I have had this myself. It is really hard for me to eat and keep my food down, and when I am that ill, I cannot even keep water down. I usually drink Liquid IV, which I have taken pictures of and placed on my Instagram, since I have been asked so much about it. I have uploaded the pictures I have of it below as well. It has helped me stay out of the hospital, so far. I know that I drink more than I can keep down, but if it can prevent an ER visit, I am all for it. It has less sugar than Gatorade (which the GI at the hospital told me that he does not recommend Gatorade to his patients because to him, and I quote, "It's like soda.") But, I am all for whatever helps you because I know that all Gastroparesis Warriors are different on what they can tolerate. This also has B vitamins in addition to potassium and magnesium.
It can be found on Amazon and they sell it at Costco. It comes in three different flavors and it comes in packets you can put into your water. It really does help me stay hydrated because I throw up an awful lot. I will say that even if you do throw it up, it doesn't burn or taste rotten.
Now that that's out of the way, I want to talk about low potassium and what it effects it has on your body.
I was hospitalized earlier this year due to low potassium, so low in fact, that my kidneys shut down. You can read about it HERE.
According to the Mayo Clinic,
"Low potassium (hypokalemia) refers to a lower than normal potassium level in your bloodstream. Potassium helps carry electrical signals to cells in your body. It is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells.
Normally, your blood potassium level is 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention.
Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many causes. The most common cause is excessive potassium loss in urine due to prescription medications that increase urination. Also known as water pills or diuretics, these types of medications are often prescribed for people who have high blood pressure or heart disease.
Vomiting, diarrhea or both also can result in excessive potassium loss from the digestive tract. Occasionally, low potassium is caused by not getting enough potassium in your diet.
Causes of potassium loss include:
Low potassium symptoms may include:
Talk to your doctor about what your blood test results mean. You may need to change a medication that's affecting your potassium level, or you may need to treat another medical condition that's causing your low potassium level.
Treatment of low potassium is directed at the underlying cause and may include potassium supplements. Don't start taking potassium supplements without talking to your doctor first."
I will say that when my potassium was really low earlier this year, I kept passing out. I would lose the ability to walk, because my legs would give out and start to spasm uncontrollably. I had my husband take me to the Emergency Room because it also felt like I was having a heart attack. My heart would skip beats and hurt very badly. I had no idea what was causing all of this but it scared me. I was barely conscious in the Emergency Room, so my husband had to explain to the doctor what all had been happening with me. What actually made me go was passing out on the floor in my kitchen, which the floor is made of stone, so I wanted to make sure I did not break anything since my jaw hit the floor very hard. I knew I was dehydrated because I could not even keep water down. I had no idea that my potassium was low at the time, since I had never experienced that before. They gave me three IV bags of potassium in the ER and it was STILL low. I think it was around 2.6, and as stated by the Mayo Clinic above, the normal is 3.6. My blood pressure was also 71/41 when I was admitted. If I had not passed out and hit my jaw, there is a high possibility I could have died. I make it a point to take potassium pills now with my regular medication, just to make sure that I keep up with it so it does not get so low again. I was really scared.
According to Healthline,
"Potassium is an essential mineral that has many roles in your body. It helps regulate muscle contractions, maintain healthy nerve function and regulate fluid balance.
However, a national survey found that approximately 98% of Americans are not meeting the recommended potassium intake. A Western diet is likely to blame, as it favors processed foods over whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts (1Trusted Source).
That said, a low-potassium diet is rarely the cause of potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia.
Deficiency is characterized by a blood potassium level below 3.5 mmol per liter (2Trusted Source).
Instead, it occurs when your body suddenly loses a lot of fluid. Common causes include chronic vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating and blood loss (3Trusted Source).
Weakness and fatigue are often the first signs of potassium deficiency.
There are several ways that this mineral deficiency can cause weakness and fatigue.
First, potassium helps regulate muscle contractions. When blood potassium levels are low, your muscles produce weaker contractions (4Trusted Source).
Deficiency in this mineral may also affect how your body uses nutrients, resulting in fatigue.
For example, some evidence shows that a deficiency could impair insulin production, resulting in high blood sugar levels (5Trusted Source).
Since potassium helps regulate muscle contractions, deficiency may result in weaker contractions. Also, some evidence shows that a deficiency may impair the body’s handling of nutrients like sugar, which may lead to fatigue.
They can occur when potassium levels are low in the blood (6Trusted Source).
Within muscle cells, potassium helps relay signals from the brain that stimulate contractions. It also helps end these contractions by moving out of the muscle cells (7Trusted Source).
When blood potassium levels are low, your brain cannot relay these signals as effectively. This results in more prolonged contractions, such as muscle cramps.
Potassium helps start and stop muscle contractions. Low blood potassium levels can affect this balance, causing uncontrolled and prolonged contractions known as cramps.
They can occur when potassium levels are low in the blood (6Trusted Source).
Within muscle cells, potassium helps relay signals from the brain that stimulate contractions. It also helps end these contractions by moving out of the muscle cells (7Trusted Source).
When blood potassium levels are low, your brain cannot relay these signals as effectively. This results in more prolonged contractions, such as muscle cramps.
