Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in our body, and one of the most important ones. It’s crucial for our whole body to function correctly. With that being said - unfortunately it's not that uncommon to be low or deficient and many won’t even be aware that they are. Being low or deficient in magnesium is linked to many different illnesses.

We all metabolise magnesium differently and some are at greater risk for developing a deficiency than others. There are many reasons for us to be deficient in magnesium. Not eating enough food rich in magnesium, stress, alcohol, low absorption in the body due to conditions like leaky gut or IBS, chronic diarrhoea and medications.

Symptoms of a magnesium deficiency include

• Leg Cramps - Magnesium plays an important role in neuromuscular signals and muscle contractions. Leg cramps are often a cause of a deficiency. If you have been experiencing leg cramps, speak to your GP about getting tested for a deficiency.

• Anxiety - Magnesium deficiency can affect our central nervous system and cause us to feel more anxious. If the deficiency increases this can increase the anxiety which can even lead to depression.

• Type II Diabetic - Magnesium deficiency has been linked to insulin resistance which can eventually lead to type II diabetes. Foods that contain magnesium have been shown to help metabolise sugar in our body which can help reduce the risk of type II diabetes.

• Osteoporosis - Over half of our magnesium stores are found in our bones. As we age our bone density decreases and leads to osteoporosis. Studies have shown that supplementing with magnesium can slow down the development of osteoporosis.

• High blood pressure - magnesium helps our blood vessels relax and regulates our blood pressure. When we are deficient this can cause high blood pressure.

• Irregular heartbeat - this is one of the more severe symptoms of a magnesium deficiency. Some studies have shown that low levels of magnesium can additionally lead to heart disease.

• Insomnia - Magnesium plays a vital role in the neurotransmitter responsible for calming our brain and helping us feel more relaxed. When we are deficient this can cause us to have insomnia.

• Fatigue - Persistent fatigue and muscle weakness may be a sign of a magnesium deficiency.
• Migraines - Low levels of magnesium have been linked to headaches and migraines. If you suffer from migraines your doctor might suggest supplementing with magnesium.

If you think you might be deficient in this crucial mineral - speak to your GP. A simple blood test will be able to give some insight, but remember that over half our magnesium stores are in our bones. If your GP does suspect a magnesium deficiency - don’t worry, this can easily be fixed by supplementing with the correct dose of magnesium.