Magnesium is a dietary mineral your body uses to maintain a variety of functions, including heart rate contraction, bone development and immune system, muscle and nerve function. Each day, adults should consume between 310 and 420 mg of magnesium. Though it's best to get your daily dose of this nutrient from a healthy diet of magnesium-rich foods, including halibut, almonds, soybeans and spinach, taking magnesium supplements may aid in your intake of this mineral. Talk with your medical provider about the safety of magnesium supplements before beginning treatment.
Adverse Effects
When used as directed, magnesium supplements typically do not cause side effects. Infrequently, you may experience mild stomach upset, nausea or vomiting after taking a dose of magnesium. Magnesium supplements may also irritate your intestinal tract, which may cause diarrhea. Diarrhea may be accompanied by appetite loss, abdominal cramping or bloating. If you experience recurrent bouts of diarrhea, you may be at risk of dehydration. An intramuscular injection of magnesium may cause mild and temporary skin irritation or pain. Contact your doctor for further evaluation and care if these side effects persist or become severe.
Overdose
Taking more than the recommended dose of magnesium may result in an overdose. When your blood has too much magnesium in it, you may experience severe side effects. Magnesium overdose symptoms include vomiting, reduced heart rate, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and coma. In the absence of prompt medical intervention, a magnesium overdose may induce fatal health complications. Seek emergency medical care if you believe you've taken too much magnesium or if you exhibit any symptoms of overdose.
Drug Interactions
Let your medical provider know if you are taking any other drug or supplement before you begin treatment with magnesium. Concomitant use of magnesium supplements and certain antibiotic, including doxycycline, minocycline, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline, should be avoided. This treatment combination may make it harder for your body to absorb the antibiotic. Taking magnesium in conjunction with calcium channel blockers or blood pressure medications may increase your risk of experiencing side effects, including dizziness or nausea. Magnesium may also reduce the efficacy of tiludronate, alendronate and levothyroxine.
Contraindications
Magnesium supplements may not be appropriate for people with certain health conditions. If you have a personal history of kidney or heart disease, do not use magnesium supplements unless otherwise directed by a medical professional.
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