Hypomagnesemia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
What is hypomagnesemia?
Hypomagnesemia is a condition that develops when the amount of magnesium in your body is too low. Magnesium is a mineral that helps your heart, muscles, and nerves work normally. It also helps strengthen your bones.
What causes or increases my risk for hypomagnesemia?
- Low intake of foods that contain magnesium
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Alcohol use disorder
- Medicines such as diuretics, insulin, or overuse of laxatives
- A health condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or celiac disease
- Serious injuries, burns, surgery, or a heart attack
What are the signs and symptoms of hypomagnesemia?
You may have no signs or symptoms when your levels are only slightly below normal. As your blood levels continue to decrease, you may develop any of the following:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle tightness, tremors, or twitches
- Irritability or insomnia
- Numbness and tingling
- Severe drowsiness, fatigue (tired mentally and physically), and confusion
- Fast or irregular heart rate
- Seizures
How is hypomagnesemia diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. Tell your provider about any medical conditions you have and medicines you take.
- Blood tests will be used to find the level of magnesium in your blood.
- Urine tests may be used to find the amount of magnesium leaving your body through your urine.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be used to check for heart rhythm problems caused by a lack of magnesium.
How is hypomagnesemia treated?
Magnesium will be given as a pill if you have no symptoms and tests show you have mild hypomagnesemia. Magnesium will be given through an IV if you have moderate to life-threatening hypomagnesemia.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
How can I prevent hypomagnesemia?
- Manage any health conditions you have. Health conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, and chronic diarrhea increase your risk for hypomagnesemia. Work with healthcare providers to create and follow a treatment plan, if needed.
- Limit or do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can prevent your body from absorbing magnesium. Alcohol also makes your body release large amounts of magnesium through your urine.
- Take a magnesium supplement, if directed. Ask your healthcare provider which supplement to take and how often to take it.
- Eat foods that contain magnesium every day. Ask your dietitian or provider how much magnesium you need each day.
What foods contain magnesium?
- Almonds, cashews, peanuts, and peanut butter
- Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
- Raisins, bananas, apples, broccoli, and carrots
- Soy milk and soy beans
- Black beans and kidney beans
- Whole-wheat bread and brown rice
- Shredded wheat cereal, oatmeal, and other breakfast cereals fortified with magnesium
- Plain low-fat yogurt and milk
- Cooked halibut
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You are not able to move your muscles, and you have trouble thinking clearly.
- You have a seizure.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have numbness and tingling in your arms or legs.
- You have painful muscle spasms and tremors in your arms or legs.
- Your heartbeat is faster than usual, or is irregular.
When should I call my doctor or dietitian?
- You have fatigue and muscle tremors or twitching.
- You become irritable and have trouble sleeping.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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