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6 Groups at Risk for Magnesium Deficiency

Some people need a little more magnesium than others.

Are you one of those people?

Groups of people at risk for magnesium deficiency

 

 

 Some of these groups may be at risk of magnesium deficiency because they eat fewer magnesium-rich foods (veggies) or they take meds that reduce magnesium absorption. And in other cases, they are excreting it faster than what's being provided by diet. 

  • Older folks. The diets of those over 70 are not great overall, and they have an added problem: as the body ages, it becomes less efficient at absorbing magnesium. Older people are also more likely to take medications that interfere with magnesium absorption.
  • People with digestive disorders. Gastrointestinal disorders, like Crohn’s or Celiac diseases, hamper the body’s ability to absorb magnesium properly. People with Celiac fall into this group. So do those who've had gastric bypass surgery.
  • People with type 2 diabetes. Kidneys don’t always function properly in people with type 2 diabetes, so they may be losing too much magnesium through their urine. Magnesium is especially important for people with this disease, since it’s a key facet to managing blood sugar. Pre-diabetics and people with insulin resistance fall into this category. 
  • People with alcohol dependence. When you think alcoholism, you usually think liver. But poor diets, gastrointestinal issues (think vomit), and increased urinary excretion of the mineral also accompany alcohol abuse.
  • Athletes. Now, now now, we’re NOT giving you an excuse to skip tomorrow’s walk. But if you work out regularly you may need a magnesium boost. One study found that strenuous exercise intensifies urinary and sweat losses, which may increase the demand for magnesium by up to 20%.
  • Those who use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Prilosec, Zantac, Prevacid, and Nexium. Data has shown that long-term use of PPIs cuts down on the amount of acid your stomach produces. This may do a number on magnesium absorption.

A note of caution

If you've read all that and decide to give yourself a triple shot of magnesium pills, you might be staying close to home for a day or so. A sudden excess of magnesium can cause diarrhea along with nausea and abdominal cramping, especially if you use the oxide, carbonate, sulfate or chloride forms. If you follow label instructions on supplement bottles, you are unlikely to have any trouble. Most supplement brands do not recommend more than 400 mg of magnesium daily. 

Stuff that must be said:

We sell magnesium supplements on this website. It goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway) that we do not make any claim that taking our magnesium supplement will eliminate or reduce the risk associated with any of the conditions listed above. If you feel you belong in any of the categories above, and you grab a bottle of magnesium supplement before spinach or other magnesium-rich foods, well, tsk, tsk. 

Supplements may help, but supplements alone will not restore you to complete health. We think supplements are a small piece of the health puzzle. You cannot outrun a bad diet and inactivity with pills. Most of the heavy lifting involved in restoring your health will have to come from you in the form of healthy eating and lifestyle corrections. In these articles, we are merely sharing our excitement about nutritional science and doing our best to translate dense science into easy-to-read English. We geek out on nutrition science and we think you will too. We hope it makes you a more informed consumer. Our Legal Dept says the same thing in Legalese at the bottom of this page. Enjoy.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

DISCLAIMER
This website is for educational and informational purposes only. The ideas, opinions and suggestions contained on this website are not to be construed as medical advice. If you have, or suspect you may have, a medical condition you should seek advice from a licensed health care practitioner. Readers of this website should not rely on the information provided or contained herein as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor for any health condition or problem. Users of this website should not rely on information provided on this website for their own health problems. Any questions or concerns regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician. You should not start or stop any medications, diet or exercise plan without first consulting with your doctor. We neither encourage you to do so, nor are we liable for the failure to seek medical advice from the appropriate licensed medical health practitioner.

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