• Published on: Mar 26, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Magnesium: Health Benefits, Deficiency, Sources, And Risks

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Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for human health. Some of the key roles it plays in the body include:

- Acting as a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy production, protein synthesis, and nerve function

- Helping to regulate blood pressure levels

- Supporting bone health

- Aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels

Magnesium deficiency can cause a wide range of health problems, including muscle cramps and spasms, hypertension, headaches, fibromyalgia, and restless leg syndrome. Luckily, magnesium deficiency is relatively common and can be easily corrected by increasing the intake of magnesium-rich foods or taking a magnesium supplement.

Magnesium is a mineral found in several foods, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dairy products. magnesium plays an important role in many biochemical reactions and helps regulate blood sugar levels, nerve function, muscle control, and energy production. A magnesium deficiency can lead to a wide variety of health problems including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, migraine headaches, muscle cramps and weakness, chest pain, and digestive problems. Athletes are at risk for magnesium deficiency because they lose the mineral through sweat.

Good sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli; nuts such as almonds and cashews; seeds such as pumpkin and sesame; whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa. Magnesium is a mineral that is important for many processes in the body. It is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions, including those that produce energy and regulate blood sugar levels. Magnesium is also needed for the formation of bones and teeth, and it helps keep them strong.

Some people might not get enough magnesium from their diets, which can lead to magnesium deficiency. Signs of magnesium deficiency include muscle cramps, tremors, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and heart problems. People who have diabetes or kidney disease are at risk for magnesium deficiency because they are unable to absorb the mineral from food normally. Good sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grains, beans, and fish.

Magnesium is essential for human health and plays a role in more than 300 enzymatic processes in the body. It's involved in energy production, protein synthesis, and muscle relaxation. Magnesium also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, build strong bones, and regulate nerve function.

Most people don't get enough magnesium from their diet alone, which can lead to magnesium deficiency. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include fatigue, irritability, anxiety, headaches, muscle cramps and twitching, sleeplessness, and heart problems. Magnesium is an essential mineral that is important for many functions of the body, including bone and muscle health, energy production, and nerve function.

A magnesium deficiency can cause a wide variety of health problems, including muscle cramps, headaches, fatigue, and anxiety. Some people may also be at risk for magnesium deficiency if they do not eat enough magnesium-rich foods or if they have certain medical conditions that affect their absorption of magnesium.

Magnesium is essential for human health and plays a role in over 600 biochemical reactions in the body. It is involved in energy production, nerve function, muscle contraction, protein synthesis, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium deficiency can lead to a wide range of health problems including migraines, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and insulin resistance.

Good sources of magnesium include green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, nuts such as almonds and cashews, seeds such as pumpkin and chia seeds, legumes such as black beans and lentils, whole grains such as quinoa and amaranth, fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, avocados, dark chocolate, and cacao powder. Magnesium is a mineral that is important for many of the body's functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood pressure control, and energy production. Magnesium deficiency can cause a wide range of health problems, including arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), seizures, migraines, anxiety, and more.

Some good food sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables, legumes (beans and peas), nuts, seeds, and whole grains. However, many people don't get enough magnesium from their diets. This may be due to factors such as eating processed foods instead of whole foods or not eating enough magnesium-rich foods. Magnesium is an essential mineral that has a wide range of health benefits. It's involved in over 600 metabolic processes, including energy production, protein synthesis, and bone formation. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, supports a healthy immune system, and promotes cardiovascular health.

A lack of magnesium can cause a variety of health problems, including insomnia, anxiety, muscle cramps and spasms, restless legs syndrome, and constipation. Low magnesium levels are also associated with an increased risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Magnesium is a mineral that is important for many functions of the body, including regulating blood pressure, synthesizing DNA and proteins, and activating enzymes. Magnesium deficiency can lead to health problems such as anxiety, osteoporosis, heart disease, and migraines. Some good food sources of magnesium include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and dairy products. However, due to modern farming practices that deplete the soil with minerals like magnesium, many people are not getting enough magnesium from their diet.

People can also take magnesium supplements to help ensure they are getting enough of this nutrient. But it's important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements because too much magnesium can be harmful.

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for human health. It plays a role in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. It also helps to keep the bones strong and the immune system functioning properly. A magnesium deficiency can cause a wide range of health problems, including headaches, muscle cramps, restless leg syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Low levels of magnesium have also been linked with anxiety and depression.

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Numbness

Numbness in Hands and Feet: Common Causes, Warning Signs and When to Act

Numbness in the hands and feet is a symptom many people experience at some point, often after sitting or sleeping in an awkward position. While temporary numbness is usually harmless, persistent or recurring symptoms can indicate underlying health issues. Understanding numbness in hands and feet is important because it often reflects nerve, nutritional or circulation problems that require timely attention.

In India, rising rates of diabetes, vitamin deficiencies and sedentary lifestyles have made numbness a frequently reported symptom across age groups.

 

What Is Numbness?

