7. Seizures

Seizures can result when the nervous system is severely compromised due to lack of magnesium, reports the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

8. Low bone density

Magnesium plays a major role in bone formation, and the majority of the body’s magnesium is stored in the bones. “People with higher intakes of magnesium have a higher bone mineral density,” says the NIH.

9. Constipation

Bowel movements often slow down without enough magnesium in the body. Magnesium is the main ingredient in many over-the-counter laxatives. Before you are tempted to reach for a laxative, read about these 9 natural remedies for constipation relief.

10. High blood pressure

Magnesium is very important in maintaining a healthy blood pressure; a deficiency can definitely cause pressure to be too high. “Eating foods high in magnesium and other minerals can help prevent high blood pressure in people with prehypertension,” says WebMD.

11. Type 2 diabetes

Breaking down blood sugars is another of magnesium’s jobs in the human body. “People with higher amounts of magnesium in their diets tend to have a lower risk of developing diabetes,” says the NIH. Research is ongoing to determine whether magnesium therapy can be used in diabetes treatment.

12. Depression, anxiety, confusion or personality changes

Low levels of magnesium in the brain can affect neurological functions that result in all sorts of problems. Studies have shown that some phobias — such as agoraphobia — have developed as a result of low magnesium levels, Dr. Hoffman says. Magnesium has long been used as an effective home remedy for these symptoms, says Psychology Today in an article titled “Magnesium and the Brain: The Original Chill Pill.”

If you suspect that you may be suffering from a magnesium deficiency, it is advisable to confirm your suspicion by consulting your doctor. If you are not sure how to bring the topic up, next time you are at the doctor, here are 12+ questions about magnesium you’ll want answers to.

The safest way to increase magnesium intake is to simply adjust your diet through eating magnesium-rich foods. In the unlikely event of ingesting excess magnesium in food, it is safely eliminated by healthy kidneys. Excess magnesium from supplements cannot be eliminated in this way and can result in enough toxicity to cause cardiac arrest.