What does Magnesium do to the Body?

Magnesium is an important mineral used by the body to support healthy function. It helps maintain brain and heart function. It may provide health benefits in your diet, such as reducing blood sugar. The fourth most often found mineral in your body is magnesium.

It is involved in more than 600 cellular reactions, from making DNA to helping muscles contract. Despite its importance, up to 68% of American adults do not meet the recommended daily allowance. Low magnesium levels have been linked to many negative health effects, including weakness, depression, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

This article explains what magnesium does to your body, its health benefits, how you can increase your intake, and the consequences of too little intake.

Overview

Magnesium is an important mineral for healthy bone structure. People get magnesium from food, but sometimes a magnesium supplement is needed if magnesium levels are too low. Low levels of magnesium in the body have been linked to diseases such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, clogged arteries, hereditary heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Foods high in fiber are usually high in magnesium. Sources of magnesium include vegetables, whole grains, legumes (especially broccoli, squash, and green leafy vegetables), seeds, and nuts (especially almonds). Other sources are dairy products, meat, chocolate, and coffee. Magnesium is also found in hard water.

Magnesium is most often used for constipation, antacid heartburn, low magnesium levels, pregnancy complications called preeclampsia and eclampsia, and some types of irregular heartbeats (torsades de pointes).

Introduction

Magnesium, an abundant mineral in the body, is found naturally in many foods, added to other foods, available as a dietary supplement, and in some medications (such as antacids and laxatives). More than 300 enzyme systems in the body, including those that control blood sugar, blood pressure, muscle and nerve function, protein synthesis, and other biochemical events, require magnesium as a cofactor.

The processes of glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and energy production all require magnesium. It promotes the structural development of bone and is necessary for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and the antioxidant glutathione. Magnesium also plays a role in the active transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, an important process in nerve impulse control, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm.

An adult’s body possesses roughly 25 g of magnesium, with the bulk of it being located in soft tissues and the remainder 50–60% in bones. Less than 1% of total magnesium is contained in blood serum and this level is strictly controlled. Normal serum magnesium is between 0.75 and 0.95 millimoles (mmol)/L. Hypomagnesemia is defined as serum magnesium below 0.75 mmol/l. The kidneys play a major role in maintaining magnesium homeostasis; on a daily basis, the kidneys expel around 120 mg of magnesium in the urine. When magnesium levels are low, urine output is reduced.

Estimating magnesium levels is difficult because most magnesium is in cells or bones. The most commonly used and more readily available method to assess magnesium status is the measurement of serum magnesium levels, although serum levels have little correlation with body magnesium content or specific tissue concentrations.

Other methods of assessing magnesium include measuring levels of magnesium in red blood cells, saliva, and urine; measurement of ionized magnesium concentration in blood, plasma, or serum; and doing a magnesium load (or tolerance) test. Neither method is considered satisfactory. Some experts, but not others, consider the tolerance test (which measures magnesium in the urine after infusion of a parenteral dose of magnesium) to be the best method for assessing magnesium in adults. A comprehensive assessment of magnesium status may require both laboratory tests and clinical evaluation.

How does it work?

Magnesium is required for healthy bone development and maintenance. In addition, magnesium is required for the healthy functioning of muscles, neurons, and several other bodily components.

The stomach’s magnesium helps neutralize stomach acid and facilitate the passage of waste products through the intestines.

What is magnesium and what does it do?

Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including the functioning of muscles and nerves, the regulation of blood sugar and blood pressure, and the formation of proteins, bones, and DNA.

How much magnesium do I need?

Your age and gender determine how much magnesium you require. The average daily recommended amount is given below in milligrams (mg).

The recommended amount for the life stage

• Birth – 6 months: 30 mg
• Children 7-12 months 75 mg
• Children 1-3 years. 80 mg
• Children 4-8 years 130 mg
• Children 9-13 years 240 mg 
• 14-year 410 mg
• Teenage girls 14-18 years 360 mg
• Men  400-420 mg
• Women  310-320 mg
• Pregnant teenagers  400 mg
• Pregnant women  350-360 mg
• Nurses teenagers  360 mg
• Nurses 310-320 mg

What foods provide magnesium?

Magnesium is found naturally in many foods and is added to some whole foods. Eating a range of meals will provide you with the needed levels of magnesium, including:

• vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains
• green leafy vegetables eg. spinach
• fortified breakfast cereals and other fortified foods
• milk, yogurt, and some other dairy products

What magnesium supplements are available?

Magnesium is available in multivitamin/mineral supplements and other supplements. The magnesium in dietary supplements that the body may absorb more easily is magnesium aspartate, citrate, lactate, and chloride.

Additionally, several laxatives and medicines for the treatment of heartburn and indigestion contain magnesium.

Am I getting enough magnesium?

Many Americans consume less magnesium than is advised in their diets, which includes less magnesium overall. The most likely demographics to have low magnesium levels are boys, teens, and men over 70.

However, the overall magnesium intake typically above the suggested levels when the quantity of magnesium from food and supplements is combined.

What happens if I don’t get enough magnesium?

Short-term insufficient intake of magnesium does not produce clear symptoms. The kidneys help conserve magnesium in healthy individuals by limiting the amount discharged in the urine when intake is low. However, long-term low intake of magnesium can lead to magnesium deficiency. In addition, some diseases and medications interfere with the body’s ability to absorb magnesium or increase the amount of magnesium excreted from the body, which can also cause magnesium deficiency.

An insufficient amount of magnesium can cause weakness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting in addition to appetite loss. Seizures, numbness, tingling, cramping in the muscles, irregular heart rhythms, and personality changes can all result from an extreme magnesium deficit.

Those in the following categories are more prone than others to receive insufficient amounts of magnesium:

• People with diseases of the digestive system such as Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease
• People with type 2 diabetes
• People with long-term alcoholism
• The elderly people

What effect does Magnesium have on Health?

To learn more about how magnesium influences health, scientists are researching it. 

Few examples:

High blood pressure and heart disease

One of the main risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular disease is high blood pressure. Although not significant, magnesium supplementation can reduce blood pressure. Some studies show that people who have more magnesium in their diet have a lower risk of certain heart diseases and stroke. However, for many of these studies, it is difficult to know how much of the effects were due to magnesium versus other nutrients.

Type 2 diabetes

People who have more magnesium in their diet usually have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Magnesium helps the body break down sugars and can help reduce the risk of insulin resistance (a condition that leads to diabetes). Researchers are investigating whether magnesium supplements can help people who already have type 2 diabetes manage their disease. To find out more about whether magnesium can assist treat diabetes, more research is required.

Osteoporosis

Magnesium is important for healthy bones. People who get more magnesium have higher bone mineral density, which is important for reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Increasing bone mineral density in elderly women can be achieved by consuming food or supplements high in magnesium. More research is needed to understand better whether magnesium supplements can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis or treat the condition.

