Magnesium Deficiency: Risk Factors & Who's Most Vulnerable

Magnesium deficiency is rare in healthy people because the mineral is found in so many popular foods. However, certain conditions make it more difficult for the body to absorb or retain magnesium, putting affected individuals at risk of a dangerous deficiency.

Role of Magnesium

• Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in bone formation, metabolism, muscle tone and nerve cells; according to the Linus Pauling Institute, magnesium plays a role in more than 300 metabolic processes in the body.

Intestinal Problems

• People with gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease and malabsorption syndromes are more likely to be magnesium-deficient, as are people with intestinal inflammation or those who've had part of the intestine removed.

Renal Disorders

• People with kidney disorders, diabetes or those who use diuretics for long periods of time may lose excessive amounts of magnesium through urination.

Advanced Age

• Elderly people not only have a reduced ability to absorb magnesium but their urine also excretes more of the mineral, the Linus Pauling Institute reports. Poor diet can contribute to magnesium deficiency in older adults.

Alcoholism

• Magnesium deficiency is often found among alcoholics due gastrointestinal problems, excessive urination and a diet that lacks the mineral.