Potassium helps relay signals from the brain to muscles located in the digestive system. These signals stimulate contractions that help the digestive system churn and propel food so it can be digested (8Trusted Source).
When blood potassium levels are low, the brain cannot relay signals as effectively.
Thus, contractions in the digestive system may become weaker and slow the movement of food. This may cause digestive problems like bloating and constipation (9Trusted Source, 10).
Additionally, some studies have suggested that a severe deficiency may cause the gut to become completely paralyzed (11).
However, other studies found that the link between potassium deficiency and a paralyzed gut is not completely clear (12).
This feeling is known as a heart palpitation and is commonly linked to stress or anxiety. However, heart palpitations can also be a sign of potassium deficiency (13Trusted Source).
This is because the flow of potassium in and out of heart cells helps regulate your heartbeat. Low blood potassium levels can alter this flow, resulting in heart palpitations (14Trusted Source).
In addition, heart palpitations may be a sign of arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, which is also linked to potassium deficiency. Unlike palpitations, arrhythmia has been linked to serious heart conditions (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).
These symptoms may indicate rapid muscle breakdown, also known as rhabdomyolysis.
Blood levels of potassium help regulate blood flow to your muscles. When levels are severely low, your blood vessels can contract and restrict blood flow to your muscles (17Trusted Source).
This means muscle cells receive less oxygen, which may cause them to rupture and leak.
This results in rhabdomyolysis, which is accompanied by symptoms like muscle stiffness and aches (17Trusted Source).
This is known as paresthesia and usually occurs in the hands, arms, legs and feet (19Trusted Source).
Potassium is important for healthy nerve function. Low blood levels of potassium can weaken nerve signals, which may result in tingling and numbness.
While occasionally experiencing these symptoms is harmless, persistent tingles and numbness may be a sign of an underlying condition. If you experience persistent paresthesia, it’s best to see your doctor.
When blood potassium levels are severely low, your lungs may not expand and contract properly. This results in shortness of breath (21Trusted Source).
Also, low blood potassium can make you short of breath, as it can cause the heart to beat abnormally. This means less blood is pumped from your heart to the rest of your body (14Trusted Source).
Blood delivers oxygen to the body, so an altered blood flow may cause shortness of breath.
Also, a severe potassium deficiency may stop the lungs from working, which is fatal (22Trusted Source).
Low blood potassium levels may disrupt the signals that help maintain optimal brain function (23Trusted Source).
For example, a study found that 20% of patients with mental disorders had a potassium deficiency (24).
That said, there is limited evidence in the area of potassium deficiencies and mood. More research is needed before making any recommendations.
In the US, food authorities limit potassium in over-the-counter supplements to just 99 mg. In comparison, a medium banana contains 422 mg of potassium (27, 28).
This limit is likely low because studies have shown that high-dose potassium supplements may damage the gut or lead to an abnormal heartbeat, which is fatal (27, 29Trusted Source, 30).
Taking too much potassium can cause excess amounts of it to build up in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia may cause arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, which can cause serious heart conditions (31Trusted Source).
That said, it’s fine to take a higher-dose potassium supplement if your doctor prescribes it.
However, a low potassium intake is rarely the cause of deficiency. Deficiency typically occurs when your body loses a lot of fluid.
Common signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency include weakness and fatigue, muscle cramps, muscle aches and stiffness, tingles and numbness, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, digestive symptoms and mood changes.
If you think you’re deficient, be sure to visit your doctor, as potassium deficiency can have serious health consequences.
Fortunately, you can increase your blood potassium levels by simply consuming more potassium-rich foods like beet greens, yams, white beans, clams, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, avocado, pinto beans and bananas."
However, with Gastroparesis, it is hard to eat foods that are high in potassium. I would recommend discussing this with your doctor and see what they may say in order to add more potassium to your diet. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. They will tell you whether or not you should come in to be seen or whether you should go to the Emergency Room.
Please, do not wait like I did. It is very scary to lose function of your legs and to have them spasm, but not as scary as what my heart was doing. Low Potassium can also cause your blood pressure to skyrocket, which made me think I might die earlier this year, because I had no idea low potassium could do this to your body. This is why I am writing this article. If my experience can help someone else prevent this from happening to them, then it is worth it to me.
Now, I want to discuss Magnesium Deficiencies. The symptoms to this are similar to potassium deficiencies, so I figured I would include them in this article as well.
According to Medline Plus,
"Magnesium deficiency is a condition in which the amount of magnesium in the blood is lower than normal. The medical name of this condition is hypomagnesemia.
It can be found on Amazon and they sell it at Costco. It comes in three different flavors and it comes in packets you can put into your water. It really does help me stay hydrated because I throw up an awful lot. I will say that even if you do throw it up, it doesn't burn or taste rotten.
Now that that's out of the way, I want to talk about low potassium and what it effects it has on your body.
I was hospitalized earlier this year due to low potassium, so low in fact, that my kidneys shut down. You can read about it HERE.
 |
| Image Source: HERE |
Low Potassium
According to the Mayo Clinic,
"Low potassium (hypokalemia) refers to a lower than normal potassium level in your bloodstream. Potassium helps carry electrical signals to cells in your body. It is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells.
Normally, your blood potassium level is 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention.
Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many causes. The most common cause is excessive potassium loss in urine due to prescription medications that increase urination. Also known as water pills or diuretics, these types of medications are often prescribed for people who have high blood pressure or heart disease.
Vomiting, diarrhea or both also can result in excessive potassium loss from the digestive tract. Occasionally, low potassium is caused by not getting enough potassium in your diet.
Causes of potassium loss include:
- Alcohol use (excessive)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Diarrhea
- Diuretics (water retention relievers)
- Excessive laxative use
- Excessive sweating
- Folic acid deficiency
- Primary aldosteronism
- Some antibiotic use
- Vomiting
Low potassium symptoms may include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Constipation
Talk to your doctor about what your blood test results mean. You may need to change a medication that's affecting your potassium level, or you may need to treat another medical condition that's causing your low potassium level.
Treatment of low potassium is directed at the underlying cause and may include potassium supplements. Don't start taking potassium supplements without talking to your doctor first."
I will say that when my potassium was really low earlier this year, I kept passing out. I would lose the ability to walk, because my legs would give out and start to spasm uncontrollably. I had my husband take me to the Emergency Room because it also felt like I was having a heart attack. My heart would skip beats and hurt very badly. I had no idea what was causing all of this but it scared me. I was barely conscious in the Emergency Room, so my husband had to explain to the doctor what all had been happening with me. What actually made me go was passing out on the floor in my kitchen, which the floor is made of stone, so I wanted to make sure I did not break anything since my jaw hit the floor very hard. I knew I was dehydrated because I could not even keep water down. I had no idea that my potassium was low at the time, since I had never experienced that before. They gave me three IV bags of potassium in the ER and it was STILL low. I think it was around 2.6, and as stated by the Mayo Clinic above, the normal is 3.6. My blood pressure was also 71/41 when I was admitted. If I had not passed out and hit my jaw, there is a high possibility I could have died. I make it a point to take potassium pills now with my regular medication, just to make sure that I keep up with it so it does not get so low again. I was really scared.
 |
| Image Source: HERE |
According to Healthline,
"Potassium is an essential mineral that has many roles in your body. It helps regulate muscle contractions, maintain healthy nerve function and regulate fluid balance.
However, a national survey found that approximately 98% of Americans are not meeting the recommended potassium intake. A Western diet is likely to blame, as it favors processed foods over whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts (1Trusted Source).
That said, a low-potassium diet is rarely the cause of potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia.
Deficiency is characterized by a blood potassium level below 3.5 mmol per liter (2Trusted Source).
Instead, it occurs when your body suddenly loses a lot of fluid. Common causes include chronic vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating and blood loss (3Trusted Source).
Weakness and fatigue are often the first signs of potassium deficiency.
There are several ways that this mineral deficiency can cause weakness and fatigue.
First, potassium helps regulate muscle contractions. When blood potassium levels are low, your muscles produce weaker contractions (4Trusted Source).
Deficiency in this mineral may also affect how your body uses nutrients, resulting in fatigue.
For example, some evidence shows that a deficiency could impair insulin production, resulting in high blood sugar levels (5Trusted Source).
Since potassium helps regulate muscle contractions, deficiency may result in weaker contractions. Also, some evidence shows that a deficiency may impair the body’s handling of nutrients like sugar, which may lead to fatigue.
Muscle cramps are sudden, uncontrolled contractions of the muscles.
They can occur when potassium levels are low in the blood (6Trusted Source).
Within muscle cells, potassium helps relay signals from the brain that stimulate contractions. It also helps end these contractions by moving out of the muscle cells (7Trusted Source).
When blood potassium levels are low, your brain cannot relay these signals as effectively. This results in more prolonged contractions, such as muscle cramps.
Potassium helps start and stop muscle contractions. Low blood potassium levels can affect this balance, causing uncontrolled and prolonged contractions known as cramps.
8 Signs and Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia)
Potassium
is an essential mineral that has many roles in your body. It helps
regulate muscle contractions, maintain healthy nerve function and
regulate fluid balance.
However, a national survey found that approximately 98% of Americans are not meeting the recommended potassium intake. A Western diet is likely to blame, as it favors processed foods over whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts (1Trusted Source).
That said, a low-potassium diet is rarely the cause of potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia.
Deficiency is characterized by a blood potassium level below 3.5 mmol per liter (2Trusted Source).
Instead, it occurs when your body suddenly loses a lot of fluid. Common causes include chronic vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating and blood loss (3Trusted Source).
Here are 8 signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency.
However, a national survey found that approximately 98% of Americans are not meeting the recommended potassium intake. A Western diet is likely to blame, as it favors processed foods over whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts (1Trusted Source).
That said, a low-potassium diet is rarely the cause of potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia.
Deficiency is characterized by a blood potassium level below 3.5 mmol per liter (2Trusted Source).
Instead, it occurs when your body suddenly loses a lot of fluid. Common causes include chronic vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating and blood loss (3Trusted Source).
Here are 8 signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency.
Weakness and fatigue are often the first signs of potassium deficiency.
There are several ways that this mineral deficiency can cause weakness and fatigue.
First, potassium helps regulate muscle contractions. When blood potassium levels are low, your muscles produce weaker contractions (4Trusted Source).
