Do Coeliacs Lack Magnesium? Understanding the Connection, Symptoms, and Solutions

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

It has been reported that a significant percentage of people with celiac disease, both before and after diagnosis, can have a magnesium deficiency. The question of whether coeliacs lack magnesium is therefore not just a possibility but a well-documented risk, rooted in the disease's core impact on the small intestine and subsequent nutritional challenges.

Quick Summary

Low magnesium levels are common in individuals with celiac disease due to intestinal damage impacting nutrient absorption. This article explores why this deficiency occurs, common symptoms, and effective management strategies.

Key Points

Prevalence: Up to 21% of untreated celiac patients and a persistent number on a gluten-free diet may have magnesium deficiency.
Cause: The primary cause is malabsorption due to intestinal damage from celiac disease, compounded by lower magnesium content in many gluten-free foods.
Symptoms: Common signs include fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, and in severe cases, irregular heart rhythms.
Management: Strategies include consuming magnesium-rich foods, supplementing with well-tolerated forms like glycinate, and topical application, all guided by a healthcare provider.
Importance: Addressing magnesium deficiency is crucial for improving energy, muscle function, bone health, and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
GFD Adherence: Strictly following a gluten-free diet is foundational for allowing the intestine to heal and improve its capacity to absorb nutrients over time.

The Connection Between Celiac Disease and Magnesium Deficiency

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. This damage directly impacts the body's ability to absorb nutrients, including essential minerals like magnesium. The lining of the small intestine is covered with tiny, finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area for absorption. In celiac disease, these villi become flattened or damaged, a condition known as villous atrophy. This significantly reduces the efficiency of nutrient uptake, leading to malabsorption and, frequently, nutritional deficiencies.

Magnesium absorption occurs primarily in the proximal small intestine, the same area most affected by celiac disease. Consequently, people with undiagnosed or untreated celiac disease are highly susceptible to magnesium depletion. However, the problem can persist even after starting a gluten-free diet (GFD), as mucosal healing may be insufficient, or because many naturally gluten-free staple foods are not fortified with the same level of nutrients as their gluten-containing counterparts.

Factors Contributing to Magnesium Depletion

Intestinal Malabsorption: The primary culprit is the damaged intestinal lining. Reduced surface area means less magnesium can be absorbed from food, regardless of intake.
Chronic Inflammation: The ongoing inflammatory state in the gut can interfere with various metabolic processes, further exacerbating nutrient imbalances.
Dietary Imbalances on a GFD: Many gluten-free products, particularly refined ones, are lower in magnesium compared to enriched wheat flour products. This can contribute to a lower overall dietary intake of magnesium.
Increased Excretion: Chronic diarrhea, a common symptom of untreated celiac disease, can lead to the excessive excretion of magnesium.

Symptoms of Low Magnesium (Hypomagnesemia)

Magnesium deficiency symptoms can be subtle and non-specific, often overlapping with other health issues. This can make diagnosis challenging without a blood test.

Early Symptoms: Fatigue, general weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
Musculoskeletal Symptoms: Muscle twitches, cramps, and spasms. This is due to the role of magnesium in muscle function and nerve signaling. In severe cases, this can progress to tremors or convulsions.
Cardiovascular Issues: Abnormal or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia), which is one of the more severe symptoms of significant hypomagnesemia.
Neurological Symptoms: Headaches, migraines, anxiety, and depression have all been linked to low magnesium levels.
Bone Health: Magnesium is crucial for bone formation and influences the regulation of calcium and vitamin D. Chronic deficiency can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Managing Magnesium Levels in Celiac Disease

Managing magnesium involves a multi-pronged approach combining diet, lifestyle, and often, supplementation, all in consultation with a healthcare provider.


