Question

What is Magnesium Deficiency normally secondary to?

1) Vitamin D deficiency
2) Calcium deficiency
3) Iron deficiency
4) Potassium deficiency

Answer 1

Magnesium deficiency is commonly secondary to conditions related to renal dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency, and hypercalcemia, affecting the interrelated balance of minerals and nutrients such as calcium and phosphate in the body.

Step-by-step explanation:

Magnesium deficiency is normally secondary to conditions that affect its absorption or excretion. Some conditions that may lead to magnesium deficiency include renal dysfunction (uremia), vitamin D deficiency, hypercalcemia, and certain stages of diseases such as the recovery phase of a diabetic coma. High levels of phosphorus in the blood (hyperphosphatemia), often resulting from reduced phosphate excretion, can also contribute to hypocalcemia, thereby affecting magnesium levels indirectly through its relationship with calcium metabolism.

It's important to note that magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, and phosphate are interrelated in the body. Calcium is absorbed through the intestines under the influence of activated vitamin D. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to decreased calcium absorption and reduced calcium stores in the skeletal system, which can have secondary effects on magnesium levels.