Deficiency in this mineral may also affect how your body uses nutrients, resulting in fatigue.
For example, some evidence shows that a deficiency could impair insulin production, resulting in high blood sugar levels (5Trusted Source).
There are several ways that this mineral deficiency can cause weakness and fatigue.
First, potassium helps regulate muscle contractions. When blood potassium levels are low, your muscles produce weaker contractions (4Trusted Source).
Deficiency in this mineral may also affect how your body uses nutrients, resulting in fatigue.
For example, some evidence shows that a deficiency could impair insulin production, resulting in high blood sugar levels (5Trusted Source).
Summary Since potassium helps regulate muscle contractions, deficiency may result in weaker contractions. Also, some evidence shows that a deficiency may impair the body’s handling of nutrients like sugar, which may lead to fatigue.
Muscle cramps are sudden, uncontrolled contractions of the muscles.
They can occur when potassium levels are low in the blood (6Trusted Source).
Within muscle cells, potassium helps relay signals from the brain that stimulate contractions. It also helps end these contractions by moving out of the muscle cells (7Trusted Source).
When blood potassium levels are low, your brain cannot relay these signals as effectively. This results in more prolonged contractions, such as muscle cramps.
Summary Potassium helps start and stop muscle contractions. Low blood potassium levels can affect this balance, causing uncontrolled and prolonged contractions known as cramps.
Digestive problems have many causes, one of which may be potassium deficiency.
Potassium helps relay signals from the brain to muscles located in the digestive system. These signals stimulate contractions that help the digestive system churn and propel food so it can be digested (8Trusted Source).
When blood potassium levels are low, the brain cannot relay signals as effectively.
Thus, contractions in the digestive system may become weaker and slow the movement of food. This may cause digestive problems like bloating and constipation (9Trusted Source, 10).
Additionally, some studies have suggested that a severe deficiency may cause the gut to become completely paralyzed (11).
However, other studies found that the link between potassium deficiency and a paralyzed gut is not completely clear (12).
Summary Potassium deficiency may cause problems like bloating and constipation because it can slow the movement of food through the digestive system. Some evidence shows that a severe deficiency can paralyze the gut, but it’s not completely clear.
Have you ever noticed your heart suddenly beating harder, faster or skipping a beat?
This feeling is known as a heart palpitation and is commonly linked to stress or anxiety. However, heart palpitations can also be a sign of potassium deficiency (13Trusted Source).
This is because the flow of potassium in and out of heart cells helps regulate your heartbeat. Low blood potassium levels can alter this flow, resulting in heart palpitations (14Trusted Source).
In addition, heart palpitations may be a sign of arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, which is also linked to potassium deficiency. Unlike palpitations, arrhythmia has been linked to serious heart conditions (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).
Summary Potassium helps regulate the heartbeat, and low levels may cause symptoms like heart palpitations. These palpitations may also be a symptom of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, which may be a sign of a serious heart condition.
Muscle aches and stiffness can also be a sign of a severe potassium deficiency (16).
These symptoms may indicate rapid muscle breakdown, also known as rhabdomyolysis.
Blood levels of potassium help regulate blood flow to your muscles. When levels are severely low, your blood vessels can contract and restrict blood flow to your muscles (17Trusted Source).
This means muscle cells receive less oxygen, which may cause them to rupture and leak.
This results in rhabdomyolysis, which is accompanied by symptoms like muscle stiffness and aches (17Trusted Source).
Summary Muscle aches and stiffness can be another sign of potassium deficiency and are caused by rapid muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).
Those with potassium deficiency may experience persistent tingles and numbness (18).
This is known as paresthesia and usually occurs in the hands, arms, legs and feet (19Trusted Source).
Potassium is important for healthy nerve function. Low blood levels of potassium can weaken nerve signals, which may result in tingling and numbness.
While occasionally experiencing these symptoms is harmless, persistent tingles and numbness may be a sign of an underlying condition. If you experience persistent paresthesia, it’s best to see your doctor.
Summary Persistent tingles and numbness may be a sign of impaired nerve function due to potassium deficiency. If you experience persistent tingles and numbness in your hands, arms, legs or feet, it’s best to see your doctor.
A severe potassium deficiency can cause breathing difficulties. This is because potassium helps relay signals that stimulate the lungs to contract and expand (20Trusted Source).
When blood potassium levels are severely low, your lungs may not expand and contract properly. This results in shortness of breath (21Trusted Source).
Also, low blood potassium can make you short of breath, as it can cause the heart to beat abnormally. This means less blood is pumped from your heart to the rest of your body (14Trusted Source).
Blood delivers oxygen to the body, so an altered blood flow may cause shortness of breath.
Also, a severe potassium deficiency may stop the lungs from working, which is fatal (22Trusted Source).
Summary Potassium helps the lungs expand and contract, so potassium deficiency may result in shortness of breath. Also, a severe deficiency may stop the lungs from working, which is fatal.
Potassium deficiency has also been linked to mood changes and mental fatigue.
Low blood potassium levels may disrupt the signals that help maintain optimal brain function (23Trusted Source).
For example, a study found that 20% of patients with mental disorders had a potassium deficiency (24).
That said, there is limited evidence in the area of potassium deficiencies and mood. More research is needed before making any recommendations.
