Symptoms

7 Signs You're Lacking Magnesium

Cramps, fatigue, and poor sleep can be a sign that your body lacks magnesium. How to recognize them and when to see a doctor.

Brankica Milinković, MPharm, in a white coat with the M&V Pharm logo
Mr Pharm. Brankica Milinković, Pharmacist
Updated 9. Oct 2026 · 2 min read
Woman sitting on a couch holding her leg with her hand, with a BisMag bottle and glass of water on the table

Why magnesium is important

Magnesium participates in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It is necessary for energy production, muscle and nerve function, bone maintenance, and normal heart rhythm.

The body cannot produce it on its own, so we get it from food. It is found most abundantly in seeds, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and dark leafy vegetables.

7 signs of magnesium deficiency

Symptoms often appear gradually and are easy to attribute to stress or fatigue. These are the most common:

  1. Leg crampsmost often at night or after physical activity.
  2. Eyelid twitchinginvoluntary twitching of the eyelid or other muscles.
  3. Fatigue and exhaustionfeeling tired even after sufficient sleep.
  4. Poor sleepdifficulty falling asleep and waking up during the night.
  5. Nervousness and irritabilitylower stress tolerance.
  6. Headachesmore frequent headaches and tension.
  7. Heart palpitationsfeeling of skipped or racing heartbeats. Always have this symptom checked by a doctor.

Who is at greater risk

Magnesium needs are higher for athletes and physically active people, as some is lost through sweat. The risk is also greater for people under prolonged stress, pregnant and nursing women, older adults, and those who regularly consume alcohol or coffee.

Some medications, such as diuretics and proton pump inhibitors, can lower magnesium levels in the body.

How to replenish magnesium

The first step is a varied diet. When dietary intake is insufficient, a dietary supplement can help. The form of magnesium is important: bisglycinate is well absorbed and gentle on the stomach, while oxide more often causes a laxative effect.

When to see a doctor

If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, if you experience heart palpitations or have chronic kidney disease, consult with a doctor. Magnesium levels are checked by blood tests, but serum values don't always show the actual reserves in the body.

A white BisMag bottle with a blue label, magnesium bisglycinate 550 mg and vitamin D
BisMag: Magnesium bisglycinate + Vitamin D3 BisMag combines magnesium as bisglycinate — a chelate that absorbs well and is gentle on the stomach — with vitamin D3. One capsule a day.

FAQ

Prve promene se najčešće osete nakon 2–4 nedelje redovne upotrebe.

Da, u preporučenoj dozi može se koristiti duži period.

Brankica Milinković, MPharm, in a white coat with the M&V Pharm logo
Author and expert review Mr Pharm. Brankica Milinković A pharmacist with many years of experience advising patients on the correct use of food supplements.

A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Keep out of reach of children. The content of this site is informational and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.