Dietitians Say This Is the Number-1 Sign You Have Low Mag...

What’s Happening

Here’s the thing: If it happens often, the mineral may be the culprit.

Even though true deficiency is rare, nearly half of Americans ingest less magnesium than they should, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) . Still, it can be tricky to pinpoint a magnesium deficiency, which is why knowing the number-one sign you have low magnesium is so important. (shocking, we know)

Meet the the experts: Samantha Peterson, R.

The Details

, founder and CEO of Simply Wellness; Erin Barrett, Ph. , director of product innovation and scientific affairs at Shaklee.

“Magnesium is one of those under-the-radar minerals that quietly powers hundreds of essential processes in the body,” Samantha Peterson, R. , founder and CEO of Simply Wellness, before told Prevention .

Why This Matters

For this reason, symptoms of low magnesium can span systems and bodily processes. While there are a handful of nonspecific signs to be aware of, like fatigue or anxiety, the most unique one to keep watch for is muscle cramps, twitches, spasms, or tingles. Magnesium regulates levels of calcium and potassium , two electrolytes that play key roles in the healthy function of your muscles and nerves.

Medical professionals are taking note of this development.

Key Takeaways

• “When magnesium is low, nerves and muscles become more excitable,” Erin Barrett, Ph.
• This may cause your muscles to cramp up or simply feel weaker, twitchier, or different than they usually do.
• A magnesium deficiency may also increase the likelihood of experiencing muscle cramps after exercise, according to Harvard Medical School .

The Bottom Line

A magnesium deficiency may also increase the likelihood of experiencing muscle cramps after exercise, according to Harvard Medical School . Muscles that are fatigued or dehydrated are more likely to cramp in general, and low magnesium may prevent them from fully relaxing and lead to spasms or knots.

What do you think about all this?