Magnesium deficiency due to chronic diseases
DIABETES, INTESTINAL DISEASES AND THE HEART: THE POSITIVE INFLUENCE OF MAGNESIUM
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, intestinal diseases or heart problems, not only cause disease-related symptoms, but can also lead to magnesium deficiency. This occurs for various reasons. On the one hand, a disease can cause increased magnesium excretion. On the other, a disease can impair the absorption (resorption) of the mineral, leading to magnesium deficiency. Balanced magnesium levels can have a positive effect on chronic diseases or reduce the risk of developing diseases.
HOW CAN DIABETES CAUSE INCREASED MAGNESIUM EXCRETION?
Numerous studies show that type 2 diabetics often have low serum magnesium levels. This is due to elevated blood glucose levels, which lead to altered kidney function and increased excretion of magnesium through the urine. Magnesium deficiency can therefore result from type 2 diabetes.
On the other hand, low serum magnesium levels also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In addition, magnesium influences the course of the disease in patients who already have type 2 diabetes. This is because the mineral plays a key role in the function of insulin. Impaired insulin function (known as insulin resistance) is the main cause of type 2 diabetes. Since magnesium is involved in insulin receptor function, adequate magnesium intake can improve the effectiveness of insulin.
WHICH FACTORS CAN IMPAIR MAGNESIUM RESORPTION?
Magnesium deficiency can also occur if the absorption of magnesium by the intestine is impaired. This can be caused by various diseases:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Diarrhoeal diseases
- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
Diseases that affect the intestinal tract, known as gastrointestinal diseases, may result in a magnesium deficiency. Examples include irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoeal diseases and chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhoeal diseases experience symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting. As a result, the body loses fluids as well as minerals such as magnesium. The same is true in the case of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Moreover, magnesium absorption is limited. For this reason, people affected by one of these diseases are at increased risk of developing a magnesium deficiency.
FROM HEAD TO TOE: HOW DOES MAGNESIUM INFLUENCE CHRONIC DISEASES?
Taking magnesium can be beneficial for the following diseases:
MAGNESIUM FOR THE HEART AND FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Magnesium is one of the minerals involved in the normal contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle. If the body does not have an adequate supply of magnesium, it can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. This can manifest as an accelerated heartbeat, heart palpitations or an abnormal heart rhythm (fibrillation). Magnesium ensures that the vascular muscles can relax and regulates the release of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline. Thanks to these functions, taking magnesium can also be beneficial for people with high blood pressure.
MAGNESIUM FOR HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES
Magnesium helps our muscles and nerves relax. A lack of magnesium can lead to over-excitability of the muscles and nerve fibres. This can lead to tension in the shoulder and neck area, which can then trigger tension headaches. Magnesium deficiency is often also associated with migraine attacks. To prevent tension headaches and migraines, an adequate magnesium intake is therefore recommended.
MAGNESIUM FOR DEPRESSION
Magnesium deficiency is also associated with the onset of depression and anxiety. This is thought to be explained by the fact that magnesium plays an essential role in regulating neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in turn influence mood. Supplementing with magnesium can have a positive effect on symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Magnesium and PMS
Irritability, exhaustion and headaches can all be symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some women experience these symptoms as early as two weeks before their period. It is estimated that one in four women of childbearing age suffers from PMS. Magnesium's relaxing and vasodilatory effect means that the mineral can help reduce symptoms of PMS.
HOW CAN WE GET ENOUGH MAGNESIUM?
People who suffer from certain chronic diseases are more likely to have a magnesium deficiency. Whether it is due to the disease itself or as a result of taking medications, this deficiency is often caused by the body excreting too much magnesium or being unable to absorb sufficient amounts of the mineral. Taking high-dose magnesium is necessary to correct a magnesium deficiency. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily dose of 300 mg magnesium to treat magnesium deficiency. The ideal choice for this is a high-quality magnesium product like Magnesium Diasporal® 300 mg (OTC pharmaceutical) containing pure magnesium citrate, which occurs naturally in the body and is therefore easily absorbed and fast acting. Adequate magnesium levels can have a positive influence on the course of chronic diseases and can act as a preventative measure to help reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease.
For people with intact kidney function, it is virtually impossible to overdose on magnesium. If the body is supplied with too much magnesium, it will simply excrete it through the kidneys and intestines. People with impaired kidney function should consult with their doctor before taking a magnesium product.
