Magnesium citrate is a commonly available form of the vital mineral magnesium. Magnesium citrate supplements are frequently used for two different purposes: to treat constipation or to treat magnesium deficiency. Taking the recommended dose of magnesium citrate is typically safe, although mild side effect may result, particularly affecting the gastrointestinal system. Overdosing on magnesium citrate may cause potentially harmful side effects. As with any health supplement, consult a qualified health care provider before taking magnesium citrate.
Gastrointestinal Effects
The most common side effects of magnesium citrate involve the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the potent laxative properties of magnesium citrate, loose stools and diarrhea are a common side effect, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and abdominal pain have also been reported. Excessive gas, leading to burping or flatulence, has not been commonly reported following ingestion of magnesium citrate supplements.
Laxative Effect
Magnesium citrate belongs to a class of laxatives known as saline laxatives. Saline, or salt, laxatives utilize the natural physical properties of a salt, such as magnesium citrate, combined with water to produce a laxative effect on the body. When a person ingests magnesium citrate, the extra magnesium citrate in the intestines causes the salt concentration to increase greatly. Water is naturally drawn out of the body into the intestines to balance this increase in salt concentration. As a result, the intestines become distended, which triggers intestinal contractions and a bowel movement, explains the National Cancer Institute.
Magnesium Toxicity
Overuse of magnesium citrate as a laxative or as a mineral supplement can cause magnesium levels to rise to toxic levels in the body. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity include blurred vision, dangerously low blood pressure, decreased heart rate, confusion and appetite loss. In extreme cases, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness and coma may occur. The risk of magnesium toxicity is higher in people with kidney disorders, because the kidneys usually clear excess magnesium from the bloodstream, explains MayoClinic.com.
Maximum Dose
To decrease the risk of severe side effects from magnesium citrate, you should avoid taking more than the recommended daily dose. The tolerable upper intake level set by the Institute of Medicine is 350 mg per day for all children and adults over the age of nine years old. For children four to eight years old, the upper limit is 110 mg per day, while the maximum dose decreases to 65 mg per day for children one to three years old.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium Citrate (By Mouth); January 2010
- National Cancer Institute: Constipation
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Magnesium Jane Higdon et al.; August 2007
- MayoClinic.com: Magnesium Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route); November 2010
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