Prevention of Magnesium Deficiency

Most people prevent magnesium deficiency with a balanced diet. People at risk need extra attention.

Eat a varied, whole-food diet

• Include whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and green vegetables daily
• Limit highly processed foods and refined grains

Limit alcohol

Heavy drinking is a leading cause of low magnesium. Cutting down protects your levels and your health generally.

Manage medical conditions

• Keep diabetes under control
• Treat chronic diarrhoea, coeliac disease and Crohn's disease with your doctor
• Follow up kidney conditions

Review medicines

If you take diuretics, acid-reducing medicines (PPIs) or other medicines linked to low magnesium for a long time, ask your doctor about checking blood magnesium. Do not stop medicines without advice.

Prevent fluid loss

Treat vomiting and diarrhoea early with fluids and see a doctor if they last.

People who may need extra magnesium

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Older adults with poor appetite
• People with gut disease or after bowel surgery
• Athletes with heavy sweating

Use supplements only on advice.

Regular checks

People at high risk can ask for blood magnesium, potassium and calcium tests.

Ayurvedic lifestyle advice

Ayurveda recommends regular, freshly cooked meals, moderate alcohol and good digestion. This is traditional and fits healthy diet advice.

Key point

A whole-food diet, less alcohol and regular checks for people at risk prevent most deficiency.

Before your appointment

Note your symptoms, when they began, and what makes them better or worse. Mention alcohol use, diarrhoea, vomiting, diabetes, kidney disease, bowel conditions and any recent illness. List all medicines, especially diuretics, acid-reducing medicines, antibiotics, supplements and herbal products. Write down your usual diet and any antacids or laxatives you take. Ask about blood tests for magnesium, potassium and calcium, and whether an ECG is needed. Call 112 for seizures, fainting, severe weakness or a very irregular heartbeat.