Why Does Magnesium Deficiency Cause Low Stomach Acid?
Importance of Magnesium The mineral magnesium is critical to hundreds of processes in the body, from muscle contraction and relaxation, to transport of energy, to the production of protein. Despite the importance of magnesium, an estimated 20 percent of the population has insufficient levels of this mineral. The body is able to store magnesium in bones, but dietary sources are important in maintaining adequate magnesium levels. Magnesium Deficiency and Low Stomach Acid Magnesium deficiency does not cause low stomach. Rather, low stomach acid can be a factor in magnesium deficiency. One third to 1/2 of the magnesium found in foods is absorbed by the body in the small intestine. Foods high in sugar and fats are difficult for the stomach to digest. If the stomach fails to produce enough digestive acid, these foods leave the stomach without being fully digested and the intestines are unable to absorb nutrients. These foods have an additive effect on magnesium deficiency when they result in
