Magnesium Supplements Side Effects

Mg is the chemical symbol of magnesium, which is the eighth most abundant element in earth's crust, while in the human body, it is the fourth most abundant element. It is one of the crucial minerals required by our body, to carry out more than hundreds of vital biochemical reactions, including protein synthesis. It is required for bone, nerve and heart health. It can strengthen the immune system and regulate the levels of both blood sugar and blood pressure.

Due to its immense importance in human body, a wide range of magnesium supplements are available in the market, for those individuals who cannot get the daily required amount of magnesium from diet. Magnesium deficiency can generally occur due to poor health of the digestive system and kidney, and in such a situation, taking nutritional supplements is an effective way to get the required amount of magnesium. But an overdose of magnesium supplements can cause several side effects.

Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
They are widely used for regulating blood pressure and diabetes. They are also used in treating asthma attacks, cardiovascular diseases, preeclampsia during pregnancy, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, kidney stones, migraine headaches, etc. Besides these, magnesium is used as a laxative and antacid, as well. Magnesium helps to maintain the level of calcium, zinc, potassium and copper in our body.

Nausea, fatigue and weakness are some common symptoms. Eventually, one can experience muscle contractions, numbness, seizures, irregular heartbeat, coronary spasms, irritability and behavioral changes. As it maintains the level of calcium and potassium, its deficiency can result in hypocalcemia and hypokelamia as well.

Magnesium Supplementation Dangers
They are found in different forms such as, antacids, laxatives and also in multivitamins. They are available as liquid, tablets, syrups, capsules and as powder. Magnesium oxide, magnesium salicylate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium gluconate, magnesium chloride are some common types of magnesium supplements. Though, they are used for a number of medicinal purposes, their excessive use can cause several side effects.

Some of the common side effects are dizziness, nausea, muscle weakness and abdominal cramps. They can cause heart problems and breathing difficulties, if the level of magnesium in the blood becomes abnormally high. Such a situation can arise in individuals with kidney diseases. A significantly high level of magnesium can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, which can be irreversible and quite dangerous. Diarrhea and low blood pressure are some of its common side effects. An overdose of magnesium can also produce drowsiness and blurred vision in some individuals.

They are usually not recommended for people with heart and kidney diseases, as it can worsen such health problems. Their excessive use as antacids and laxatives can lead to a condition called, hypermagnesemia or high level of magnesium in blood. Apart from these, they can interact with several drugs to produce some serious health problems. Therefore, people taking certain medications like antibiotics, anti-malarial drugs, diuretics and heart medications should not take magnesium supplementation without consulting a physician.

Like other medicines, an excessive use of magnesium supplements can also cause a number of side effects. Therefore, it is quite essential to discuss with a health care professional about the benefits, side effects and the precaution to be taken, before using any kind of supplement.