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Does Magnesium Cause Hyperkalemia?

Jun 25, 2011 | By Naomi Parks
Does Magnesium Cause Hyperkalemia?
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Magnesium is an essential mineral that appears in foods such as fruits, vegetables, soy and derivative products, beans, peas, whole grains and nuts. The body requires it to produce protein, contract and relax muscles, produce and transport energy and utilize various nutrients and enzymes. Hyperkalemia is a metabolic condition resulting from excess potassium. Magnesium helps the body regulate potassium levels, rather than simply raising potassium levels. Therefore, hyperkalemia cannot be a direct consequence of magnesium intake.

Potassium Regulation

Magnesium helps the body regulate potassium because it enables potassium ions to pass through cell membranes. Magnesium does not cause a constant flow of potassium ions into cells, but rather, enables the body to transport potassium and similar minerals such as calcium in and out of cells when necessary. In this way, magnesium can actually prevent minor cases of hyperkalemia by drawing potassium from the bloodstream when levels get too high.

Typical Causes of Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia has several likely causes, none of them relating to other nutrients. They include unhealthy lifestyle choices such as drug abuse and alcoholism, conditions such as kidney failure or diabetes and severe injuries that cause significant red blood cell loss. Excessive potassium supplement consumption can also result in hyperkalemia. Some medications, particularly potassium-sparing diuretics, can cause hyperkalemia, especially when used improperly. Indications of hyperkalemia include nausea, a weak pulse and an irregular heartbeat.

Excess Magnesium and Hyperkalemia

An excess of magnesium from foods is extremely rare, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is much more likely to result from excess supplementation. In the event of a magnesium overdose, it is common that deficiencies in other minerals will occur, rather than the opposite. Calcium tends to decrease the most, although a significant drop in potassium levels can result from excess magnesium as well. Indications of a magnesium overdose include severely reduced blood pressure, a slow heart rate, nausea, vomiting and confusion. Particularly severe or untreated cases can result in coma or death.

Bottom Line

Although magnesium is directly related to potassium absorption, it cannot cause hyperkalemia. Whereas the body is unable to absorb potassium and other minerals effectively without magnesium, excess magnesium can also cause a potassium deficiency rather than an excess. On the other hand, appropriate amounts of magnesium daily can effectively prevent both an excess and a deficiency in potassium. In fact, many foods that contain magnesium also contain potassium, compounding the nutritive value of such foods. They primarily include leafy greens such as spinach and fruits such as bananas.

References

Article reviewed by CarmenN Last updated on: Jun 25, 2011

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