedCardiovascular consequences of magnesium deficiency and loss: pathogenesis, prevalence and manifestations--magnesium and chloride loss in refractory potassium repletion.
Magnesium deficiency is common and can cause cardiovascular disease, and supplementation with magnesium and chloride is crucial for maintaining intracellular potassium levels in patients with hypertension and diuretic therapy.
Highly Cited