Summary Potassium deficiency has been linked to mood changes and disorders. However, the link between the two is not entirely clear.
Over-the-counter potassium supplements are not recommended.
In the US, food authorities limit potassium in over-the-counter supplements to just 99 mg. In comparison, a medium banana contains 422 mg of potassium (27, 28).
This limit is likely low because studies have shown that high-dose potassium supplements may damage the gut or lead to an abnormal heartbeat, which is fatal (27, 29Trusted Source, 30).
Taking too much potassium can cause excess amounts of it to build up in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia may cause arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, which can cause serious heart conditions (31Trusted Source).
That said, it’s fine to take a higher-dose potassium supplement if your doctor prescribes it.
Summary It’s not recommended to take over-the-counter potassium supplements, as they are limited to only 99 mg of potassium. Also, studies have linked them to adverse conditions.
Very few people meet the recommended potassium intake.
However, a low potassium intake is rarely the cause of deficiency. Deficiency typically occurs when your body loses a lot of fluid.
Common signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency include weakness and fatigue, muscle cramps, muscle aches and stiffness, tingles and numbness, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, digestive symptoms and mood changes.
If you think you’re deficient, be sure to visit your doctor, as potassium deficiency can have serious health consequences.
Fortunately, you can increase your blood potassium levels by simply consuming more potassium-rich foods like beet greens, yams, white beans, clams, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, avocado, pinto beans and bananas."
However, with Gastroparesis, it is hard to eat foods that are high in potassium. I would recommend discussing this with your doctor and see what they may say in order to add more potassium to your diet. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. They will tell you whether or not you should come in to be seen or whether you should go to the Emergency Room.
Please, do not wait like I did. It is very scary to lose function of your legs and to have them spasm, but not as scary as what my heart was doing. Low Potassium can also cause your blood pressure to skyrocket, which made me think I might die earlier this year, because I had no idea low potassium could do this to your body. This is why I am writing this article. If my experience can help someone else prevent this from happening to them, then it is worth it to me.
 | ||||
| Image Source: https://draxe.com/nutrition/low-potassium/ |
Now, I want to discuss Magnesium Deficiencies. The symptoms to this are similar to potassium deficiencies, so I figured I would include them in this article as well.
 |
| Image Source: HERE |
According to Medline Plus,
"Magnesium deficiency is a condition in which the amount of magnesium in the blood is lower than normal. The medical name of this condition is hypomagnesemia.
Causes
Every
organ in the body, especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys, needs
the mineral magnesium. It also contributes to the makeup of teeth and
bones. Magnesium is needed for many functions in the body. This includes
the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use
energy (metabolism).
When the level of magnesium in the body drops below normal, symptoms develop due to low magnesium.
Common causes of low magnesium include:
When the level of magnesium in the body drops below normal, symptoms develop due to low magnesium.
Common causes of low magnesium include:
- Alcohol use
- Burns that affect a large area of the body
- Chronic diarrhea
- Excessive urination (polyuria), such as in uncontrolled diabetes and during recovery from acute kidney failure
- Hyperaldosteronism (disorder in which the adrenal gland releases too much of the hormone aldosterone into the blood)
- Kidney tubule disorders
- Malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease
- Malnutrition
- Medicines including amphotericin, cisplatin, cyclosporine, diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, and aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Pancreatitis (swelling and inflammation of the pancreas)
- Excessive sweating
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
- Convulsions
- Fatigue
- Muscle spasms or cramps
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.
Tests that may be ordered include an electrocardiogram (ECG).
A blood test will be ordered to check your magnesium level. Normal range is 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L).
Other blood and urine tests that may be done include:
Tests that may be ordered include an electrocardiogram (ECG).
A blood test will be ordered to check your magnesium level. Normal range is 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L).
Other blood and urine tests that may be done include:
- Calcium blood test
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Potassium blood test
- Urine magnesium test
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of low magnesium problem and may include:
- Fluids given through a vein (IV)
- Magnesium by mouth or through a vein
- Medicines to relieve symptoms
Outlook (Prognosis)
Outcome depends on the condition that is causing the problem.
Possible Complications
Untreated, this condition can lead to:
- Cardiac arrest
- Respiratory arrest
- Death
When to Contact a Medical Professional
When
your body's magnesium level drops too much, it can be a
life-threatening emergency. Call your provider right away if you have
symptoms of this condition.
Prevention
Treating the condition that is causing low magnesium can help.
If you play sports or do other vigorous activity, drink fluids such as sports drinks. They contain electrolytes to keep your magnesium level in a healthy range.
If you play sports or do other vigorous activity, drink fluids such as sports drinks. They contain electrolytes to keep your magnesium level in a healthy range.
Alternative Names
Low blood magnesium; Magnesium - low; Hypomagnesemia
References
Pfennig CL, Slovis CM. Electrolyte disorders. In: Hockberger RS, Walls RM, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2018:chap 117.
Smogorzewski MJ, Stubbs JR, Yu ASL. Disorders of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate balance. In: Skorecki K, Chertow GM, Marsden PA, Taal MW, Yu ASL, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 19.
