Fibroids & Magnesium Carbonate

Uterine fibroids, or fibroids, are benign tumors that develop in the uterus, usually affecting pre-menopausal women over age 30. This condition is usually not serious but may cause pelvic discomfort and sometimes requires surgery. Magnesium carbonate is related to fibroids in that this mineral is an active ingredient in many antacids and laxatives that may provide relief for some fibroid symptoms, and that women with lower levels of magnesium and other minerals may have increased risk for developing fibroids.

Significance

Fibroids are the most common type of pelvic tumor, affecting as many as one in five women during their child-bearing years, according to MedlinePlus. Often, these benign tumors are small and cause no symptoms, but they can grow as large as several pounds and cause heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia and pelvic cramping. Fibroid treatments include medications and sometimes hormone therapy or surgery to remove the fibroid. However, hysterectomy is the only permanent solution for fibroids. Doctors don't know what causes fibroids, although genetics, hormones and diet may play a role in their development.

Magnesium Carbonate and Fibroids

Antacids containing magnesium carbonate may help ease some of the stomach pain associated with fibroids, according to Hartford Hospital, a hospital affiliated with University of Connecticut Medical School. In addition to magnesium carbonate, most antacids also contain calcium or aluminum. Antacids with magnesium carbonate include formulas with magnesium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide as well as products which combine magnesium carbonate with calcium carbonate. Magnesium carbonate is also a common ingredient in laxatives, which may ease the constipation associated with fibroids.

Fibroids and Magnesium Levels

Results of a 2009 study conducted by Boston University School of Medicine suggest an inverse relationship between development of fibroids and high dairy intake and resulting high calcium and magnesium levels . Researchers found that fibroid incidence was 30 percent lower among women who had at least 4 servings of dairy per day, compared with women who had less than 1 serving per day. The women who developed fibroids also had lower dietary levels of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Based on these results, researchers speculated that having an adequate dietary status of these minerals may help prevent fibroids. In addition to low magnesium levels potentially promoting fibroids, heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids can also cause magnesium levels to drop.

Dietary Sources

Instead of taking dietary supplements, you can also raise your dietary magnesium intake by eating foods that are rich in magnesium. In addition to dairy foods, particularly yogurt and milk, other magnesium-rich foods include green, leafy vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Tofu, legumes, oatmeal, bananas and chocolate are also good sources of dietary magnesium.

Precautions

Consult a health professional before taking magnesium carbonate supplements for fibroids, especially if you are already being treated with hormone therapy, which may raise magnesium levels. Antacids with magnesium carbonate can also interfere with the absorption of other minerals, such as iron, worsening the risk of anemia for women with fibroids that cause heavy bleeding. Furthermore, while the Boston University study shows a relationship between lack of dairy nutrients and fibroid development, there remains insufficient evidence to support a link between fibroids and dietary practices related to food or supplement intake.