Our bodies rely on certain vitamins and minerals to keep them working to the best of their ability. While much of what we need can be found in our diets, this is not always enough.
And according to one expert many of us could be lacking in a certain mineral. Doctor Kishan Vithlani, NHS GP and medical director at Qured warned of becoming deficient in magnesium.
Speaking with Express.co.uk, he explained: “Most people are unaware of the key minerals that we should be stocking up on over the colder months. One of the most important of these minerals is magnesium – often described as the ‘miracle’ mineral.
“Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels.
“If you don’t get enough magnesium in your diet over a long time, you may be at a higher risk of health problems such as diabetes, or an irregular heart rhythm which could lead to a heart attack or stroke. It can also increase your likelihood of developing osteoporosis.”
With this in mind he shared four warning signs of a magnesium deficiency.
“Magnesium deficiency can manifest as a collective of symptoms, as opposed to just one or two symptoms on their own,” he added.
Loss of appetite
In the first weeks of January many of us might not feel particularly hungry.
Although this could just be caused by overeating at Christmas it could be caused by something more serious.
Dr Vithlani said: “Whilst loss of appetite can point to different health concerns such as stress, a stomach bug, or a side effect of medications, it can also be the result of a magnesium deficiency.
“If you are experiencing nausea and vomiting in conjunction with a loss of appetite, it’s important to get your magnesium levels checked, especially because vomiting will also contribute to your magnesium levels falling further.”
Muscle cramps and twitches
According to Dr Vithlani, one of the most common signs of magnesium deficiency is having muscle cramps or twitches.
“In severe cases, it can even cause seizures or convulsions,” he said.
“Whilst twitches can be associated with excessive tiredness or too much caffeine intake, magnesium can also be the cause.
“Scientists believe these symptoms are caused by a greater flow of calcium into nerve cells, which over-stimulates the muscle nerves.”
Weakness and fatigue
Feeling not just tired, but physically weak and stiff is another telltale sign of magnesium deficiency.
He said: “Low magnesium levels affect multiple body processes including nerve signalling and potassium levels in muscle cells, which may cause fatigue and weakness.
“Fatigue and weakness alone may not be a sign of magnesium deficiency but combined with other symptoms, they could indicate that your magnesium levels are low.”
Mental health problems
Low magnesium may also lead to changes in how you feel mentally and emotionally.
He warned: “You may find that you don’t feel 100 percent yourself.
“For some people, this may involve feeling less emotional. While others suffering from magnesium deficiency may find themselves feeling even more anxious than usual.
“Some studies have even suggested that there is a link between low magnesium and depression.”
What to do if you think you are deficient in magnesium
If possible it is best to get tested for a magnesium deficiency, by a doctor or private provider, Dr Vithlani said.
This means you can “understand the root cause of your symptoms” and get the correct support for your needs.
He added: “If you do discover that you’re deficient in magnesium, you can buy over-the-counter supplements, or your physician can prescribe a supplement, depending on the severity of your symptoms.”
