Magnesium Oxide and Kidney Stones

The painful condition known as kidney stones may occur in conjunction with magnesium deficiency. Magnesium oxide supplements can help prevent the formation of these mineral deposits.

Magnesium Oxide

• The body uses magnesium for many essential processes, particularly muscle and nerve function. Magnesium oxide, a naturally occurring form of the mineral, can supplement the body’s magnesium intake to help treat both kidney stones and gastrointestinal problems.

Kidney Stones

• Kidney stones form when calcium combines with a substance called oxalate to form hard deposits in the kidneys, especially in cases of magnesium deficiency, according to a paper by Dr. Melvyn Werbach.

Preventing Kidney Stones

• Magnesium oxide supplementation may prevent calcium from binding with oxalate and forming kidney stones, according to Drugs.com.

Dosage

• While different medical conditions may respond to varying dosages of supplemental magnesium, Drugs.com says people with kidney stones generally take 140 to 420 milligrams of magnesium oxide once daily.

Considerations

• Anyone considering magnesium oxide supplementation, but especially those with kidney disease, should first consult a doctor. While magnesium oxide does not interact with foods or beverages, allergic reactions may occur in some users.