Migraine headache

Low magnesium levels can occasionally be found in the blood and other tissues of migraine sufferers. Several small studies have found that magnesium supplements can slightly reduce the frequency of migraines. However, people should only take magnesium for this purpose under the supervision of a healthcare provider. More research is needed to determine whether magnesium supplements can help reduce migraine risk or relieve migraine symptoms.

Can magnesium be harmful?

There is no need to limit the natural magnesium that can be found in food and drink. In healthy people, the kidneys can remove excess urine. However, magnesium in supplements and medications should not be taken more than the upper limit unless recommended by a healthcare provider.

Maximum daily limits for magnesium in dietary supplements and/or drugs are listed below. The top limit seems to be less than the suggested quantity in several age categories. This is because the recommended amounts include magnesium from all sources – food, drink, supplements, and medications.

The limits include magnesium only from supplements and medications. They do not contain magnesium, which is found naturally in foods and drinks. Maximum magnesium intake from birth to 12 months of age by food and medication. High magnesium intake from supplements and medications can cause diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomachs. A very high intake of magnesium can cause irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest.

Health benefits

A magnesium-rich diet has been associated with many other impressive health benefits.

May lower blood pressure

High blood pressure is a health problem that affects one in three Americans. Interestingly, studies have shown that taking magnesium can lower blood pressure. In one study, people who took 450 mg of magnesium per day had a 20.4 and 8.7 reduction in systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) blood pressure, respectively. An analysis of 34 studies found that an average dose of 368 mg of magnesium significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy adults and people with high blood pressure. However, the effect was significantly greater in people with high blood pressure.

May reduce the risk of heart disease

Maximum magnesium intake from birth to 12 months of age by food and medication. For example, one study found that people with the lowest magnesium levels had the highest risk of dying, especially from heart disease. On the contrary, increasing consumption can reduce this risk. This is because magnesium has strong anti-inflammatory properties, can prevent blood clotting, and helps blood vessels relax, lowering blood pressure. An analysis of 40 studies with more than 1 million participants found that supplementation with 100 mg of magnesium per day reduced the risk of stroke by 7% and the risk of heart failure by 22%. The two primary risk factors for heart disease are these.

May improve blood sugar control in Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes often have low magnesium levels, which can make the condition worse because magnesium helps regulate insulin and transport sugar from the blood into the cells for storage. For example, your cells have insulin receptors that need magnesium to function properly. When magnesium levels are low, your cells cannot use insulin effectively, causing high blood sugar levels. An increase in magnesium can lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetics.

Patients with type 2 diabetes showed a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar when taking magnesium supplements, according to an analysis of eight research. However, the beneficial effects of magnesium on blood sugar control have only been observed in short-term studies.

Can improve sleep quality

Poor sleep is a major health problem worldwide. Taking magnesium can improve sleep quality by helping your mind and body relax. This relaxation helps you fall asleep faster and can improve the quality of your sleep.

They also noted an improvement in sleep quality and a reduction in insomnia symptoms. In addition, animal studies have shown that magnesium can regulate the production of melatonin, a hormone that controls your body’s sleep-wake cycle. Magnesium has also been shown to bind to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. The GABA hormone helps calm the nervous system, which can otherwise affect sleep.

Helps fight migraines

Low magnesium levels have been linked to migraines, according to several studies. According to one study, persons without migraines had considerably lower magnesium levels than healthy adults. Increasing your magnesium intake can be a simple way to fight migraines. 

In a single 12-week trial, migraineurs receiving a 600 mg magnesium supplement reported 42% fewer migraine attacks than they did before starting the supplement. However, most of these studies find only a short-term benefit from taking magnesium for migraines. Longer-term studies are needed before health recommendations can be made.

May help reduce symptoms of depression

Low magnesium has also been linked to symptoms of depression. One study of more than 8,800 people found that adults aged 65 and younger who consumed the least amount of magnesium had a 22% higher risk of developing the disease. One reason for this is that magnesium helps regulate brain function and mood.

Several studies have shown that magnesium supplementation can reduce symptoms of depression. Some studies have even found it to be as effective as antidepressants. Although the link between magnesium and depression is promising, many experts still believe that more research is needed in this area before recommendations can be made.

Does magnesium interact with medications or other supplements?

Yes. Magnesium supplements may interact with or affect certain medications. Here are some examples:

• Bisphosphonates, used to treat osteoporosis, are not well absorbed if they are taken too soon before or after taking supplements or high-magnesium medications.
• Antibiotics may not be absorbed if taken too soon before or after magnesium supplementation.
• Diuretics can increase or decrease urinary magnesium excretion depending on the type of diuretic.
• Long-term usage of prescription drugs for peptic ulcer treatment or acid reflux symptoms might result in low blood magnesium levels.
• Excessive amounts of zinc supplements may disrupt the body’s capacity to absorb and control magnesium.

Tell your doctor, pharmacist, and other health care providers about all dietary supplements and prescription or over-the-counter medications you use. They can tell you if supplements can interact with medications or if medications can interfere with the way your body absorbs, uses, or breaks down nutrients.

Recommended intakes

Recommended intakes for magnesium and other nutrients can be found in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) developed by the Food and Nutrition Institute (FNB). National Academy of Sciences). A healthy person’s food intake is planned and assessed using reference values, which are generally referred to as “DRIs.”. These values, which differ by age and sex, include:

• Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): The average daily amount sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of almost all (97-98%) healthy people; is often used to formulate suitable diets for individuals.
• Adequate Intake (AI): When there is not enough data to create an RDA, intake is presumed to ensure nutritional adequacy at this level.
• Estimated Average Requirement (EAR): average daily amount estimated to be met by 50% of healthy individuals; generally used to estimate the nutrient intakes of groups of people and plan nutritionally adequate diets; can also be used for assessing an individual’s dietary intake.
• Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): The maximum daily dosage unlikely to have a negative impact on health.

There are lists of the current RDA values for magnesium. The AI for magnesium, as defined by the FNB for newborns to 12-month-olds, is the average intake of magnesium from solid foods plus breast milk for healthy infants aged 7 to 12 months.

Table 1:

The magnesium Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

AGE	MALE	FEMALE	PREGNANCY	LACTATION
Birth to 6 months	30mg*	30mg*	–	–
7–12 months	75mg*	75mg*	–	–
1–3 years	80mg	80mg	–	–
4–8 years	130mg	130mg	–	–
9–13 years	240mg	240mg	–	–
14–18 years	410mg	360mg	400mg	360mg
19–30 years	400mg	310mg	350mg	310mg
31–50 years	420mg	320mg	360mg	320mg
51+ years	420mg	320mg	–	–

*Adequate Intake (AI)

Sources of magnesium

Food

Sources of magnesium such as spinach, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good sources. In general, foods containing fiber provide magnesium. Certain breakfast cereals and other nutritious foods also contain magnesium. Processing certain types of foods, such as processing grains in a way that removes the nutrient-rich germ and bran, significantly lowers magnesium levels. Selected dietary sources of magnesium are listed in Table 2. While the concentration of magnesium in water varies depending on the source and brand, the mineral can also be found in tap, mineral, and bottled water. (ranging from 1 mg/L to over 120 mg/L ).

