Hypomagnesemia – colloquially known as magnesium deficiency – (ICD-10-GM E61.2: magnesium deficiency) is when the concentration of serum magnesium in an adult falls below a level of 0.77 mmol/l (female) or 0.75 mmol/l (male).
Causes of magnesium deficiency include inadequate magnesium intake and absorption, enteric (intestinal) and renal (renal) losses, disease, or ingestion of medications (see Causes below).
Frequency peak: Hypomagnesemia occurs more frequently between the 50th and 80th year of life.
No figures are available on the prevalence of hypomagnesemia.
Course and prognosis: Mild hypomagnesemia is usually asymptomatic. Severe forms of hypomagnesemia require intensive medical treatment.
As a result of a pronounced magnesium deficiency, hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) may occur, among other symptoms.The most common consequences or complications of hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency) are cardiac arrhythmias.