Smogorzewski MJ, Stubbs JR, Yu ASL. Disorders of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate balance. In: Skorecki K, Chertow GM, Marsden PA, Taal MW, Yu ASL, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 19.
Review Date 4/8/2019
Updated by: David
C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General
Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team."
 | ||
| Image Source: HERE |
According to Healthline,
"Magnesium deficiency, also known as hypomagnesemia, is an often overlooked health problem.While
less than 2% of Americans have been estimated to experience magnesium
deficiency, one study suggests that up to 75% are not meeting their
recommended intake (1Trusted Source).
In some cases, deficiency may be underdiagnosed since the obvious signs commonly don’t appear until your levels become severely low.
The causes of magnesium deficiency vary. They range from inadequate dietary intake to loss of magnesium from the body (2Trusted Source).
Health problems associated with magnesium loss include diabetes, poor absorption, chronic diarrhea, celiac disease and hungry bone syndrome. People with alcoholism are also at an increased risk (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
This article lists 7 symptoms of magnesium deficiency.
These include apathy, which is characterized by mental numbness or lack of emotion. Worsened deficiency may even lead to delirium and coma (5Trusted Source).
Additionally, observational studies have associated low magnesium levels with an increased risk of depression (9Trusted Source).
Scientists have also speculated that magnesium deficiency might promote anxiety, but direct evidence is lacking (10Trusted Source).
One review concluded that magnesium supplements might benefit a subset of people with anxiety disorders, but the quality of the evidence is poor. Higher quality studies are needed before any conclusions can be reached (11Trusted Source).
In short, it seems that a lack of magnesium may cause nerve dysfunction and promote mental problems in some people.
The risk of getting osteoporosis is influenced by numerous factors. These include old age, lack of exercise and a poor intake of vitamins D and K.
Interestingly, magnesium deficiency is also a risk factor for osteoporosis. Deficiency might weaken bones directly, but it also lowers the blood levels of calcium, the main building block of bones (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).
Studies in rats confirm that dietary magnesium depletion results in reduced bone mass. Although no such experiments have been done in people, studies have associated poor magnesium intake with lower bone mineral density (16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source).
Keep in mind that everyone becomes fatigued from time to time. Typically, it simply means you need to rest. However, severe or persistent fatigue may be a sign of a health problem.
Since fatigue is a non-specific symptom, its cause is impossible to identify unless it is accompanied by other symptoms.
Another, more specific sign of magnesium deficiency is muscle weakness, also known as myasthenia (18Trusted Source).
Scientists believe the weakness is caused by the loss of potassium in muscle cells, a condition associated with magnesium deficiency (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).
Therefore, magnesium deficiency is one possible cause of fatigue or weakness.
While direct evidence is lacking in humans, several observational studies suggest that low magnesium levels or poor dietary intake may raise blood pressure (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).
The strongest evidence for the benefits of magnesium comes from controlled studies.
Several reviews have concluded that magnesium supplements may lower blood pressure, especially in adults with high blood pressure (26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source).
Put simply, magnesium deficiency may increase blood pressure, which, in turn, increases the risk of heart disease. Nevertheless, more studies are needed before its role can be fully understood.
Additionally, magnesium levels tend to be lower in individuals with asthma than in healthy people (30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source).
Researchers believe a lack of magnesium may cause the buildup of calcium in the muscles lining the airways of the lungs. This causes the airways to constrict, making breathing more difficult (7Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source).
Interestingly, an inhaler with magnesium sulfate is sometimes given to people with severe asthma to help relax and expand the airways. For those with life-threatening symptoms, injections are the preferred route of delivery (33Trusted Source, 34Trusted Source).
However, evidence for the effectiveness of dietary magnesium supplements in asthmatic individuals is inconsistent (35Trusted Source, 36Trusted Source, 37Trusted Source).
In short, scientists believe severe asthma may be a symptom of magnesium deficiency in some patients, but further studies are needed to investigate its role.
The symptoms of arrhythmia are mild in most cases. Often, it has no symptoms at all. However, in some people, it may cause heart palpitations, which are pauses between heartbeats.
Other possible symptoms of arrhythmia include lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting. In the most severe cases, arrhythmia may increase the risk of stroke or heart failure.
Scientists believe that an imbalance of potassium levels inside and outside of heart muscle cells may be to blame, a condition associated with magnesium deficiency (39Trusted Source, 40Trusted Source).
Some patients with congestive heart failure and arrhythmia have been shown to have lower magnesium levels than healthy people. Treating these patients with magnesium injections significantly improved their heart function (41Trusted Source).
Magnesium supplements may also reduce symptoms in some patients with arrhythmia (42Trusted Source).
*Adequate intake
Although many people don’t reach the RDA for magnesium, there are plenty of magnesium-rich foods to choose from.
It is widely found in both plants and animal-sourced foods. The richest sources are seeds and nuts, but whole grains, beans and leafy green vegetables are also relatively rich sources.
Below is the magnesium content in 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of some of its best sources (43):
Other great sources include flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, cocoa, coffee, cashew nuts, hazelnuts and oats. Magnesium is also added to many breakfast cereals and other processed foods.
If you have a health disorder that causes a loss of magnesium from the body, such as diabetes, you should make sure to eat plenty of magnesium-rich foods or take supplements.