DVs were created by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist customers in comparing the nutritional value of foods and supplements within the framework of a balanced diet. Magnesium has a 420 mg DV for adults and children four years of age and up. Unless magnesium is added, the FDA does not mandate that the amount of magnesium be listed on food labels. Foods that provide at least 20% of the DV are considered rich sources of nutrients, but foods that provide a lower percentage of the DV also contribute to a healthy diet.

Dietary Supplements

There are numerous kinds of magnesium supplements on the market, such as magnesium oxide, citrate, and chloride. The Supplement Facts panel on the supplement label indicates the amount of magnesium in the product, not the weight of the total magnesium-containing composition.

Different magnesium supplements absorb magnesium in different ways. Forms of magnesium that are highly soluble in liquid are better absorbed in the intestine than less soluble forms. Small studies have shown that magnesium in the form of aspartate, citrate, lactate and chloride is better absorbed and more bioavailable than magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate. According to one study, extremely high daily dosages of zinc from dietary supplements (142 mg) can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb magnesium and upset the magnesium balance.

Medications

Magnesium is the main ingredient in some laxatives. For example, Phillips Milk of Magnesia contains 500 mg of elemental magnesium (as magnesium hydroxide) per tablespoon; The guidelines recommend that teenagers and adults take up to 4 teaspoons a day. (Although this dose of magnesium is well above the upper safe level, some of the magnesium is not absorbed due to the laxative effect of the drug.)

Magnesium is also included in some treatments for heartburn and upset stomachs caused by acid indigestion. For example, Extra-Sturth Rolaids offers 55 mg of elemental magnesium (as magnesium hydroxide) per tablet, even though Tums is magnesium-free.

Magnesium Intake and Status

Studies on diet in the US frequently reveal that a large number of people do not get the appropriate amount of magnesium in their diet. According to an analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 2013 to 2016, 48% of Americans of all ages consume less magnesium from food and beverages than what is recommended by the EARs; adult men 71 years of age and above, as well as young men and women, are most likely to have low intakes.

In a study that used NHANES data from 2003 to 2006 to estimate mineral intake in adults, supplement users had a higher average dietary magnesium intake (350 mg for men and 267 mg for women, equal to or slightly greater than their respective EAR). ) than non-users (268 mg in men and 234 mg in women). The average total magnesium intake was 449 mg for males and 387 mg for women when dietary supplements were taken into account, which is much more than the EAR.

Current information on the status of magnesium in the United States is not available. Measuring dietary magnesium intake is a typical method of determining magnesium levels. NHANES has not measured serum magnesium levels in its participants since 1974, and magnesium is not assessed in routine electrolyte tests in hospitals and clinics.

Magnesium deficiency

Symptomatic magnesium deficiency due to low dietary intake is rare in otherwise healthy individuals because the kidneys limit urinary excretion of this mineral. Generally speaking, though, magnesium shortage is caused by low magnesium intake or high loss as a result of specific medical problems, prolonged alcoholism, and/or the use of certain drugs.

Fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss are some of the early symptoms of magnesium shortage. As a magnesium deficit progresses, symptoms like numbness, tingling, muscle contractions and spasms, seizures, personality changes, irregular heart rhythms, and coronary artery spasms might happen. Because mineral homeostasis is disrupted, a severe magnesium deficit can result in hypocalcemia or hypokalemia (low serum calcium or potassium).

Groups at Risk for Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium deficiency can occur when intake is below the RDA but exceeds the amount needed to prevent overt deficiency. The following groups are more likely to be susceptible to magnesium deficiency than others because they typically consume insufficient amounts or suffer from diseases (or take medications) that reduce magnesium absorption from the intestine or increase body loss.

People with gastrointestinal diseases

Chronic diarrhea and fat malabsorption due to Crohn’s disease, gluten-sensitive enteropathy (celiac disease), and regional enteritis can lead to magnesium depletion over time. Resection or bypass of the small intestine, especially the ileum, usually results in malabsorption and loss of magnesium.

People with type 2 diabetes

Individuals who have type 2 diabetes and/or insulin resistance may experience magnesium shortage and increased excretion of magnesium in their urine. Magnesium loss appears to be secondary to higher glucose concentrations in the kidney, which increases urine output.

People who suffer from persistent alcoholism often have deficiencies in magnesium. These individuals have poor nutrition and nutritional status; gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, and steatorrhea (fatty stools) due to pancreatitis; renal failure with excessive excretion of magnesium in the urine; phosphate depletion; lack of vitamin D; acute alcoholic ketoacidosis; and hyperaldosteronism due to liver disease can all contribute to low magnesium levels.

Older Adults

Older adults get less magnesium from their diet than younger adults. In addition, intestinal absorption of magnesium decreases, and renal excretion of magnesium increases with age. Older adults are also more likely to have chronic illnesses or take medications that alter magnesium levels, which can increase their risk of magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium and Health

Normally low magnesium intake causes changes in biochemical pathways that can increase disease risk over time. This section focuses on four diseases and disorders with which magnesium may be associated: hypertension and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and migraine headaches.

Hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Heart disease and stroke have hypertension as a key risk factor.  However, studies to date have shown that magnesium supplementation lowers blood pressure only marginally at best. A meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials showed that magnesium supplementation for 8 to 26 weeks in 545 hypertensive patients reduced diastolic blood pressure only slightly (2.2 mmHg). The magnesium-dose ranged from approximately 243 to 973 mg per day.

The authors of another meta-analysis of 22 studies in 1,173 normotensive and hypertensive adults concluded that magnesium supplementation for 3 to 24 weeks reduced systolic blood pressure by 3 to 4 mmHg while 2 to 3 mmHg (diastolic blood pressure). The effect was slightly greater when participants’ supplemental magnesium intake exceeded 370 mg/day in the nine crossover design studies. A diet with more magnesium from added fruits and vegetables, lower fat or fat-free dairy products, and less fat lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 5.5 and 3.0 mmHg, respectively.

However, this Diet to Stop Hypertension (DASH) also increases the consumption of other nutrients, such as potassium and calcium, which are associated with lowering blood pressure, so an independent effect of magnesium cannot be determined. In 2022, the FDA approved a valid health claim for common magnesium-containing foods and supplements. One example of this statement says: “Eating a diet that contains enough magnesium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension).

