Magnesium citrate is a health supplement containing a chemical compound of magnesium. Health supplements containing magnesium citrate are commonly used as a laxative to relieve constipation or to completely empty the bowel before surgical procedures. Although magnesium citrate is usually safe and well-tolerated, it may cause side effects, especially affecting the gastrointestinal tract. As with any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking magnesium citrate.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Although magnesium citrate frequently causes gastrointestinal side effects, gastrointestinal bleeding is not commonly reported as one of the side effects. The occurrence of gastrointestinal or rectal bleeding after taking magnesium citrate could be an indication of a serious underlying health condition, warns Drugs.com. If you experience gastrointestinal bleeding after taking magnesium citrate, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Other Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Due to the potent laxative effects of magnesium citrate, diarrhea and loose stools are a common side effect, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating and abdominal cramps. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can lead to additional health risks. Always take magnesium citrate with plenty of water.
Toxicity
Taking too much magnesium citrate can raise magnesium levels in the blood to toxic levels, which may result in serious side effects. Early symptoms of magnesium toxicity include appetite loss, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, reports of the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health. Left untreated, magnesium toxicity can lead to more serious symptoms, including difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, confusion, drowsiness, dangerously low blood pressure, heart arrhythmias and possibly coma.
Maximum Dose
To avoid the risk of magnesium toxicity, never take more than the recommended dose of magnesium citrate. The tolerable upper intake level of magnesium set by the Institute of Medicine is 65 mg per day for children aged 1 to 3 years old. For children aged 4 to 8, the tolerable upper intake level is 110 mg per day. For all children and adults over the age of 8, the maximum daily dose of magnesium is 350 mg per day.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium Citrate (By Mouth); January 2010
- Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health: Magnesium; July 2009
- American Cancer Society: Magnesium Citrate; September 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Magnesium Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route); November 2010
- Drugs.com: Magnesium Citrate
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