Patient education: Hypomagnesemia (The Basics)

What is hypomagnesemia? — Hypomagnesemia means that you have less magnesium in your body than normal. It is sometimes called "low magnesium."

Magnesium is 1 of many substances in the body called "electrolytes." Having the right amount of magnesium in the body is important for:

●Helping your nerves and muscles work properly

●Bone and heart health

●Keeping your blood pressure under control

●Helping your body make certain hormones

Not having enough magnesium in the body is usually a sign of a health problem.

What causes hypomagnesemia? — Possible causes of hypomagnesemia include:

●Severe vomiting or diarrhea

●Taking certain medicines

●Kidney problems

●Bone problems

●Diabetes that is not well controlled

●Alcohol use disorder

Sometimes, hypomagnesemia can mean that you also have low levels of other things, like calcium or potassium.

What are the symptoms of hypomagnesemia? — Symptoms can include:

●Muscle cramps or spasms

●Tremors or shaking

●Seizures

●Lack of energy

●Delirium – This means when a person is confused and isn't thinking clearly.

●Coma

●Muscle movements that you can't control

●Abnormal heart rhythm or other heart problems

Sometimes, people with hypomagnesemia don't have any symptoms.

Will I need tests? — Maybe. Your doctor might want to do a blood test if you have symptoms of hypomagnesemia. They might also do this if you have a health problem that puts you at risk for hypomagnesemia.

If you have hypomagnesemia but the cause is not clear, your doctor might want to test your urine. This can help them figure out if your hypomagnesemia is related to kidney problems.

How is hypomagnesemia treated? — Generally, doctors treat hypomagnesemia by giving you more magnesium until you reach a normal level. There are 2 ways of doing this:

●Through an "IV" – An IV is a thin tube that goes into a vein. This treatment is often done for people who have severe symptoms or are already in the hospital.

●Taking oral supplements – You can take extra magnesium by mouth. It comes as a pill, powder, or liquid. Your doctor might recommend this if you have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.

Depending on what caused your hypomagnesemia, you might need other treatments, too.

More on this topic

Patient education: Alcohol use — when is drinking a problem? (The Basics)
Patient education: Diarrhea in teens and adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Nausea and vomiting in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Type 2 diabetes (The Basics)
Patient education: Long QT syndrome (The Basics)
Patient education: Hypokalemia (The Basics)

Patient education: Alcohol use — when is drinking a problem? (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Chronic diarrhea in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Acute diarrhea in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Type 2 diabetes: Overview (Beyond the Basics)