Magnesium Supplement Side Effects

Tap to Read ➤ Chandramita Bora

Magnesium supplements are useful to strengthen the immune system and regulate the levels of both blood sugar and blood pressure. Know more about the side effects and a few benefits of these supplements.

Mg is the chemical symbol of magnesium, which is the eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust, while in the human body, it is the fourth most abundant element. It is one of the essential minerals, which our body requires to carry out more than hundreds of vital biochemical reactions, including protein synthesis.

Mg supplements are deemed second to none, when it comes to strengthening the bones and fostering heart health. It improves immunity and regulates the level of both blood sugar and blood pressure.

Due to its paramount importance in the 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 their diet.

Magnesium deficiency, generally, can occur due to poor functioning of the digestive system and kidneys. Nutritional supplements are an effective panacea to get the required amount of magnesium. However, an overdose of these supplements can cause several side effects.

They are found in different forms such as antacids, laxatives, and also in multivitamins. They are available as liquids, tablets, syrups, capsules, and in powder form.

Magnesium oxide, magnesium salicylate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium gluconate, and magnesium chloride are some common types of magnesium supplements.

Though they are used for a number of medicinal purposes, their excessive use can cause a few side effects: ➝ Dizziness ➝ Nausea ➝ Muscle weakness ➝ Abdominal cramps ➝ Heart problems ➝ Breathing difficulties

➝ Abnormal heart rhythm ➝ Diarrhea ➝ Low blood pressure ➝ Drowsiness ➝ Blurred vision ➝ Rashes

➝ Itching ➝ Hypermagnesemia (high level of magnesium in blood) ➝ Muscle paralysis ➝ Hypokalemia ➝ Hypocalcemia ➝ Increased or decreased urination ➝ Swelling (especially of the throat, face and tongue) ➝ Coma or death (in extreme cases)

Apart from these, they can interact with several drugs to produce some serious health problems. Therefore, people taking certain medications like antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, diuretics and heart medications should not take magnesium supplementation without consulting a physician.

Benefits Widely used for regulating blood pressure and diabetes, Mg supplements are also used as a laxative and antacid. They are known to maintain the level of calcium, zinc, potassium, and copper in our body.

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.

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

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for medical advice.