Does a Magnesium Deficiency Cause Eye Twitching?

Magnesium plays essential roles in the functioning of cells, tissues and organs throughout your body. If you do not have an adequate magnesium intake, either through diet or supplements, you will have an increased risk for a deficiency. You could experience symptoms such as fatigue, vomiting, nausea, numbness and tingling. Other symptoms include change to heart rhythm and personality changes. You may also experience muscle spasms, and these spasms could occur in your eyelid, resulting in twitching.

Recommended Intake

To prevent a deficiency and complications from low levels, the average adult requires between 310 and 400 milligrams of magnesium each day. This amount may vary depending on age, health conditions and medications. An infant up to 1 year old will need from 30 to 75 milligrams of magnesium, and children up to age 8 need from 80 to 130 milligrams. Preteens and teenagers need from 240 to 410 milligrams. Your doctor or your child’s pediatrician can help you determine the appropriate amount of magnesium needed each day.

Sources

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If you do not have a healthful diet or have health conditions that put you at risk for a deficiency, your doctor may recommend daily supplements that provide the necessary magnesium. In most cases, dietary sources will provide adequate intake levels that can help prevent an eyelid twitch and other associated symptoms. Brown rice provides 86 milligrams for a single cup, and cooked spinach contains 78 milligrams in a 1/2-cup serving. Other sources include almonds, lima beans, bananas and milk.

Other Causes

In addition to a magnesium deficiency, other factors may play a role in muscle twitches in the eyelid. Fatigue and stress may cause twitching, and if you have an eye condition such as dry eye that causes surface irritation, you may also experience twitching. Other factors include smoking, caffeine consumption and drinking alcoholic beverages.

Considerations

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An eyelid twitch does not typically indicate a serious medical condition. Although the spasm annoys you, the twitch will often dissipate within a day, but it may last a few weeks. However, if you have pain with the twitching, or if the spasm forces your entire eyelid to close, inform your doctor. These symptoms could indicate a serious medical condition.