Magnesium is a important part of many reactions that occur in the body, affecting our cellular function, nerve conduction, and other biochemical reactions involved for optimal regulation. Normal serum magnesium levels lie between 1.4 and 2.6 mg/dL. Hypomagnesemia is an electrolyte imbalance , characterised by low level of blood serum magnesium (less than 1.4 mg/dL) and can be due to many causes or factors.
For instance, Chronic disease, alcoholism, gastrointestinal losses, renal losses, and other conditions. It is important to know the root cause of the condition , as it is the prime step for the treatment to get started.
This can happen by consulting a renal specialist, in case you suspect an inherited tubular disorder or if you doubt due to any existing condition. Symptoms include anything from vomiting , tremors and weakness to cardiac ischemia, depending upon the severity of the condition. All the mentioned symptoms are due to lack of magnesium which enlightens us with the fact that how important it is to include mg sources of foods in our diets or to start with elemental mg supplements.
In hospitalised conditions, treatment is based depending upon the patient’s kidney functioning rate, or blood dynamic stability. Furthermore, for a individual who is not severely deficient and in a position to take oral supplements, oral replacement is preferred. After a period of time and under doctor’s advice the serum electrolyte levels must be checked , to ensure whether the levels are getting back to normal or not. Although, serum magnesium levels rise at a faster rate, but intracellular magnesium takes more time to replenish back to normal. Oral supplements which are in magnesium oxide form are absorbed better as per certain research studies. Although, doctor’s consultation is needed before starting with any Mg supplement and one should try to consume foods which are good sources of Mg.