Magnesium depletion linked to increased overactive bladder risk

Medical Xpress / HealthDay / Scientific Reports ^ | Sept. 18, 2025 | Elana Gotkine / Hege Bian et al

[ConservativeMind]

Magnesium depletion is associated with an increased risk for overactive bladder (OAB), according to a study.

Hege Bian and colleagues examined whether magnesium depletion is associated with OAB symptoms among U.S. adults. Data were included from 28,621 participants aged 20 to 80 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 to 2018.

The researchers found that a higher magnesium depletion score (MgDS) was significantly associated with an increased risk for OAB, with 9% higher odds of OAB for each 1-point increase in MgDS in the fully adjusted model (odds ratio, 1.09). Individuals in the middle and high MgDS groups had significantly increased odds of OAB compared with the low MgDS group (odds ratios, 1.17 and 1.20, respectively). This association was particularly pronounced in women, nonsmokers, middle-aged adults (aged 40 to 60 years), and individuals with obesity.

"We found a significant association between MgDS and OAB in U.S. adults. This association remained robust after adjusting for multiple confounders, suggesting that magnesium depletion may contribute to OAB pathophysiology," the authors write.

[ConservativeMind]

Overactive bladder appears to get worse when not getting enough magnesium each day.

It is easy to add in more magnesium each day. It is seldom in reasonable amounts in multivitamins, but you can find multimineral and stand-alone magnesium in stores.

The two I stay away from are magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate. Other magnesium sources should not have those laxative effects.

Don’t take more than 30% of the RDA of magnesium a day at once, as we can’t absorb more than that, in my understanding.

[ConservativeMind]

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[ProtectOurFreedom]

It's amazing how critical Mg is to health. Magnesium deficiency can cause a range of health issues due to its critical role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Below are the main problems associated with Mg deficiency:

• Muscle Issues: Cramping, spasms, weakness, and tremors can occur because magnesium is essential for muscle function and relaxation.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Low magnesium can lead to persistent tiredness and reduced energy, as it's involved in energy production.
• Neurological Symptoms: Anxiety, irritability, depression, and even seizures may arise, as magnesium helps regulate nerve function and neurotransmitter activity.
• Heart Problems: Arrhythmias, irregular heartbeat, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues can develop, since magnesium supports heart rhythm and blood vessel function.
• Bone Health: Deficiency can weaken bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, as magnesium is crucial for bone formation and calcium regulation.
• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or poor sleep quality may occur, as magnesium helps regulate melatonin and calms the nervous system.
• Digestive Issues: Constipation can result, as magnesium aids in smooth muscle function in the digestive tract.
• Metabolic Problems: Low magnesium can contribute to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, and may cause high blood pressure.
• Headaches and Migraines: Deficiency is linked to frequent headaches or migraines due to its role in blood vessel regulation and inflammation control.

Severe deficiency can lead to hypocalcemia (low calcium) or hypokalemia (low potassium), as magnesium regulates these minerals. Symptoms often depend on the severity and duration of the deficiency.

[AAABEST]

This makes total sense in that it’s long known that magnesium is important for water management in the body and cells.

It works in tandum with other electrolites, salt particularly.

[Veto!]

I take a tablespoon of liquid Calcium-magnesium every night before brusihing my teeth and gioing to bed, Still have to get up once or twice in the nddke if the night to go to the bathroom, Fortunately, go right back to sleep.

Husband said I was really talented at sleeping. Outlived him, now sleep with cat. Ten hours some nights. zzzzzzz

[sten]

good natural sources (no particular order):

- bananas
- black beans
- almonds
- nuts
- spinach
- leafy greens
- peanut butter
- salmon
- legumes (lentils, beans, peas, and soybeans)
- potatoes
- brown rice
- lima beans

[thinden]

Bttt

[trebb]

Been taking Magnesium for a while because of the effects of long-term, high-dose Omeprazole (Prilosec) which can keep body from absorbing minerals...dropped my nighttime bathroom calls from 4 to 2...and added energy.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Magnesium Bisglycinate is my goto. Great for nighttime leg cramps.

[PGalt]

Thanks for posting. Life/health BUMP!

[NonValueAdded]

Can I surmise from that finding that beer depletes magnesium?

[Some Fat Guy in L.A.]

I take a medicine (Gemtesa) for OAB. It really works - relaxes the bladder muscles so they don’t spasm anymore. It’s very expensive without insurance, though - maybe I’ll try increasing magnesium intake instead.