We all experience pain, some from common causes and others due to underlying health conditions. Headaches, muscle pain, body aches, and abdominal discomfort from gut issues are so common that we often ignore them, hoping they'll go away on their own. However, persistent pain in certain areas in the body should never be overlooked. Some can indicate various nutrient deficiencies, particularly magnesium deficiency.
What Causes Magnesium Deficiency?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy bodily functions. Interestingly, it is involved in over 300 chemical reactions in the body, which include muscle and nerve function, bone health, blood sugar and blood pressure, and DNA synthesis.
Also Read: The Heart Symptom Associated With Magnesium Deficiency: How To Manage It
According to StatPearls Publishing, an adult human body contains 25 g of magnesium. It is the second most abundant positively charged ion inside cells after potassium and plays a key role in many body functions. About 99% of magnesium is stored in the bones (60%) and soft tissues (40%).
Magnesium deficiency, also called hypomagnesaemia, can be caused by a number of factors, including diet, underlying health conditions like coeliac disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and pancreatitis, and certain medications that interfere with magnesium absorption.
Additionally, pregnancy can also increase magnesium requirements, and not getting enough from a healthy diet can lead to a deficiency in pregnant women.
Can Magnesium Deficiency Cause Pain In Certain Areas?
"Magnesium deficiency can indeed result in discomfort or pain localised in specific regions of the body," Edwina Raj, Head of Services - Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, told the OnlyMyHealth team, adding that this essential mineral plays a crucial role in various physiological functions, including muscle contraction and nerve transmission.
According to Raj, magnesium is an important mineral that helps control muscle signals and keeps the body's fluid balance in check. When magnesium levels are low, muscles may not work properly, leading to spasms or cramps. It can also make it harder for the body to control inflammation, which can worsen joint pain.
Therefore, keeping magnesium levels steady is important for preventing these issues and maintaining healthy muscles and joints.
Symptoms And Pain Areas Associated With Magnesium Deficiency
It is important to note that when magnesium levels are insufficient, it may lead to muscle cramps, spasms, or tension, which can manifest as pain in areas such as the back, neck, or limbs.
Lack of magnesium can also contribute to increased sensitivity to pain and exacerbate conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic pain syndromes.
Common manifestations include:
- Muscle cramps, which may present as sudden and involuntary contractions, leading to discomfort and restricted movement
- Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localised areas
- Headaches, including tension-type and migraines, as magnesium plays a crucial role in neuromuscular function and neurotransmitter regulation
- Increased sensitivity to pain, exacerbating conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders
How To Diagnose Magnesium Deficiency
There are various diagnostic tests that can help detect magnesium deficiency. These tests include serum magnesium level assessments, which measure the concentration of magnesium in the blood, as well as 24-hour urinary magnesium excretion tests that evaluate the amount of magnesium excreted in urine over a full day.
Additionally, clinicians may utilise Red Blood Cell (RBC) magnesium tests, which provide insights into the magnesium levels within the cells, offering a more comprehensive view of the body's magnesium status.
In some cases, further evaluations such as dietary assessments and clinical symptom reviews may also be conducted to support the diagnosis and determine the underlying causes of the deficiency.
Best Dietary Sources Of Magnesium
For people who have either been diagnosed with magnesium deficiency or those suspecting the condition, here is a list of foods rich in magnesium:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
- Legumes
Raj advised incorporating these foods into one's diet, as they can significantly enhance magnesium intake and help alleviate the adverse effects linked to its deficiency.
Conclusion
Magnesium deficiency is usually uncommon in healthy individuals. However, it can occur if a person’s diet lacks magnesium-rich foods or if he or she has risk factors that can increase the chances of developing the deficiency. If left untreated, magnesium deficiency can also lead to more serious conditions, such as seizures, personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms, and coronary spasms. This is why it is crucial to address symptoms and consult a healthcare provider at the earliest.
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided by an expert for educational purposes only. We advise consulting your doctor if you have any health concerns to avoid complications.]