Table: Management Strategies for Magnesium Levels	Strategy	Description	Best for...
Dietary Changes	Incorporating naturally gluten-free foods that are rich in magnesium. Examples include spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, black beans, and quinoa.	Long-term maintenance and addressing underlying dietary deficiencies.
Oral Supplements	Taking gluten-free magnesium supplements. Highly absorbable forms like magnesium citrate and glycinate are often recommended to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.	Addressing known deficiencies more quickly and for those with persistent malabsorption.
Topical Magnesium	Using magnesium oil sprays or creams for skin absorption. This method bypasses the digestive system and may be beneficial for those with ongoing malabsorption issues.	Complementary strategy, especially for individuals with digestive sensitivity to oral supplements.
Medical Supervision	Regularly testing magnesium levels under the guidance of a doctor. This ensures appropriate dosing and that treatment is working effectively.	All celiac patients, particularly those newly diagnosed or experiencing persistent symptoms.
Adherence to GFD	Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is fundamental. It allows the small intestine to heal over time, which improves its ability to absorb nutrients.	All celiac patients. The foundation of managing all nutrient deficiencies.

Conclusion: A Proactive Approach is Essential

In conclusion, it is well-established that coeliac patients frequently experience magnesium deficiency, both prior to and sometimes even after diagnosis. The primary cause is malabsorption due to intestinal damage, compounded by the lower nutrient content in many gluten-free alternatives. Symptoms of low magnesium range from mild fatigue and muscle cramps to more severe cardiovascular and neurological problems. Effective management involves a strategic combination of consuming naturally magnesium-rich, gluten-free foods, using high-quality supplements when necessary, and maintaining strict adherence to a gluten-free diet to promote intestinal healing. Regular consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial to accurately diagnose any deficiency and tailor a treatment plan for optimal health. Given the potential for magnesium deficiency to persist, especially in cases with prolonged villous atrophy, celiac patients must be proactive in managing their nutritional intake. For more information on managing celiac disease, consult the resources from the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Addressing the Question: Do Coeliacs Lack Magnesium?

Yes, celiacs often lack magnesium due to malabsorption from intestinal damage and lower levels in some gluten-free foods. While levels often improve on a gluten-free diet, the deficiency can persist. A proactive approach involving diet, targeted supplementation, and regular medical check-ups is the best way to address and manage this common issue.

Signs of Improvement

As you begin to correct a magnesium deficiency, you may notice several signs of improvement. These include a reduction in muscle cramps, a boost in overall energy, and a decrease in headaches. Neurological symptoms such as anxiety may also subside as your levels normalize. It's important to monitor these changes and discuss them with your doctor to ensure the treatment plan is effective.

Long-Term Health Implications

Failing to address a magnesium deficiency has long-term health implications, such as an increased risk of osteoporosis due to impaired bone health. It can also contribute to cardiovascular problems and neurological issues. Consistent management of magnesium, alongside other common deficiencies in celiac disease, is vital for preventing these long-term complications and maintaining overall wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Early signs of magnesium deficiency can be vague, including loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, and general weakness. These may not be immediately obvious but warrant investigation, especially if persistent.

A gluten-free diet can help improve magnesium absorption by allowing the intestinal villi to heal. However, if the diet is not managed properly, it can lead to lower magnesium intake, as many gluten-free products are less fortified than their gluten-containing counterparts.

Magnesium citrate and glycinate are often recommended for celiacs because they are typically well-absorbed and gentler on the digestive system than other forms like magnesium oxide, which can cause loose stools.

It is possible to increase magnesium intake through a diet rich in naturally gluten-free sources like leafy greens, nuts (almonds, cashews), seeds (pumpkin, chia), legumes (black beans, edamame), and certain whole grains like quinoa. However, some with persistent malabsorption may still need supplementation.

Topical magnesium, such as oil sprays or creams, offers an alternative route for absorption by bypassing the digestive tract. This may be beneficial for individuals with ongoing malabsorption issues, though more research is needed.

Diagnosis typically involves a blood test to measure serum magnesium levels, though results may not always reflect total body magnesium stores. A doctor's assessment based on symptoms and bloodwork is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

The time it takes to restore magnesium levels varies based on the severity of the deficiency, the effectiveness of the treatment plan, and the rate of intestinal healing. For severe cases, intravenous treatment may be used to raise levels more quickly.