Categories: Geriatrics

Symptoms of low magnesium in the body

Magnesium is an important nutrient for the elderly because:-

It provides energy
It helps maintain bone density
It keeps teeth strong
It helps in muscle and nerve function
It regulates blood pressure
It improves sleep quality

Certain illnesses or conditions can bring about magnesium deficiency, like:-

Gastrointestinal disorders (Crohn’s disease, celiac disease)
A low magnesium diet
Genetic disorders
Thyroid problems
Diabetes
Certain medications

If you are of an advanced age, you should check your magnesium levels if you have these symptoms:-

Early symptoms of magnesium deficiency:-

Fatigue
Apathy
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting

If deficiency progresses, you may experience:

Repeated bone fractures
Hypocalcemia or low calcium
Hypokalemia or low potassium
Numbness in fingers and toes
Muscular cramps
Seizures
Personality changes
Abnormal heartbeat

Prolonged magnesium deficiency can manifest in:-

Heart disease
High blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes
Osteoporosis

Geriatrics should have adequate magnesium. Magnesium rich foods include:-

Greens like spinach, amaranthus, kale
Fruits like banana, avocado
Nuts and seeds
Channa, rajma
Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, peas
Fish
Brown rice
Oats

Up your magnesium and keep those bones strong and your body healthy!

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

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