However, the FDA concluded that the evidence is conflicting and unclear.” The FDA also specifies that foods and supplements with this claim must contain at least 84 mg of magnesium per serving and no more than 350 mg for supplements. Several prospective studies have investigated the relationship between magnesium intake and heart disease. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study assessed heart disease risk factors and serum magnesium levels in 14,232 white and African-American men and women aged 45 to 64 years.

During a median follow-up of 12 years, subjects in the highest quartile of the normal physiological range of serum magnesium (at least 0.88 mmol/L) had a 38% lower risk of sudden cardiac death compared with those in the lowest quartile. 0.75 mmol/l or less). However there was no correlation found between the risk of sudden cardiac death and magnesium intake. Another prospective study followed 88,375 female nurses in the United States to determine whether serum magnesium levels measured at baseline and magnesium intake assessed every 2 to 4 years were associated with sudden cardiac death over a 26-year follow-up period.

Women who consumed the most magnesium and had the highest plasma concentration had a 34% and 77% decreased risk of sudden cardiac death, respectively, compared to those who consumed the least. Another prospective population-based study of 7,664 adults aged 20 to 75 years without cardiovascular disease in the Netherlands found that low urinary magnesium excretion (a marker of low magnesium intake) was associated with a higher-than-average risk of coronary heart disease. next period 10.5 years.

Plasma magnesium levels were not associated with coronary heart disease risk. A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies showed that higher serum magnesium levels were significantly associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and higher dietary magnesium intake (up to approximately 250 mg/day) was associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease. disease disease ischemic heart disease caused by reduced myocardial blood flow.

Increased magnesium consumption may lower the risk of stroke. A magnesium supplement of 100 mg per day was linked to an 8% decreased overall risk of stroke in a meta-analysis of seven prospective trials with a total of 241,378 individuals, particularly in ischemic stroke as opposed to hemorrhagic stroke. However, one of the limitations of such observational studies is the possibility of confounding other nutrients or food components, which can also affect stroke risk. A large, well-designed clinical trial is needed to better understand the effects of food and dietary magnesium on heart health and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Type 2 diabetes

Due to magnesium’s critical function in glucose metabolism, a diet richer in magnesium is linked to a notably lower risk of diabetes. Hypomagnesemia can worsen insulin resistance, which is often a pre-diabetic condition, or it can result from insulin resistance.

Diabetes causes magnesium to be excreted in the urine, and subsequent magnesium deficiency can interfere with insulin secretion and action, thus impairing diabetes control. Most studies of magnesium intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes have been prospective cohort studies.

Over a 6- to 17-year follow-up period, 286,668 patients and 10,912 instances of diabetes were found to have a statistically significant 15% lower risk of developing diabetes with an increase in total magnesium intake of 100 mg/day.

Another meta-analysis discovered a substantial inverse relationship between dietary magnesium and the incidence of type 2 diabetes, based on eight prospective cohort studies encompassing 271,869 men and women between the ages of 4 and 18. The relative risk reduction was 23% when comparing the highest and lowest yields. A 2011 meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies on the relationship between magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes included 13 studies with a total of 536,318 participants and 24,516 cases of diabetes. The mean follow-up time varied between 4 and 20 years.

The researchers found an inverse dose-response relationship between magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes, but this relationship reached statistical significance only in overweight subjects (body mass index [BMI] 25 or more) but not in normal-weight subjects individuals (BMI below 25). Once more, a drawback of these observational studies is the potential for confounding other dietary elements, way of life factors, or environmental factors that are associated with magnesium consumption.

Only a few small, short-term clinical trials have investigated the potential effect of supplemental magnesium in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but the results are mixed. For example, in a Brazilian clinical trial, 128 patients with poorly controlled diabetes received a placebo or a dietary supplement containing 500 mg/day or 1000 mg/day of magnesium oxide (of which 300 or 600 mg of elemental magnesium, respectively). After 30 days of supplementation, plasma, cellular, and urinary magnesium levels increased and glucose levels improved in participants receiving the higher supplement dose.

In another small study in Mexico, participants with type 2 diabetes and hypomagnesemia who received liquid magnesium chloride (containing 300 mg of elemental magnesium per day) for 16 weeks showed significant reductions in fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin compared to placebo participants. and their serum magnesium levels returned to normal. On the other hand, in 50 individuals with type 2 diabetes who were taking insulin, magnesium aspartate supplementation (which offers 369 mg of elemental magnesium daily), and a placebo.

According to the American Diabetes Association, there is not enough data to justify taking magnesium on a regular basis to help diabetics with their glycemic control. He further notes that there is no clear scientific evidence that vitamin and mineral supplements are beneficial for diabetics who do not have an eating disorder.

Osteoporosis

Magnesium participates in the formation of bone tissue and affects the functioning of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Important regulators of bone homeostasis, parathyroid hormone and the active form of vitamin D, are also influenced by magnesium levels. Magnesium also affects the concentrations of both parathyroid hormones which are important regulators of bone homeostasis.

There are significant correlations between magnesium consumption and bone mineral density in both men and women, according to a number of population-based research. Other studies have shown that women with osteoporosis have lower serum magnesium levels than women with osteopenia and women without osteoporosis or osteopenia. These and other findings suggest that magnesium deficiency may be a risk factor for osteoporosis. Although research is limited, research suggests that increasing magnesium intake from food or supplements may increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal and elderly women.

For instance, a brief trial in which twenty postmenopausal women with osteoporosis received 290 mg/day of elemental magnesium (as magnesium citrate) for 30 days showed lower bone turnover than a placebo, indicating a decrease in bone loss. Recommended magnesium-rich diets improve bone health, but more research is needed to clarify the role of magnesium in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Migraine headaches

Magnesium deficiency is associated with headache factors such as neurotransmitter release and vasoconstriction. Serum and tissue magnesium levels are lower in migraine sufferers than in non-migraine sufferers.

However, there is little research on the use of magnesium supplements to prevent or reduce migraine headache symptoms. Three of four small, short-term, placebo-controlled studies found moderate reductions in migraine frequency in patients receiving up to 600 mg of magnesium. The authors of the Migraine Prevention Review suggested that taking 300 mg of magnesium twice a day, either alone or with medication, may prevent migraines.

The American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society agreed that magnesium treatment is likely to be helpful for migraine prevention in their evidence-based guideline update. This medication should only be administered under the direction and supervision of a physician because the usual dose of magnesium used to prevent migraines exceeds the upper limit of tolerance.