Some studies suggest that 75% of Americans do not meet their dietary requirements for magnesium. However, true deficiency is much less common — less than 2%, according to one estimate.
The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are usually subtle unless your levels become severely low.
Deficiency may cause fatigue, muscle cramps, mental problems, irregular heartbeat and osteoporosis.
If you believe you may have a magnesium deficiency, your suspicions can be confirmed with a simple blood test. You should speak with your doctor to rule out other possible health problems.
Whatever the outcome, try to regularly eat plenty of magnesium-rich whole foods, such as nuts, seeds, grains or beans.
These foods are also high in other healthy nutrients. Including them in your diet not only lowers your risk of magnesium deficiency, but it also promotes your overall health."
In some cases, deficiency may be underdiagnosed since the obvious signs commonly don’t appear until your levels become severely low.
The causes of magnesium deficiency vary. They range from inadequate dietary intake to loss of magnesium from the body (2Trusted Source).
Health problems associated with magnesium loss include diabetes, poor absorption, chronic diarrhea, celiac disease and hungry bone syndrome. People with alcoholism are also at an increased risk (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
This article lists 7 symptoms of magnesium deficiency.
Twitches,
tremors and muscle cramps are signs of magnesium deficiency. In worst
case scenarios, deficiency may even cause seizures or convulsions (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
Scientists believe these symptoms are caused by a greater flow of calcium into nerve cells, which overexcites or hyperstimulates the muscle nerves (7Trusted Source).
While supplements may relieve muscle twitches and cramps in deficient individuals, one review concluded that magnesium supplements are not an effective treatment for muscle cramps in older adults. Further studies are needed in other groups (8Trusted Source).
Keep in mind that involuntary muscle twitches may have many other causes. For example, they may be caused by stress or too much caffeine.
They may also be a side effect of some medications or a symptom of a neurological disease, such as neuromyotonia or motor neuron disease.
While occasional twitches are normal, you should see your doctor if your symptoms persist.
Scientists believe these symptoms are caused by a greater flow of calcium into nerve cells, which overexcites or hyperstimulates the muscle nerves (7Trusted Source).
While supplements may relieve muscle twitches and cramps in deficient individuals, one review concluded that magnesium supplements are not an effective treatment for muscle cramps in older adults. Further studies are needed in other groups (8Trusted Source).
Keep in mind that involuntary muscle twitches may have many other causes. For example, they may be caused by stress or too much caffeine.
They may also be a side effect of some medications or a symptom of a neurological disease, such as neuromyotonia or motor neuron disease.
While occasional twitches are normal, you should see your doctor if your symptoms persist.
Summary Common signs of magnesium deficiency include muscle twitches, tremors and cramps. However, supplements are unlikely to reduce these symptoms in people who aren’t deficient.
Mental disorders are another possible consequence of magnesium deficiency.
These include apathy, which is characterized by mental numbness or lack of emotion. Worsened deficiency may even lead to delirium and coma (5Trusted Source).
Additionally, observational studies have associated low magnesium levels with an increased risk of depression (9Trusted Source).
Scientists have also speculated that magnesium deficiency might promote anxiety, but direct evidence is lacking (10Trusted Source).
One review concluded that magnesium supplements might benefit a subset of people with anxiety disorders, but the quality of the evidence is poor. Higher quality studies are needed before any conclusions can be reached (11Trusted Source).
In short, it seems that a lack of magnesium may cause nerve dysfunction and promote mental problems in some people.
Summary Magnesium deficiency may cause mental numbness, lack of emotion, delirium and even coma. Scientists have suggested that deficiency may also cause anxiety, but no strong evidence supports this idea.
Osteoporosis is a disorder characterized by weak bones and an increased risk of bone fractures.
The risk of getting osteoporosis is influenced by numerous factors. These include old age, lack of exercise and a poor intake of vitamins D and K.
Interestingly, magnesium deficiency is also a risk factor for osteoporosis. Deficiency might weaken bones directly, but it also lowers the blood levels of calcium, the main building block of bones (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).
Studies in rats confirm that dietary magnesium depletion results in reduced bone mass. Although no such experiments have been done in people, studies have associated poor magnesium intake with lower bone mineral density (16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source).
Summary Magnesium deficiency may increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, though this risk is influenced by many factors.
Fatigue, a condition characterized by physical or mental exhaustion or weakness, is another symptom of magnesium deficiency.
Keep in mind that everyone becomes fatigued from time to time. Typically, it simply means you need to rest. However, severe or persistent fatigue may be a sign of a health problem.
Since fatigue is a non-specific symptom, its cause is impossible to identify unless it is accompanied by other symptoms.
Another, more specific sign of magnesium deficiency is muscle weakness, also known as myasthenia (18Trusted Source).
Scientists believe the weakness is caused by the loss of potassium in muscle cells, a condition associated with magnesium deficiency (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).
Therefore, magnesium deficiency is one possible cause of fatigue or weakness.
Summary Magnesium deficiency may cause fatigue or muscle weakness. However, these are not specific signs of a deficiency unless they are accompanied by other symptoms.
Animal studies show that magnesium deficiency may increase blood pressure and promote high blood pressure, which is a strong risk factor for heart disease (21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).
While direct evidence is lacking in humans, several observational studies suggest that low magnesium levels or poor dietary intake may raise blood pressure (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).
