Magnesium Oxide Side Effects

Before going into magnesium oxide side effects, we'll look into why it is essential to keep our body healthy. Magnesium oxide's main use is in the nerves, cells, bones, heart and the muscles of our body. It is also used for the treatment of many diseases like indigestion, heartburn, etc. In order to maintain a balanced level of magnesium in our body, green vegetables like fenugreek and spinach should be consumed. Other foods that contain magnesium are peas, beans and nuts. Soy milk and oysters also contain large amounts of magnesium. These foods contain enough magnesium to keep our body fit.

But, in some cases, in spite of consuming magnesium rich foods, the body may lack magnesium. This may be because the body loses more magnesium than is obtained from food. In such cases, people take magnesium oxide supplements, in order to maintain the normal levels of magnesium oxide in the body. Read more on symptoms of low magnesium.

Side Effects of Magnesium Oxide

Most of the times, there are no magnesium oxide side effects. People should take these supplements as prescribed by the doctor. But, in few cases, they might cause an adverse effects on the body. These side effects depends on the content of toxic material present in the magnesium oxide. People suffering from other allergies or diseases should take magnesium oxide supplements, only after consulting the doctor. Pregnant and nursing woman shouldn't take it without seeking doctor's advice. If you are taking some other medications, consult a doctor before taking magnesium oxide supplements, as there are chances of magnesium oxide interfering with the other medicines. Let's take a quick look at magnesium oxide side effects below.

• At times, magnesium oxide is known to cause severe skin reactions like rashes, hives and itching.
• Other magnesium oxide side effects include tightness in chest and difficulty in breathing.
• In some cases, swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips and face may be observed.
• Along with the above-mentioned, symptoms of magnesium side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, slow reflexes and black and tarry stools.
• Most of the side effects are due to hypermagnesemia due to elevated levels of magnesium oxide. This condition affects the nervous system causing suppression of neuromuscular transmission. The degree or severity of the side effect depends on the presence of the toxic magnesium serum.
• In some cases, the respiratory rate falls along with the fall in blood pressure.
• It also has an effect on the cardiovascular system and can cause decreased myocardial vasodilation, hypertension and bradyarrhythmias.
• Magnesium oxide can also cause suppression of the release of parathyroid hormone or PTH.
• In some instances, cramping and light headedness are observed side effects of magnesium oxide.
• It can also give rise to mood or mental changes.

Hydrated magnesium oxide is commonly used as an antacid. It helps in relieving indigestion and reducing acidity. It also has the characteristics of a laxative and hence, is used for relieving constipation. Though, it may improve the health of the human body, overuse of magnesium oxide as a supplement has the same harmful effects as mentioned above. Read more on: magnesium oxide supplements side effects.

The best way to cope with low magnesium levels and avoid magnesium oxide side effects is to include foods containing magnesium in your daily diet.