Can magnesium deficiency cause cramps

Magnesium deficiency may indeed cause cramps, as magnesium is involved in muscle contraction and nerve signal transduction, and a deficiency can easily lead to muscle spasms. Magnesium deficiency cramps are usually related to factors such as imbalanced diet, digestive and absorption disorders, long-term medication, and may also be accompanied by electrolyte imbalances or chronic diseases. Magnesium is an important mineral that regulates neuromuscular excitability. When the concentration of magnesium in the blood decreases, nerve endings release acetylcholine excessively, causing abnormal muscle contractions. Typical symptoms include cramps in the lower leg, muscle spasms in the fingers, or eyelid twitching at night, which may worsen after exercise. Daily improvement can be achieved by consuming magnesium rich foods such as dark green vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, while also avoiding excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol. In rare cases, severe hypomagnesemia may induce arrhythmia or epileptic seizures, often associated with kidney disease, thyroid dysfunction, or long-term use of diuretics. In addition to magnesium supplementation, these patients also need treatment for the underlying disease. If there are frequent unexplained cramps accompanied by palpitations and fatigue, it is recommended to test the serum magnesium concentration.

To prevent magnesium deficiency, it is necessary to maintain a diversified diet. The daily magnesium requirement for adults is 300-400 milligrams. Reduce prolonged soaking of vegetables during cooking and choose low-temperature roasting of nuts to retain more magnesium elements. Individuals with combined calcium deficiency should stagger the timing of calcium and magnesium supplementation, as there is a competitive relationship between their absorption. When people who exercise sweat a lot, they can increase their intake of magnesium rich snacks such as pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate appropriately. However, for persistent cramps, non nutritional factors such as intervertebral disc herniation or peripheral neuropathy should be ruled out.