Health risks of excess magnesium

An excess amount of magnesium in food does not pose a health risk to healthy people, because the kidneys eliminate the excess amount in the urine. However, high doses of magnesium from supplements or medications often cause diarrhea, which can be accompanied by nausea and abdominal cramps. The most common forms of magnesium that cause diarrhea are magnesium carbonate, chloride, gluconate, and oxide. The diarrhea and laxative effect of magnesium salts is due to the osmotic activity of unabsorbed salts in the intestine and colon and the stimulation of gastric motility.

Very high doses of magnesium-containing laxatives and antacids (usually greater than 5000 mg of magnesium per day) have been associated with magnesium toxicity, including fatal hypermagnesemia in a 28-month-old boy and elderly men. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity, which usually occur after serum levels exceed 1.74 to 2.61 mmol/L, may include hypotension, nausea, vomiting, flushing, urinary retention, splenitis, depression, and lethargy before progressing to muscle weakness. Breathing Difficulty, irregular heart rhythm, extreme hypotension, and cardiac arrest. The risk of magnesium toxicity increases with kidney failure or kidney failure because the ability to eliminate excess magnesium is reduced or lost.

For healthy newborns, kids, and adults, FNB has set ULs for supplementary magnesium. In many age groups, the UL appears to be lower than the RDA.  The risk of magnesium toxicity increases with kidney failure or kidney failure because the ability to eliminate excess magnesium is reduced or lost. That’s because the RDA values include magnesium from all sources—food, beverages, supplements, and medications. ULs include magnesium only from supplements and medications; they do not contain magnesium naturally present in foods and beverages.

Table 3: Permissible upper limits of additional magnesium

AGE	MALE	FEMALE	PREGNANCY	FEMALE
Birth to 12 months	Not confirmed	Not confirmed	–	–
1-3 years	65mg	65mg	–	–
4-8 years	110mg	110mg	–	–
9-18 years	350mg	350mg	350mg	350mg
Over 19 years	350mg	350mg	350mg	350mg

Uses & Effectiveness 

Effective for

• For bowel preparation. Taking magnesium by mouth helps prepare the bowel for medical procedures.
• Constipation. Taking magnesium by mouth is useful as a laxative for constipation.
• Indigestion (dyspepsia). Taking magnesium by mouth as an antacid reduces the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. Magnesium hydroxide appears to function the quickest among other magnesium compounds.
• Seizures in women with eclampsia. Administration of magnesium intravenously (iv) or by injection is considered the first line of treatment for eclampsia. Administration of magnesium reduces the risk of seizures in patients with this condition.
• Low level of magnesium in the blood (hypomagnesemia). Taking a magnesium supplement can treat and prevent magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency can occur with liver problems, heart failure, vomiting or diarrhea, kidney failure, or other illnesses.
• Complications of pregnancy are characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine (preeclampsia). Administration of magnesium intravenously (by injection) or by injection is considered the mainstay of emergency prevention in women with preeclampsia. However, taking magnesium by mouth does not reduce the risk of preeclampsia in healthy adults.

Probably effective

• Cerebral palsy. The best evidence to date suggests that intravenous (IV) administration of magnesium to pregnant patients before preterm delivery may reduce the risk of stroke in infants.
• Scenes. Intravenous (by injection) administration of magnesium is useful in the treatment of various types of seizures.
• Type of irregular heartbeat (torsades de pointes). Intravenous (IV) administration of magnesium can help treat a type of irregular heartbeat called torsades de point.

Possibly effective

• Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias). Intravenous (IV) or oral administration of magnesium appears to help treat irregular heartbeats, also called arrhythmias. It is not yet clear whether magnesium helps reduce irregular heartbeats after heart surgery.
• Asthma. Intravenous (IV) administration of magnesium seems to help with unexpected asthma attacks. It may be more useful for children than for adults. But inhaling magnesium or taking magnesium by mouth doesn’t seem to help.
• Colon cancer, rectal cancer. Research shows that eating foods rich in magnesium reduces the risk of colon and rectal cancer. However, other studies show that magnesium can reduce the risk of colon cancer, but not rectal cancer.
• Diabetes. A magnesium-rich diet reduces the risk of diabetes in adults and obese children. Studies of people with type 2 diabetes are mixed. However, magnesium supplements may be most beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes and low magnesium levels. Supplementing with magnesium seems to increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar in women who developed diabetes during pregnancy.
• High cholesterol. Taking magnesium chloride and magnesium oxide appears to slightly lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) and total cholesterol and slightly raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. There is also evidence that magnesium can lower blood fats called triglycerides in people with high triglycerides.
• A group of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). People with low magnesium levels are 6-7 times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome than people with normal magnesium levels. Higher magnesium intake from diet and supplements is associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome in healthy adults.
• Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Taking magnesium by mouth appears to prevent bone loss in older women with osteoporosis.
• Pain after operation. When magnesium is given under anesthesia or to people after surgery, it appears to increase the time it takes for pain to develop and may reduce the need for pain medication after surgery. Intravenous (IV) administration of magnesium appears to help reduce pain after surgery to remove the uterus, called a hysterectomy. However, magnesium does not seem to help reduce pain after tonsillectomy in children.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Taking magnesium by mouth seems to relieve symptoms of PMS, including mood swings and bloating. Premenstrual migraines also appear to be avoided by oral magnesium supplementation.
• Chest pain due to vasospasm (vasospasm angina). Intravenous (IV) administration of magnesium appears to inhibit blood vessels in people with chest pain caused by spasms of the arteries that carry blood to the heart.

Possibly ineffective

• Altitude. Taking magnesium citrate by mouth does not reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
• Athletic performance. Taking magnesium by mouth does not increase energy or endurance during exercise.
• Swelling (inflammation) of the small airways of the lungs (bronchiolitis). Intravenous administration of magnesium does not help and may even worsen bronchitis in infants. Only medical professionals are authorized to give IV products.
• Damage to nerves in the hands and feet brought on by cancer treatment. Magnesium supplementation does not save nerves from oxaliplatin-induced nerve injury.
• Usually, severe pain follows an injury (complex regional pain syndrome). Taking magnesium by IV does not improve pain after injury in people with chronic pain.
• Confusion and restlessness after surgery. After surgery, using magnesium intravenously has not shown to lessen delirium
• Symptoms of the menopause. Taking magnesium oxide by mouth does not reduce hot flashes.
• Muscle cramps. Taking magnesium supplements by mouth does not reduce the frequency or severity of muscle cramps.
• Sickle cell disease. Hospitalization for sickle cell disease does not benefit from the intravenous injection of magnesium sulfate. Only medical professionals are authorized to give IV products.
• Stillborn. Taking oral magnesium supplements during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of stillbirth.
• Serious infection caused by Clostridium bacteria (tetanus). Taking magnesium intravenously does not reduce the risk of death in people with tetanus. IV products can only be administered by a healthcare provider.
• Sudden injury causing brain damage (traumatic brain injury). Magnesium therapy does not improve outcomes or reduce the risk of death in people with traumatic brain injury. It is not clear whether taking magnesium by mouth is beneficial for people with concussions.
• There is interest in using magnesium for many other purposes, but there is not enough reliable information to judge whether it can be useful.

