Common Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency in Males
Kobi NathanShare
Common symptoms of magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) in males include:
Lethargy and Muscle Weakness:
Patients often present with nonspecific symptoms such as lethargy, muscle cramps, and muscle weakness.[1]
Erectile Dysfunction (ED):
Magnesium is essential for the metabolism of nitric oxide, which is crucial for penile erection.
Hypomagnesemia has been associated with a higher prevalence of ED, particularly in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease.[2]
Hormonal Imbalance:
Magnesium deficiency can negatively impact testosterone levels.
Lower magnesium levels have been correlated with reduced total and free testosterone, which can affect libido and overall sexual function.[3]
Sperm Quality:
Magnesium plays a role in spermatogenesis and sperm quality.
Deficiency can lead to altered semen parameters, including reduced sperm concentration and motility.[4]
Neuromuscular Irritability:
Severe hypomagnesemia can cause neuromuscular symptoms such as carpopedal spasm, seizures, and tremors.[1]
Carpopedal spasm is when the muscles in your hands and feet suddenly cramp or tighten up.
It can be painful and is often caused by low levels of calcium or magnesium in the body.
Cardiovascular Abnormalities:
Hypomagnesemia can lead to arrhythmias (heart rhythm problems) and vasoconstriction (blood vessel constriction), which may indirectly affect sexual health by impairing overall cardiovascular function.[1]
Metabolic Disorders:
Magnesium deficiency is associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, which can further worsen sexual dysfunction and hormonal imbalances.[1-2]
In summary, magnesium deficiency in males can manifest through a range of symptoms affecting testosterone levels, erectile function, sperm quality, and overall hormonal balance.
Addressing magnesium deficiency is crucial for maintaining male sexual health and overall well-being.
References:
- Magnesium Disorders. Touyz RM, de Baaij JHF, Hoenderop JGJ. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2024;390(21):1998-2009. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1510603.
- The Impact of Hypomagnesemia on Erectile Dysfunction in Elderly, Non-Diabetic, Stage 3 and 4 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study. Toprak O, Sarı Y, Koç A, Sarı E, Kırık A. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2017;12:437-444. doi:10.2147/CIA.S129377.
- The Interplay Between Magnesium and Testosterone in Modulating Physical Function in Men. Maggio M, De Vita F, Lauretani F, et al. International Journal of Endocrinology. 2014;2014:525249. doi:10.1155/2014/525249.
- Determination of Electrolytes and Trace Elements in Biological Samples From Patients With Altered Semen Parameters: A Correlational Analysis. Unar A, Afridi HI, Ali A, Ali N, Qureshi T. Biological Trace Element Research. 2025;203(3):1383-1394. doi:10.1007/s12011-024-04281-7.