About 60% of the magnesium in your body is found in bone, while the rest
is in muscles, soft tissues and fluids, including blood. In fact, every cell in
your body contains it and needs it to function. One of magnesium’s main roles
is acting as a cofactor or “helper molecule” in the biochemical
reactions continuously performed by enzymes. In fact, it’s involved in more
than 600 reactions in your body, including:

Energy creation: Helps convert food into energy.

Protein formation: Helps create new proteins from amino acids.

Gene maintenance: Helps create and repair DNA and RNA.

Muscle movements: Is part of the contraction and relaxation of
muscles.

Nervous system regulation: Helps regulate neurotransmitters, which send
messages throughout your brain and nervous system.

Unfortunately, studies suggest that about 50% of people in the US and Europe get less than the recommended daily amount of magnesium.

Common signs of magnesium deficiency include muscle twitches, tremors and cramps.

Magnesium deficiency may cause mental numbness, lack of emotion, delirium and even coma.
Scientists have suggested that deficiency may also cause anxiety, but no strong
evidence supports this idea.

Magnesium deficiency may increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, though
this risk is influenced by many factors.

Magnesium deficiency may cause fatigue or muscle weakness. However, these are not
specific signs of a deficiency unless they are accompanied by other symptoms.

Evidence suggests magnesium deficiency may raise blood pressure. Additionally, supplements may benefit people with high blood pressure.

Magnesium deficiency has been associated with severe asthma. However, its role in the
development of asthma is not entirely understood.

One of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency is heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat,
which may increase the risk of more serious complications, such as a stroke or
heart failure.