Insufficient evidence

• For alcohol use disorder: Taking magnesium by mouth appears to improve sleep quality in people who are dependent on alcohol and experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, magnesium injections do not seem to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Children with ADHD appear to have lower levels of magnesium. Early research suggests that magnesium may be beneficial for children with ADHD who have low levels of magnesium.
• Back pain: According to preliminary studies, delivering magnesium intravenously (IV) every four hours for two weeks and taking magnesium orally every day for four weeks both help persons with persistent low back pain feel less discomfort.
• Bipolar disorder: According to a preliminary study, some bipolar disorder sufferers may experience effects comparable to those of lithium when using a specific magnesium supplement called Magnesiocard. Additional preliminary research indicates that in bipolar disorder patients, magnesium supplementation with verapamil decreases manic symptoms more effectively than verapamil alone. Also, giving magnesium intravenously (by IV) seems to reduce the dose of other drugs needed to manage severe manic symptoms.
• Nerve pain in people with cancer: Intravenous (IV) magnesium administration appears to alleviate pain associated with cancer-related nerve damage.
• Damage to the immune system caused by cancer treatment. Early research suggests that taking magnesium by mouth may prevent damage to the immune system in children receiving the cancer drug cisplatin.
• Sudden loss of heart function (cardiac arrest): Some previous research suggests that higher levels of magnesium are associated with a lower chance of cardiac arrest. However, it is not known whether taking a magnesium supplement reduces the risk of cardiac arrest. Intravenous administration of magnesium does not appear to be beneficial.
• Heart diseases (cardiovascular diseases): It is unclear whether people who get more magnesium in their diet are less likely to develop heart disease. Some studies have shown that increased dietary magnesium intake is associated with a reduced risk of dying from heart disease. While some studies showed no benefit.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Injections of magnesium help alleviate the signs of fatigue. But not all studies agree.
• Lung disease makes breathing difficult (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). Intravenous (IV) administration of magnesium seems to help with sudden symptoms of COPD. Taking a magnesium inhaler with salbutamol also seems to reduce sudden COPD symptoms better than salbutamol alone.
• Cluster headache. According to preliminary studies, magnesium administered intravenously (IV) may provide relief from cluster headaches.
• Heart disease (coronary disease): Early research suggests that taking magnesium by mouth can reduce blood clots in people with heart disease.
• Depression: It is unclear whether people who get more magnesium in their diet are less likely to develop depression. It’s also too early to know whether magnesium can reduce symptoms in people with depression. Taking magnesium by mouth for 6 weeks appears to reduce mild to moderate depression in adults. However, a single intravenous (iv) dose of magnesium does not reduce depressive symptoms when measured one week later.
• Confusion and restlessness after surgery. Early research shows that IV magnesium does not reduce confusion and agitation in children after surgery.
• Muscle pain caused by exercise. Early research suggests that taking magnesium for 10 days can reduce muscle soreness after lifting weights.
• Fibromyalgia: Early studies show that taking magnesium citrate daily
• Fractures. Fractures are less common in those who consume higher levels of magnesium from food or supplements.
• Stomach cancer: People who get more magnesium from food or supplements do not appear to have a lower risk of stomach cancer.
• Loss of hearing: Taking magnesium by mouth appears to prevent hearing loss in people exposed to loud noises. In addition, taking magnesium appears to improve hearing loss in people with sudden hearing loss that is not caused by loud noise.
• High blood pressure: Most studies show that taking magnesium can lower diastolic blood pressure (the lowest number in a blood pressure reading) by about 2 mmHg. This drop may be too small to have a significant effect on high blood pressure. There is conflicting data on the effect of magnesium on systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading).
• Insomnia: Magnesium can reduce insomnia in the elderly. But it doesn’t seem to improve insomnia in people who don’t have it.
• Bleeding in or around fluid areas of the brain (ventricles) (intraventricular hemorrhage). Early research suggests that premature babies may have a lower risk of brain bleeding if their mothers receive IV magnesium during pregnancy.
• Kidney stones. Some studies show that taking magnesium by mouth can prevent kidney stones in people who have had kidney stones.
• Liver cancer. People who get more magnesium in their diet seem to have a lower risk of developing liver cancer.
• Migraine: Taking high doses of magnesium by mouth can help prevent migraines and make them slightly less severe. But not all studies agree. IV magnesium can relieve migraines in people who don’t get enough magnesium from their diet.
• Heart attack: In general, intravenous (IV) or oral magnesium does not appear to reduce the overall risk of death after a heart attack.
• Brain damage caused by lack of oxygen in babies. Research shows that intravenous (iv) magnesium can improve short-term outcomes in babies with brain damage caused by lack of oxygen. However, there don’t appear to be any long-term advantages.
• Obesity: It is unclear whether taking magnesium by mouth improves weight loss in obese people. If this happens, the benefits are likely to be minimal.
• Death from any cause: Increasing the amount of magnesium in the diet reduces the risk of death. However, magnesium supplementation does not appear to reduce this risk.
• Pain (chronic): People who get more magnesium from food or supplements seem to have a slightly lower risk of chronic pain.
• Physical activity in older adults: Some studies show that taking magnesium every day for 12 weeks can help older women walk.
• A hormonal disorder that causes the ovaries to enlarge with cysts (polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS). Taking magnesium does not reduce insulin resistance in PCOS.
• Leg cramps in pregnant women: Most studies show that taking magnesium by mouth can reduce leg cramps during pregnancy. But not all studies agree.
• Premature birth: Intravenous (iv) administration of magnesium can prevent contractions in preterm labor. Some studies show that magnesium is more effective in delaying labor by 48 hours than some common medications. However not all experts believe it’s beneficial, and some studies suggest it may cause more side effects.
• A rare hereditary disease that causes mineral deposits in the skin, eyes, and blood vessels (Pseudoxanthoma elasticum or PXE). According to preliminary studies, magnesium supplementation may help persons with PXE experience less mineral accumulation.
• A disease that causes discomfort in the legs and an irresistible urge to move the legs (restless legs syndrome or RLS). For patients with restless legs syndrome, using magnesium orally may decrease movement and lengthen sleep duration. However, the role of magnesium in restless legs syndrome is uncertain. Some people with this disease have high levels of magnesium in their blood, while others have low levels.
• Stroke: Most previous studies have shown that increased dietary magnesium intake is associated with death from stroke. There is also evidence that increased dietary magnesium intake improves mental performance in people after stroke. However, the effects of intravenous (IV) magnesium are mixed. Some studies show that it can protect the brain after a stroke. However other research shows that it does not reduce the risk of death or injury in most people.
• Bleeding in the space around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage). There is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of magnesium on the control of cerebral blood flow. Some studies show that intravenous (iv) administration of magnesium reduces the risk of death and vegetative state. However, other studies do not support these conclusions.
• Allergic rhinitis.
• Hay hazard.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Other conditions.
• More evidence is needed to rate these uses of magnesium.