The strongest evidence for the benefits of magnesium comes from controlled studies.
Several reviews have concluded that magnesium supplements may lower blood pressure, especially in adults with high blood pressure (26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source).
Put simply, magnesium deficiency may increase blood pressure, which, in turn, increases the risk of heart disease. Nevertheless, more studies are needed before its role can be fully understood.
Summary Evidence suggests magnesium deficiency may raise blood pressure. Additionally, supplements may benefit people with high blood pressure.
Magnesium deficiency is sometimes seen in patients with severe asthma (29Trusted Source).
Additionally, magnesium levels tend to be lower in individuals with asthma than in healthy people (30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source).
Researchers believe a lack of magnesium may cause the buildup of calcium in the muscles lining the airways of the lungs. This causes the airways to constrict, making breathing more difficult (7Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source).
Interestingly, an inhaler with magnesium sulfate is sometimes given to people with severe asthma to help relax and expand the airways. For those with life-threatening symptoms, injections are the preferred route of delivery (33Trusted Source, 34Trusted Source).
However, evidence for the effectiveness of dietary magnesium supplements in asthmatic individuals is inconsistent (35Trusted Source, 36Trusted Source, 37Trusted Source).
In short, scientists believe severe asthma may be a symptom of magnesium deficiency in some patients, but further studies are needed to investigate its role.
Summary Magnesium deficiency has been associated with severe asthma. However, its role in the development of asthma is not entirely understood.
Among the most serious symptoms of magnesium deficiency is heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat (38Trusted Source).
The symptoms of arrhythmia are mild in most cases. Often, it has no symptoms at all. However, in some people, it may cause heart palpitations, which are pauses between heartbeats.
Other possible symptoms of arrhythmia include lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting. In the most severe cases, arrhythmia may increase the risk of stroke or heart failure.
Scientists believe that an imbalance of potassium levels inside and outside of heart muscle cells may be to blame, a condition associated with magnesium deficiency (39Trusted Source, 40Trusted Source).
Some patients with congestive heart failure and arrhythmia have been shown to have lower magnesium levels than healthy people. Treating these patients with magnesium injections significantly improved their heart function (41Trusted Source).
Magnesium supplements may also reduce symptoms in some patients with arrhythmia (42Trusted Source).
Summary One of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency is heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, which may increase the risk of more serious complications, such as a stroke or heart failure.
The table below shows the recommended daily allowance (RDA) or adequate intake (AI) for men and women in the United States.
| Age | Male | Female | Pregnancy | Lactation |
| Birth to 6 months | 30 mg* | 30 mg* | ||
| 7–12 months | 75 mg* | 75 mg* | ||
| 1–3 years | 80 mg | 80 mg | ||
| 4–8 years | 130 mg | 130 mg | ||
| 9–13 years | 240 mg | 240 mg | ||
| 14–18 years | 410 mg | 360 mg | 400 mg | 360 mg |
| 19–30 years | 400 mg | 310 mg | 350 mg | 310 mg |
| 31–50 years | 420 mg | 320 mg | 360 mg | 320 mg |
| 51+ years | 420 mg | 320 mg |
Although many people don’t reach the RDA for magnesium, there are plenty of magnesium-rich foods to choose from.
It is widely found in both plants and animal-sourced foods. The richest sources are seeds and nuts, but whole grains, beans and leafy green vegetables are also relatively rich sources.
Below is the magnesium content in 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of some of its best sources (43):
- Almonds: 270 mg
- Pumpkin seeds: 262 mg
- Dark chocolate: 176 mg
- Peanuts: 168 mg
- Popcorn: 151 mg
Other great sources include flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, cocoa, coffee, cashew nuts, hazelnuts and oats. Magnesium is also added to many breakfast cereals and other processed foods.
If you have a health disorder that causes a loss of magnesium from the body, such as diabetes, you should make sure to eat plenty of magnesium-rich foods or take supplements.
Summary Seeds, nuts, cocoa, beans and whole grains are great sources of magnesium. For optimal health, make sure to eat some magnesium-rich foods every day.
Magnesium deficiency is a widespread health problem.
Some studies suggest that 75% of Americans do not meet their dietary requirements for magnesium. However, true deficiency is much less common — less than 2%, according to one estimate.
The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are usually subtle unless your levels become severely low.
Deficiency may cause fatigue, muscle cramps, mental problems, irregular heartbeat and osteoporosis.
If you believe you may have a magnesium deficiency, your suspicions can be confirmed with a simple blood test. You should speak with your doctor to rule out other possible health problems.
Whatever the outcome, try to regularly eat plenty of magnesium-rich whole foods, such as nuts, seeds, grains or beans.
These foods are also high in other healthy nutrients. Including them in your diet not only lowers your risk of magnesium deficiency, but it also promotes your overall health."
**Talk with your doctor about a Gastroparesis diet or supplements to help you with your potassium and magnesium intake as some of these foods listed are not a part of the GP Diet.**
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There are foods that are high in Potassium and Magnesium but I would check with your doctor, or keep a Gastroparesis Journal, to see if these foods would work for you or not, since everyone with Gastroparesis is different. Here is a link to the Gastroparesis Diet, as well.
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