Reasons for magnesium deficiency

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What are the causes of magnesium deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency can occur in two ways: Either too little magnesium is absorbed or too much magnesium is excreted. If excreted magnesium is not absorbed in the same quantity, a deficiency occurs. Often underestimated are the influences of medications, which affect the magnesium balance in one way or the other.

Reduced absorption

In the case of a so-called absorption disorder, the intestine is unable to absorb sufficient magnesium from food. Such a disorder can be caused by diseases of the digestive tract, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, with increasing age, the body finds it more difficult to obtain sufficient magnesium from food.

Increased excretion

Magnesium deficiency can also occur when the body excretes more of the mineral, i.e. (needs) magnesium. This can be the case with certain diseases. People with diabetes mellitus are particularly affected.

Interactions with medications

Taking various drugs can lead to a magnesium deficiency, e.g. diuretics or ACE inhibitors. They cause increased excretion of magnesium through the urine. Drugs such as stomach acid blockers and stomach acid binders, as well as laxatives, decrease the absorption of magnesium in the intestines, resulting in an insufficient supply of the mineral.