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Rethink Magnesium: Doctor Reveals If You Need Supplements
16 Sep
Summary
- Not everyone needs magnesium supplements; diet is often sufficient.
- Deficiency is more common in specific groups like alcoholics or diabetics.
- Children should not be accustomed to supplements as a dietary shortcut.
Wellness trends have fueled a surge in magnesium supplement popularity, with many adults consuming them regularly. However, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a paediatrician in Hyderabad, highlights that such widespread use is often unnecessary. She points out that numerous foods, including bananas, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, are rich in magnesium and can satisfy daily requirements for most individuals.
Dr. Santosh explains that the body is adept at regulating magnesium levels, even with dietary fluctuations. Magnesium deficiency is more prevalent in specific populations, such as those with chronic malabsorption conditions, individuals struggling with alcoholism, people managing poorly controlled diabetes, or those taking medications like proton pump inhibitors or loop diuretics. She cautions against self-diagnosing and self-prescribing supplements based on general symptoms like tiredness.
Instead, Dr. Santosh advocates for a balanced diet as the primary source of essential nutrients. She strongly advises parents against normalizing the consumption of supplements for their children, urging them to prioritize wholesome foods. Supplementation should only occur when a deficiency is medically diagnosed and prescribed by a healthcare professional. Improving dietary intake remains the recommended approach for maintaining adequate magnesium levels.
