Magnesium deficiency
Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency (pronounced: mag-NEE-zee-um deh-fish-en-see), also known as hypomagnesemia (pronounced: hi-po-mag-NEE-zee-mee-uh), is a condition characterized by low levels of magnesium in the body.
Etymology
The term "magnesium" is derived from the Greek word "Magnesia", a region in Thessaly. The term "deficiency" comes from the Latin word "deficientia", meaning "a lack or shortage".
Definition
Magnesium deficiency is a health condition that occurs when a person has insufficient levels of magnesium, a vital mineral necessary for over 300 biochemical reactions in the human body.
Symptoms
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include muscle cramps, fatigue, nausea, and irritability. In severe cases, it can lead to heart arrhythmias, osteoporosis, and seizures.
Causes
Magnesium deficiency can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, certain medications, alcohol abuse, and underlying health conditions like diabetes or gastrointestinal disorders.
Treatment
Treatment for magnesium deficiency typically involves dietary changes and/or magnesium supplements. In severe cases, intravenous (IV) magnesium may be administered.
Related Terms
- Hypocalcemia: A condition characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood, which can sometimes be caused by magnesium deficiency.
- Hypokalemia: A condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood, which can sometimes be caused by magnesium deficiency.
- Malabsorption: A condition that prevents the absorption of nutrients through the small intestine, which can lead to magnesium deficiency.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Magnesium deficiency
- Wikipedia's article - Magnesium deficiency
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