Side Effects

Oral: 

Magnesium is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken correctly. Daily doses of less than 350 mg are safe for most adults. In some people, magnesium can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects. Magnesium is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in large amounts (more than 350 mg daily). High doses can cause excess magnesium to build up in the body, causing serious side effects such as irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, confusion, slow breathing, coma, and death.

By injection or IV:

Magnesium is LIKELY SAFE for most people when properly prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Drug interactions

Several different types of drugs can interact with magnesium supplements or affect magnesium levels. Below are some examples. People who regularly take these and other medications should discuss their magnesium intake with their doctor.

Bisphosphonates

Supplements or medications containing magnesium can reduce the absorption of oral bisphosphonates, such as alendronate (Fosamax), which is used to treat osteoporosis. There should be at least 2 hours between the use of dietary supplements or medications containing magnesium and oral bisphosphonates.

Antibiotics

Magnesium can form insoluble complexes with tetracyclines such as demeclocycline (Declomycin) and doxycycline (Vibramycin) and with quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquinoxacin). These antibiotics should be taken at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after taking a magnesium supplement.

Diuretics

Long-term treatment with loop diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) and bumetanide (Bumex) and thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (Aquazide H) and ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) can increase magnesium and magnesium loss. In contrast, potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor) and spironolactone (Aldactone) reduce magnesium excretion.

Proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as esomeprazole magnesium (Nexium) and lansoprazole (Prevacid), can cause hypomagnesemia with long-term use (usually more than a year). In cases that the FDA reviewed, magnesium supplements often raised the low serum magnesium levels caused by PPIs. However, in 25% of the cases, supplements did not raise magnesium levels and the patients had to discontinue the PPI. FDA advises healthcare professionals to consider measuring patients’ serum magnesium levels before initiating long-term PPI treatment and to check magnesium levels in these patients periodically.

Special Precautions and Warnings

• When taken orally, most people can probably safely consume magnesium as long as they take it as directed. Doses less than 350 mg daily are safe for most adults. In some people, magnesium might cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects. Magnesium is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in large amounts (more than 350 mg daily). High doses can cause excess magnesium to build up in the body, causing serious side effects such as irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, confusion, slow breathing, coma, and death.
• By injection or IV: Magnesium is LIKELY SAFE for most people when properly prescribed by a healthcare provider. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Magnesium is POSSIBLY SAFE for pregnant or breast-feeding women when taken by mouth at levels below 350 mg per day. Magnesium is POSSIBLY SAFE when the prescription injectable is given intravenously or by injection up to 5 days before delivery. However, prescription-only magnesium is only given during pregnancy for serious medical conditions. There is evidence that using magnesium to prevent premature labor can cause serious problems for the baby. Magnesium is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in large doses or when prescription solutions are given intravenously or by injection for more than 5 days. Taking magnesium by mouth in large doses can cause diarrhea and too much magnesium in the blood. Taking prescription magnesium intravenously or by injection for more than 5 days can cause bone and brain problems in a child.
• Children: Magnesium is believed to be SAFE for most children when taken by mouth or when a prescription injectable product is used correctly. Magnesium is safe when taken by mouth in less than 65 mg for children 1-3 years of age, 110 mg for children 4-8 years of age, and 350 mg for children over 8 years of age. Magnesium is LIKELY safe when taken by mouth in large doses.
• Alcoholism: Alcohol may lead to magnesium deficiency.
• Blood disorders: Magnesium appears to slow blood clotting. Theoretically, those with bleeding disorders may be more susceptible to bleeding or bruising when taking magnesium.
• Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of magnesium deficiency. Poorly controlled diabetes reduces the body’s absorption of magnesium.
• Heart block: Large doses of magnesium (usually intravenously) should not be given to people with heart block.
• A condition called myasthenia gravis: Magnesium given intravenously can worsen weakness and cause breathing problems in people with a condition called myasthenia gravis.
• Kidney problems such as kidney failure: Poorly functioning kidneys make it difficult to remove magnesium from the body. Magnesium can accumulate to unsafe levels if taken in excess. Do not take magnesium if you have kidney problems.

Dose

Studies conducted by scientists have examined the following dosages:

ADULTS { By Mouth }

General: 400 mg for males and 310 mg for women is the daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for elemental magnesium; for those 31 years of age and above, the RDA is 420 mg for men and 320 mg for women.

Pregnancy: age 14-18 years, RDA is 400 mg; 19-30 years, 350 mg; 31-50 years, 360 mg. Breastfeeding: 14-18 years, RDA is 360 mg; 19-30 years, 310 mg; 31-50 years, 320 mg. The upper daily intake level (UL) for magnesium is 350 mg for everyone over the age of 8, including pregnant and lactating women.

For constipation: 8.75-25 grams of magnesium citrate was used, usually 150-300 ml of a 290 mg/5 ml solution. 2.4-4.8 grams of magnesium hydroxide was also used. 10-30 grams of magnesium sulfate was also used. Magnesium salts should be used only for occasional constipation and doses should be taken with an 8-ounce glass of water.

Indigestion (dyspepsia): 400-1200 mg of magnesium hydroxide has been used up to four times a day. 800 mg of magnesium oxide per day has also been used.

For low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia): 3 grams of magnesium sulfate were used every 6 hours in four doses. A 5% magnesium chloride solution was used by mouth daily for 16 weeks. Magnesium-rich mineral water (Hepar) was also used at 110 mg/l. Magnesium lactate was used orally daily for 3 months at 10.4 mmol.* Avoid magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate.

For irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia): magnesium DL hydrogen aspartate 2,163 mg and potassium DL hydrogen aspartate 2,162 mg per day were used for 21 days.

Diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, 2.5 grams of magnesium chloride in 50 ml of solution is used daily for 16 weeks. 300 milliliters of naturally high magnesium salt water are diluted with distilled water each day for 30 days to yield 100 milligrams of magnesium per 100 ml of water.

Magnesium was used at 360 mg per day for 4 to 16 weeks. For type 1 diabetes, 300 mg of a specific magnesium gluconate dietary supplement (Ultramagnesium) has been used daily for 5 years.

High cholesterol: 1 gram of magnesium oxide daily is used for 6 weeks.

Regarding clusters of signs and symptoms known as metabolic syndrome, which raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke: For six months, 365 mg of magnesium aspartate is taken once a day.

For weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis): 300-1800 mg of magnesium hydroxide per day for 6 months and then 600 mg of magnesium hydroxide per day for 18 months have been used. For 30 days, 1830 mg of magnesium citrate is used daily. For a year, a multivitamin supplement, 500 mg of calcium, and 600 mg of magnesium are taken daily along with estrogen.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): 333 mg of magnesium oxide was used daily for two menstrual cycles. From the 15th day of the menstrual cycle until the start of menstruation, elemental magnesium was used in a higher dose of 360 mg three times a day. 360 mg of elemental magnesium was used three times a day for 2 months. A combination of 200 mg of magnesium per day and 50 mg of vitamin B6 per day was used.

ADULTS { By IV }

For seizures in women with preeclampsia: 4 to 5 grams of magnesium sulfate as an IV infusion followed by 4 to 5 grams of magnesium sulfate every 4 hours or 1 to 3 grams of magnesium sulfate per hour as a continuous IV. infusion infusion was used. Daily dose should not exceed 30-40 grams of magnesium sulfate. Higher doses of magnesium sulfate (9-14 grams) and then lower doses (2.5-5 grams every 4 hours for 24 hours) have also been used.

For low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia): When treating hypomagnesemia, or low blood magnesium, a typical starting dose for a minor deficiency is 4 doses of 1 gram of magnesium sulfate given intramuscularly (IM) every 6 hours. For more severe deficits, 5 grams of magnesium sulfate can be administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion over 3 hours. Adults usually get 60 to 96 mg of elemental magnesium per day to prevent magnesium deficiency.

For complications of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine (preeclampsia): 4-5 grams of magnesium sulfate as an IV infusion followed by 4-5 grams of magnesium sulfate every 4 hours or 1-3 grams of magnesium. sulfate hourly as a continuous IV infusion. Daily dose should not exceed 30-40 grams of magnesium sulfate. There has also been use of a greater dosage of magnesium sulfate (9 grams) followed by lower dosages (5 grams every 4 hours for 24 hours).

1 to 6 grams of magnesium sulfate intravenously over several minutes followed by an IV infusion has been used to treat irregular heartbeats (torsades de pointes).

Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias): 8 grams of magnesium sulfate in 250 ml of solution over 12 hours has been used to reduce irregular heartbeats after a heart attack. For irregular or rapid heartbeats, an IV infusion containing 5 grams of magnesium sulfate in 100 ml of solution was used. Half of the dose is given over 20 minutes and the rest over 2 hours. 

To quicken the heartbeat, 1-4 grams of magnesium chloride administered once over a 5-minute period has been employed. For heart rhythm-induced abnormal heart rate, 2 grams of magnesium sulfate in 10 mL solution was given intravenously over 1 to 10 minutes, followed by 5 to 10 grams of magnesium sulfate in 250 to 500 mL solution over 5 hours.

Asthma: 1-2 grams of magnesium sulfate is given over 20-30 minutes. Magnesium sulfate at a dose of 78 mg/kg/hour was administered intravenously during and 30 minutes before the pulmonary function test.

For nerve pain in cancer patients: 0.5 to 1 gram of magnesium sulfate was given as a single dose of 1 mL or 2 mL of 50% magnesium sulfate injection over 5 to 10 minutes.

Cerebral palsy: To prevent cerebral palsy in babies, IV grams of magnesium sulfate have been given to women 10 to 30 minutes before their expected delivery date. Magnesium sulfate is then sometimes given intravenously at a dose of 1 gram per hour until birth or within 24 hours.

For postoperative pain: 5-50 mg/kg magnesium IV followed by continuous IV solution 6 mg/kg or 500 mg every hour for up to 48 hours after surgery. In addition to pain relief, 3.7-5.5 grams of magnesium was also used within 24 hours after surgery. In addition, 3 grams of magnesium sulfate IV solution was used, followed by 0.5 grams of magnesium sulfate IV every hour for 20 hours.

For chest pain caused by vasospasm (vasospasmodic angina): magnesium has been used at 65 mg/kg body weight intravenously for 20 minutes.

INJECTED BY SYRINGE:

Seizures in women with preeclampsia: 4 to 5 grams of magnesium sulfate diluted in saline over 10 to 15 minutes intravenously (iv), followed by an injection of 5 grams of magnesium sulfate in each buttock, and 2.5 or 5 grams of magnesium sulfate injected every 4 hours for 24 hours.

For complications of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine (preeclampsia): 4 to 5 grams of magnesium sulfate diluted in saline over 10 to 15 minutes intravenously (iv), followed by an injection of 5 grams of magnesium sulfate. into each buttock. and 5 grams of magnesium sulfate was used as an injection 4 every hour for 24 hours.

CHILDREN

Oral:

• General: Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for elemental magnesium are: Age 1-3 years, 80 mg; 4-8 years, 130 mg; 9-13 years, 240 mg; 14-18 years, 410 mg (boys) and 360 mg (girls). For babies under one year, the Adequate Amount (AI) is 30 mg from birth to 6 months of age and 75 mg from 7 to 12 months of age. The upper daily intake level (UL) for magnesium is 65 mg for children aged 1-3 years and 110 mg for children aged 4-8 years.

BY IV:

• Asthma: An intravenous dose of magnesium sulfate (40 mg/kg) up to 2 grams was given in 100 mL over a 20-minute period.

Magnesium and Healthy Eating

The federal government’s dietary supplement for 2020-2025 does not contain many American nutrients. needs must be satisfied primarily through food. … In some cases, food additives and food additives are useful when the need for one or more nutrients cannot be met in any other way (eg, during certain stages of life, such as during pregnancy).

As per the Dietary Guidelines, a nutritious diet consists of:

• Contains a variety of vegetables; fruit grains (at least half whole grain); fat-free and low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese; and oils.
• Dark green leafy vegetables and healthy grains are good sources of magnesium. Low-fat milk and yogurt also contain magnesium. Magnesium has been added to a few ready-to-eat breakfast cereals.
• Contains various protein-rich foods such as lean meat; poultry meat; balls; shellfish; beans, peas lentils; nuts and seeds; and soy products.
• Magnesium can be found in dried beans and legumes (including peanuts, baked beans, lentils, and soybeans) and nuts (like almonds and cashews).
• Reduce the amount of added sugars, salt, and saturated fat in your food and drink.
• Limit alcoholic beverages.
• Stay within your daily calorie needs.

FAQs

References

• Office of Dietary Supplements – Magnesium. (n.d.). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/
• Office of Dietary Supplements – Magnesium. (n.d.). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
• Rd, R. R. M. (2023, July 14). What Does Magnesium Do for Your Body? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-does-magnesium-do#other-benefits
• The overview, uses, precautions, side effects, interactions, dosage, and reviews of magnesium. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-998/magnesium