5. Hypomagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia is the deficiency of magnesium in the blood. It is clinically described as having magnesium level in the serum below 0.6mmol/l. Magnesium is needed for over 300 biochemical processes in the body. Among several other functions, it helps maintain the normal functionality of the nerves and muscles, promotes a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady and strengthening the bones. It is also essential in balancing blood glucose levels and is crucial in the synthesis of energy and protein.
Magnesium deficiency in the body is known to cause symptoms such as muscle spasms, loss of appetite, seizures, cardiac arrest, muscle cramps, and personality changes among others. Hypomagnesemia can be caused by insufficient magnesium intake, chronic alcoholism, diarrhea, loss of magnesium through urine, diabetes mellitus, and poor absorption of magnesium in the intestines. Depending on the severity, this condition is treatable through intravenous or oral magnesium sulfate.