Magnesium: Why It Matters, How to Get Enough, and the Risks of Not Having Enough

Magnesium is a superhero nutrient your body needs to stay healthy. It helps your muscles, nerves, heart, and bones work properly and even keeps your blood sugar and energy levels in check. But here’s the catch: most people don’t get enough magnesium, and low levels can quietly lead to serious health problems without obvious symptoms at first.

Why You Need Magnesium

Your body holds about 25 grams of magnesium, mostly in bones and muscles. Even though blood tests are the easiest way to check magnesium levels, they’re not reliable. For example, your blood might show normal magnesium, but your bones or organs could still be lacking it. Low magnesium (called hypomagnesemia) can creep up due to poor diet, stress, or health conditions. Early signs include fatigue, muscle cramps, and trouble sleeping. If ignored, it may worsen into irregular heartbeats, weak bones (osteoporosis), diabetes, or even heart disease.

The Problem with Detecting

Doctors often miss magnesium deficiency because:

• Blood tests aren’t accurate—they only measure a tiny fraction of your total magnesium.

• Your body steals magnesium from bones to keep blood levels stable, masking the true shortage.

• Symptoms are vague and overlap with other issues.

  
  

How to Prevent Deficiency

• Eat magnesium-rich foods: Spinach, almonds, black beans, avocado, and whole grains.

• Avoid processed foods: Modern diets are low in magnesium.

• Consider supplements if needed (ask your doctor first!).

  
  

Why This Matters to Society

Millions worldwide have silent magnesium deficiency, raising risks for costly, deadly diseases like diabetes and heart disease. This strains healthcare systems and reduces quality of life. Spreading awareness about magnesium’s role—and fixing diets—could save lives and money.

Bottom line: Don’t ignore magnesium! Check your diet, ask about tests, and take action early to protect your long-term health.

Given these early findings, further studies are likely to follow.

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/4/1136