Side Effects of Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium is an element that is vital for the body's normal functioning. It is the fourth most abundant element in the human body. It helps to control the blood pressure, helps keep the heart rhythm normal and may help prevent osteoporosis.

History

• Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg. It is mainly derived from sea water. It is also found as an ore. It was first produced in England in 1808 in its metal form and eventually was produced in its coherent form in 1831. Magnesium supplements have been available for a number of years. One of the first produced was magnesium oxide---it is one of the most common forms of magnesium, but it is also the one least likely to be absorbed readily by the body. Magnesium citrate has been found to be much more effective and much more likely to be used by the body.

Considerations

• When using magnesium supplements, it is important to remember that excess amounts of magnesium in the body have to be filtered out of the body by the kidneys. While it is difficult to overdose on magnesium from dietary sources, overdose with supplements is possible, especially in patients with impaired kidney function. When high doses of magnesium are used as cathartics, or laxatives, overdose of magnesium can occur even without renal impairment.

Features

• Magnesium supplements are available in several different forms. Magnesium is in multivitamins, it is a main ingredient in most antacids and it is commonly used as a laxative (such being your grandparent's favorite, epsom salts.) It is also available in injectable forms. Magnesium is also available in many of the foods you eat. Nuts, cocoa, spices, tea and green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of magnesium. Unfortunately, cooking and modern food refining can destroy the magnesium in many of the foods we eat.

Warnings

• Taking too many magnesium supplements can cause nausea, low blood pressure, cramps, muscle weakness and diarrhea. People who take diuretics or heart medications should check with their physician before taking any form of magnesium supplements. If a severe overdose of magnesium occurs, it can cause an irreversible abnormal heart rhythm, which can be fatal. The highest level of magnesium a person can take per day is 65 mg for children ages 1 to 3, 110 mg for children ages 4 to 8, and 350 mg for anyone over the age of 9. It is recommended that you keep your intake level somewhat below these levels to prevent any problems from overdosage. If you have any type of intestinal disease, check with your doctor before taking any supplemental magnesium.

Expert Insight

• Even a mild magnesium deficiency can put a person at risk for several diseases. Magnesium deficiency has even been associated with Type 2 diabetes. Magnesium is used to treat several conditions, such as several asthma attacks and preeclampsia during pregnancy.