Magnesium Deficiency

What Does It Mean?

Magnesium deficiency occurs when the body does not have sufficient magnesium levels to support essential biochemical reactions. Magnesium is vital for muscle function, nerve signaling, cardiovascular health, and energy production. Common causes of deficiency include:

Inadequate dietary intake (processed foods, low vegetable consumption)
Chronic stress
High caffeine or alcohol consumption
Increased need due to pregnancy or athletic activity
Gastrointestinal disorders (IBS, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease)
Chronic medication use (diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, certain antibiotics)

How Did We Get There?

Diagnosis & Assessment

Patients with magnesium deficiency may present with:

Muscle cramps and spasms
Fatigue and weakness
Anxiety and mood disturbances
Numbness or tingling
High blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
Insomnia or poor sleep quality

Lab Test Findings

The following lab markers help diagnose magnesium deficiency and assess its severity:

Lab Test	Expected Change	Optimal Range
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)	May be elevated in oxidative stress	10.00-30.00 U/L
Magnesium, RBC	Decreased in magnesium deficiency	6.00-6.80 mg/dL
Magnesium, Serum	Decreased in magnesium deficiency	2.20-2.50 mg/dL

How Do We Treat It?

Functional Medicine Approach

Treatment focuses on replenishing magnesium levels through dietary changes, supplementation, and addressing underlying causes.

Supplement Protocol

Supplement	Function	Dosage & Frequency
Magnesium	Supports muscle relaxation, cardiovascular health, and energy production	2 capsules with or without food, daily

Additional Lifestyle Interventions:

Increase Magnesium-Rich Foods: Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains
Reduce Processed Foods: Limit refined sugar and processed carbohydrates
Hydration: Maintain adequate hydration to support mineral balance
Reduce Stress: Implement mindfulness techniques to manage chronic stress
Limit Caffeine & Alcohol: Reduce intake to prevent further depletion