People with ulcerative colitis (UC) may have low magnesium levels due to the symptoms they experience. Supplementing magnesium and eating magnesium-rich foods may help a person with UC avoid a deficiency in this nutrient and further health complications.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that people need for many functions in the body. It helps control muscles and nerves, preserve bone health, and maintain heart rhythm, among other functions.
Low magnesium levels may have adverse health effects.
This article explains why people with UC may become deficient in magnesium and how doctors diagnose it. It also explores the possible consequences of low magnesium and lists other supplements that may benefit people with UC.
UC is a chronic form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It affects the gut’s ability to digest food properly and absorb essential nutrients, which can result in malnutrition.
Experts advise that symptoms such as diarrhea may also contribute to nutrient deficiencies, such as low magnesium, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Flares of symptoms, certain surgical treatments, and complications of UC may make it difficult for some people with the condition to get enough nutrients from food alone.
Furthermore, someone with UC may restrict the foods they eat to avoid foods that trigger their symptoms. Doing so may further lower nutrient levels. A restrictive or limited diet may not include all the essential vitamins or minerals key to a balanced diet. Therefore, someone with UC may have lower magnesium levels or a deficiency based on their diet.
Research shows that
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The researchers carried out a hair mineral analysis and suggested that magnesium either plays a primary role in the development of the disease or results from IBD symptoms. The same study linked magnesium supplementation with improved UC disease activity and sleep quality.
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- fatigue
- muscle cramps
- irregular heartbeat, known as arrhythmia
- depression
- anxiety
A person with UC should consult a doctor if they are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
The following foods are
- seeds, such as pumpkin seeds and chia seeds
- green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale
- nuts, such as almonds and cashews
- fortified cereals
- soy milk
- beans, such as black beans and edamame beans
- oatmeal
- meat, poultry, and fish, such as:
- salmon
- halibut
- chicken
- beef
Tap, mineral, and bottled water can also provide magnesium. However, the amount of magnesium in water varies by source and brand.
Magnesium supplements are available in a variety of forms, including:
- magnesium oxide
- magnesium chloride
- magnesium citrate
- magnesium glycinate
- magnesium lactate
- magnesium aspartate
Learn more about the types of magnesium supplements.
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- aspartate
- citrate
- lactate
- chloride
Additionally, the NIH notes that very high doses of zinc from supplements may interfere with magnesium absorption.
People can buy magnesium supplements in the form of powders, liquids, or tablets. Retailers also sell transdermal products, which people apply topically to absorb through the skin. Additionally, people can add magnesium sulfate, which some refer to as Epsom salts, to a bath or foot soak.
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The absorption and metabolism of magnesium in the body also make it difficult to tell whether a person has enough of this mineral.
A doctor may test a person’s blood or urine to check for a magnesium deficiency. They will also ask the person whether they have been experiencing any
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- fatigue or weakness
- muscle cramps
- numbness or tingling
- personality changes
- abnormal heart rhythms
- low calcium or potassium levels
Anyone with a magnesium deficiency should ask a doctor or nutritionist to assess whether they have other nutrient deficiencies.
Doctors may recommend additional supplementation or advise the person to eat more of certain types of foods.
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A person with UC may be deficient in magnesium due to symptoms such as diarrhea, a restricted diet, or other complications. Low magnesium levels may further affect gut health and cause additional health problems, such as osteoporosis or fatigue.
Doctors will test someone’s magnesium levels and ask about symptoms of deficiency. Many foods contain magnesium, but a doctor may sometimes recommend taking a supplement.