What Causes Magnesium Deficiency?

Posted on Wed, 9 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 9 Apr 2014 Answered on

Sat, 3 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : What causes deficiency in magnesium?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Too much of calcium intake is a common cause Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing After going through your query the common causes are – 1. High intake of calcium - We need calcium to absorb magnesium. Yet’ it’s a delicate balance because the two minerals compete for resources within our body. If you eat too much calcium, you actually hinder your absorption of magnesium. 2.Drugs which interfere with absorption like too many rounds of antibiotics, antacids especially proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole and so on, antidepressants, osmotic diuretics, cisplatin, ciclosporin, drinking fluoridated water, and even stress. 3. Intolerance to gluten containing food. 4. Municipal water supply –It removes beside lead pesticide and nitrates the desirable mineral like calcium and magnesium. 5. Depleted soil-Industrial agriculture depletes soil of nutrients like magnesium and calcium. 6. Other causes are dietieary deficiency, alcohol abuse, poorly controlled diabetes, excessive or chronic vomiting, and diarrhoea. Hope this information suffices. Take care and I shall be glad to answer further query . Regards Dr.chugh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (32 hours later)

I see, thanks for that insight, I have been put on calcium supplements, and take nexium for a good while now, i should really look at life factors

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Thanks and glad that your query is resolved Detailed Answer: Hi, It’s good to see you. Thanks, I am glad that your query is resolved. If you have no further query you may close the discussion. The address of my virtual clinic is http://bit.ly/drmchugh. Take care and wish you good health. Regards Dr.chugh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D