Are You at Risk for Magnesium Deficiency?
Are You at Risk for Magnesium Deficiency?
What's This About?
Understanding the risk factors for hypomagnesemia can help you take proactive steps to protect your health.
Contents
- Common Risk Factors
- The Role of Chronic Illnesses
- Inherited Conditions and Risks
Common Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing hypomagnesemia. These include chronic diarrhea, malabsorption issues, and the use of certain medications. Recognizing these risks is the first step in prevention and management.
The Role of Chronic Illnesses
Chronic conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes and alcohol use disorder are significant risk factors for magnesium deficiency. These illnesses can cause increased urinary excretion or reduce magnesium absorption, exacerbating the deficiency.
Inherited Conditions and Risks
Genetic factors can also play a role in magnesium deficiency. Conditions such as Gitelman syndrome and other inherited renal disorders can lead to increased magnesium loss, highlighting the importance of genetic screening and early intervention.
FAQs
What are common risk factors for hypomagnesemia?
Chronic diarrhea, certain medications, and malabsorption are common risk factors.
Do chronic illnesses affect magnesium levels?
Yes, illnesses like diabetes and alcohol use disorder increase magnesium loss.
Can genetics influence magnesium deficiency?
Inherited conditions like Gitelman syndrome can increase magnesium loss.
Wrapping Up
Identifying risk factors for hypomagnesemia is key to effective prevention and management.
Additional References
- Viering DHHM, de Baaij JHF, Walsh SB, et al. Genetic causes of hypomagnesemia, a clinical overview. Pediatr Nephrol 2017; 32:1123.
- Rodríguez-Soriano J, Vallo A. Pathophysiology of the renal acidification defect present in the syndrome of familial hypomagnesaemia-hypercalciuria. Pediatr Nephrol 1994; 8:431.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.