E61: Deficiency of other nutrient elements

E61.2: Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium is important for muscles and nerves to be able to work properly. If you have a magnesium deficiency, you may get muscle cramps. You may also feel irritable or sadder than usual. Sometimes you will feel dizzy. You may also feel an unpleasant tingling in your hands and feet. Sometimes the heart beats irregularly or too fast.

A magnesium deficiency can occur if you do not absorb enough magnesium in your food. Magnesium is most notably contained in green vegetables, nuts and grain products. But sometimes the intestines also cannot properly absorb the magnesium from food. You may also pass too much magnesium in your urine. If you are pregnant, your body will need more magnesium than usual.