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Side Effects of Magnesium Complex

Magnesium is a metal, an element abundant on earth. Vital to most living things, humans have great concentrations in their bones and blood cells. Magnesium aids in the absorption of calcium, and deficiencies can lead to muscle fatigue and an irregular heartbeat. As with any vitamin, overconsumption can also lead to a whole host of problems.

  1. Intestinal Problems

    • The most common side effect of magnesium and magnesium complexes is stomach upset and diarrhea. Severity varies greatly between people, sometimes causing just a mild stomachache and occasionally resulting in a serious bout with diarrhea. This side effect is widely known in the medical community and is why many laxatives contain magnesium. To combat potential stomach problems, try taking magnesium supplements after eating and with a full glass of water to blunt the effect on the intestinal tract.

    Allergic Reaction

    • Allergic reactions to magnesium supplements are rare but do occur, most often to the pill's additives rather than the vitamin itself. The symptoms to a severe reaction include rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and tongue, and in some cases, extreme mental confusion. If any of these reactions occur, medical treatment must be sought immediately.

    Magnesium Intoxication

    • Extremely uncommon is magnesium intoxication, which has been noted in patients already suffering from serious conditions such as renal failure. In cases where a life-threatening illness is already a factor, magnesium intoxication is sometimes overlooked because symptoms of the original issue mask the vitamin toxicity. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity include sweating, high blood pressure, hypothermia and cardiac arrest.

    Fetal Bone Damage

    • Also associated with magnesium intoxication is a skeletal condition in newborns, usually those delivered prematurely. Some near-term pregnant women are prescribed magnesium to combat the effects of preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Although magnesium is often used with little to no problem, toxicity has been reported in fetuses and newborns, causing weakened bones and fractures in the first several months of life. This condition can be treated with calcium and phosphorus, and infants do not suffer long-term consequences.

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