Numbness refers to reduced or lost sensation in a part of the body.

It may feel like:

  • tingling or pins and needles

  • burning or crawling sensation

  • reduced touch sensitivity

  • weakness or heaviness

These sensations are medically referred to as paresthesia.

 

Why Hands and Feet Are Commonly Affected

Hands and feet contain:

  • long peripheral nerves

  • smaller blood vessels

These structures are more vulnerable to damage from:

  • metabolic disorders

  • nutritional deficiencies

  • compression or injury

This makes distal body parts the first to show symptoms.

 

Common Causes of Numbness in Hands and Feet

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord.

It causes:

  • numbness

  • tingling

  • burning pain

Diabetes is the most common cause in India, as noted by ICMR studies.

 

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve health.

Deficiency leads to:

  • numbness and tingling

  • balance issues

  • fatigue

NFHS-5 data shows widespread vitamin B12 deficiency among Indian adults.

 

Diabetes and Blood Sugar Imbalance

High blood sugar damages nerve fibers over time.

Diabetic neuropathy often starts in:

  • toes

  • soles

  • fingers

Early detection prevents progression.

 

Poor Blood Circulation

Reduced blood flow deprives nerves of oxygen.

This may be caused by:

  • peripheral artery disease

  • smoking

  • high cholesterol

Circulatory numbness often worsens in cold conditions.

 

Nerve Compression and Posture Issues

Prolonged pressure on nerves can cause numbness.

Examples include:

  • carpal tunnel syndrome

  • cervical spine problems

  • prolonged sitting with crossed legs

Posture correction often improves symptoms.

 

Spinal Disorders

Conditions affecting the spine can compress nerves.

These include:

  • slipped disc

  • cervical spondylosis

  • spinal stenosis

Symptoms may radiate to hands or feet.

 

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions

Some autoimmune diseases attack nerves.

Examples include:

  • rheumatoid arthritis-related neuropathy

  • lupus

Early diagnosis is important to prevent nerve damage.

 

Infections and Systemic Diseases

Certain infections and systemic illnesses may cause nerve symptoms.

These include:

  • tuberculosis

  • thyroid disorders

  • chronic kidney disease

ICMR reports note neuropathy as a secondary symptom in many chronic illnesses.

 

Temporary vs Persistent Numbness

Temporary numbness:

  • resolves within minutes

  • often due to pressure or posture

Persistent numbness:

  • lasts weeks or months

  • indicates underlying pathology

Duration is an important diagnostic clue.

 

Warning Signs That Should Not Be Ignored

Seek medical evaluation if numbness:

  • is persistent or worsening

  • affects both sides symmetrically

  • is associated with weakness

  • interferes with walking or grip

  • is accompanied by pain or balance issues

These signs suggest nerve damage.

How Numbness Is Diagnosed

Evaluation may include:

  • detailed medical history

  • neurological examination

  • blood tests for deficiencies

  • blood sugar testing

  • nerve conduction studies

  • imaging when required

Diagnosis focuses on identifying treatable causes.

 

Impact on Daily Life

Chronic numbness can affect:

  • fine motor skills

  • balance and coordination

  • work performance

  • sleep quality

Untreated symptoms increase injury and fall risk.

 

Treatment Depends on the Cause

Treatment is tailored to the underlying condition.

Examples include:

  • vitamin supplementation

  • blood sugar control

  • physical therapy

  • posture correction

  • medications for nerve pain

Early treatment improves outcomes.

 

Role of Nutrition in Nerve Health

Adequate intake of:

  • vitamin B12

  • vitamin B6

  • folate

  • iron

supports nerve repair and function.

Balanced diets reduce neuropathy risk.

Lifestyle Measures to Reduce Numbness

Helpful habits include:

  • regular physical activity

  • avoiding prolonged pressure on limbs

  • quitting smoking

  • maintaining healthy blood sugar

Lifestyle changes support nerve recovery.

 

Importance of Preventive Health Checkups

Routine screening helps detect:

  • diabetes

  • vitamin deficiencies

  • thyroid disorders

Early detection prevents permanent nerve damage.

 

When to Consult a Doctor

Medical advice is essential when numbness:

  • persists beyond a few days

  • worsens over time

  • affects daily activities

Delaying evaluation increases risk of irreversible damage.

 

Conclusion

Numbness in hands and feet is more than a minor inconvenience when it becomes frequent or persistent. It often signals nerve damage, vitamin deficiency, diabetes or circulation problems that require attention. Early identification of the cause, timely treatment and lifestyle modification can prevent progression and restore sensation. Paying attention to these warning signs is a critical step toward protecting long-term nerve health and overall wellbeing.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Neuropathy and Diabetes Studies
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Nutrition and Vitamin Deficiency Data
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Neurological Disorders and Nerve Health
  • Lancet – Peripheral Neuropathy and Metabolic Disease Research
  • NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease and Preventive Care Reports
  • Statista – Neuropathy and Chronic Disease Trends

See all

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