12 signs you need more magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral found in many types of foods; it plays an essential role in human DNA production and repair, and in maintaining healthy bones, nerves and muscles. Though it is readily available, most Americans do not meet their need for magnesium through their diet.

The National Institutes of Health reports that teenage girls and men over the age of 70 are the most likely to suffer from a magnesium deficiency; if you’re not in either of those categories, you still should consider getting your magnesium level checked if you suffer the following 12 symptoms.

“Magnesium is involved in at least 300 different chemical reactions in our body, and a lot have to do with energy production,” functional medicine nutritionist Alison Boden told Reader’s Digest. “A sign of low magnesium can be low energy.” If having low energy is getting you down, try these 10 easy ways to boost energy.

Because magnesium plays an important role in muscle relaxation, insufficient intake can result in unintended muscle movement. “Without magnesium, our muscles would be in a constant state of contraction,” says Ancient Minerals.