Magnesium in pregnancy – optimal dosage and supplement types. How to address magnesium deficiency in expectant mothers
David Janitzek
2026-03-18
4 min. read
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The period of pregnancy represents a time of profound physiological transformation, during which a woman’s body requires elevated levels of essential micronutrients. While many expectant mothers adjust their diets to foster optimal fetal development, the critical role of magnesium—an element vital for nervous system function, muscle performance, and energy metabolism—is frequently overlooked. This article explores why magnesium is indispensable during pregnancy, outlines the symptoms of its deficiency, and identifies the most effective supplementation strategies to meet the body’s heightened demands throughout this pivotal stage.
Magnesium is pregnant
Magnesium is essential for the proper functioning of every living organism. It is a polycystic kidney disease that is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in both the peripheral and smooth muscles. It affects the regulation of the neural and muscular pathways. Magnesium deficiency in pregnancy results in an increase in the threshold of arousal and an increased risk of prediabetes.
Magnesium deficiency in pregnancy
Magnesium deficiency in pregnancy results in neurotransmitter disorders and increased muscle fibres thinning. This increases the risk of hypertension. Symptoms that may indicate magnesium deficiency include fatigue, weakness, impaired concentration, memory loss, headache, heart failure, insomnia, sometimes nausea and vomiting, painful muscle contractions, increased cell membrane permeability.
The need for magnesium in pregnancy
The need for magnesium is about 6 mg/ kg of body weight. However, it is known that as with many other compounds and this is also increasing in this exceptional physiological state. This is related to the expense of creating new placental and fetal tissues. Supplementation is considered to be up to twice as high at that time.
What kind of magnesium should I take when I'm pregnant?
Nuts are one of the richest sources of magnesium. Supplements and other magnesium-containing preparations are best taken in two doses in the morning and evening, between meals. It is best to combine it with vitamin B6 which increases its absorption and nausea levels. If you take iron at the same time, you should take at least a 2-hour break. Otherwise, these ingredients fight each other.
What's the magnesium in it?
The most important sources of magnesium are nuts, sprouts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, as well as almonds, legumes and cereals, in addition to milk, bananas and kiwis and bitter cocoa. To sum up, magnesium is an essential element for the proper development of the fetus and the functioning of the mother's body. However, its deficiency can lead to the development of many dangerous symptoms, including teratogenic ones.
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