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Could Low Magnesium Levels Be Affecting Your Health?
Published: Aug 12, 2024
Hypomagnesemia is a condition characterized by low levels of magnesium in the blood. This often-overlooked deficiency can have serious health implications.
What Causes Hypomagnesemia?
Hypomagnesemia can be caused by increased losses through the gastrointestinal tract or kidneys. Factors like alcohol use, certain medications, and chronic illnesses can exacerbate these losses. Additionally, dietary intake plays a role, but a deficiency purely from diet is rare due to magnesium's presence in many foods.
The Impact on Hospitalized Patients
A significant percentage of hospitalized patients suffer from hypomagnesemia, with rates as high as 60% in intensive care units. This is often due to treatments and conditions such as diuretics use, poor nutrition, and other illness-related factors. Monitoring and managing magnesium levels in these settings is crucial for patient recovery.
Medications and Magnesium Levels
Certain medications, especially proton pump inhibitors and diuretics, can decrease magnesium levels. These drugs may inhibit magnesium absorption in the intestines or increase its excretion through the kidneys. It's important for individuals on long-term medication therapy to have their magnesium levels monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hypomagnesemia is a condition where blood magnesium levels are lower than normal.
It occurs in up to 11% of general hospitalized patients and 60% in intensive care.
Diet alone rarely causes hypomagnesemia due to magnesium's presence in many foods.
Proton pump inhibitors and diuretics can decrease magnesium levels.
Symptoms can include muscle cramps, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythms.
The Takeaway
Hypomagnesemia is a common yet often overlooked condition that requires attention for optimal health.
References
- Wong ET, Rude RK, Singer FR, Shaw ST Jr. A high prevalence of hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia in hospitalized patients. Am J Clin Pathol 1983; 79:348.
- Chernow B, Bamberger S, Stoiko M, et al. Hypomagnesemia in patients in postoperative intensive care. Chest 1989; 95:391.
- Desai TK, Carlson RW, Geheb MA. Prevalence and clinical implications of hypocalcemia in acutely ill patients in a medical intensive care setting. Am J Med 1988; 84:209.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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