Magnesium deficiency can be one of the reasons couples have difficulty conceiving. Learn more in this article. Fertility is not only determined by reproductive hormones or genetic factors, but is also greatly influenced by daily nutritional intake. One essential mineral that is often overlooked but plays a crucial role is magnesium. Low magnesium levels, or magnesium deficiency, have been linked to various reproductive disorders, including infertility, in both men and women.
Why Is Magnesium Important for Fertility?
Magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. In the context of fertility, magnesium plays several key roles, including:
Helping regulate estrogen and progesterone levels in women
Supporting healthy ovarian function and ovulation
Improving insulin sensitivity, which helps prevent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
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Reducing the risk of blood clots and high blood pressure, which can lead to preeclampsia during pregnancy
Supporting better sperm quality and testosterone production in men
Magnesium is also known as a “calming” mineral because it helps regulate the nervous system and stress hormones (cortisol). Excess cortisol may reduce the chances of conception.
What Happens When Magnesium Levels Are Too Low?
A scientific review in Nutrition Reviews reports that magnesium deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of serious complications such as:
Preeclampsia
Gestational diabetes
Preterm birth
Low birth weight or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
Meanwhile, a study by Orlova et al. (2021), which analyzed data from over 10,000 women in Russia, found that:
Between 34% and 78.9% of pregnant women had magnesium deficiency based on serum levels
Women with hormonal disorders such as osteoporosis and climacteric syndrome were also at high risk of hypomagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia is a condition in which blood magnesium levels fall below the normal range. Magnesium is essential for muscle and nerve function, maintaining normal heart rhythm, supporting the immune system, and maintaining bone health.
Normal magnesium levels usually range from 0.66–1.07 mmol/L. Levels below 0.66 mmol/L indicate hypomagnesemia.
In mild cases, symptoms may not appear. However, if magnesium becomes too low, symptoms may include:
Muscle cramps or spasms
Tingling or numbness
Fatigue
Irregular heartbeat
Difficulty sleeping
Irritability or anxiety
Nausea or vomiting
Other risk factors include previous pregnancy complications, infections, high diastolic blood pressure, and edema.
The Role of Magnesium in Men’s Reproductive Health
Magnesium is also essential for men. Research shows that magnesium plays an important role in:
Improving sperm quality, including count, shape, and motility
Maintaining stable testosterone levels
Reducing oxidative stress, which can damage sperm DNA
If a man experiences fertility issues, such as low sperm count or weak motility, magnesium status is one factor that may need to be evaluated.
How to Detect Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium levels can be assessed through:
Serum magnesium test (commonly used in laboratories but less sensitive)
Red blood cell magnesium test, which is considered more accurate for assessing overall magnesium status
Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency often goes unnoticed because its symptoms are nonspecific—such as muscle cramps, fatigue, or anxiety.
Foods Rich in Magnesium
To meet daily magnesium needs, the following foods can be consumed regularly:
Food Type
Magnesium Content (per 100 g)
Boiled spinach
± 87 mg
Almonds
± 270 mg
Pumpkin seeds
± 535 mg
Edamame
± 64 mg
Bananas
± 27 mg
Dark chocolate (≥70%)
± 228 mg
Whole grains (oatmeal)
± 177 mg
If dietary intake is insufficient, women may consult a doctor about magnesium supplementation, especially when planning pregnancy or during the first trimester.
Conclusion
Magnesium plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy reproductive system in both men and women. Its deficiency has been linked to infertility and serious pregnancy complications. Unfortunately, the condition is often overlooked because symptoms tend to be mild or nonspecific.
Therefore, couples planning a pregnancy are encouraged to pay attention to their diet and consider magnesium testing, especially if they have a history of hormonal imbalances. With proper nutrition, the chances of achieving a healthy and successful pregnancy increase.
