Magnesium citrate is a form of the mineral magnesium combined with citric acid. Magnesium citrate is a nutritional supplement that available without a prescription. It is commonly found in liquid, capsule and powder forms. According to the book, "Nutrition for Health, Fitness, and Sport," 100 mg of magnesium citrate daily can be used to treat constipation, kidney stones and magnesium deficiencies. It generally has a low toxicity with mild side effects. Consult your physician before using any supplement containing magnesium citrate.
Constipation
According to Cancer.org, magnesium citrate supplementation can relieve constipation and is often used as a supplement before surgeries and colonoscopies. Magnesium citrate has an osmotic effect on your small intestines, pulling water from the surrounding soft tissues into your upper gastrointestinal tract. This movement of fluids through your small intestine stimulates the normal movement and functioning of your bowels, generally causing a bowel movement in several hours.
Kidney Stones
Magnesium citrate may be beneficial for the treatment of certain types of kidney stones. You can treat both calcium-based and uric acid-based kidney stones by supplementing with magnesium citrate. Compounds found in citric acid cause the chemical elements that make up these kidney stones to separate and dissolve, allowing them to pass normally through your renal system for urine excretion.
Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium citrate is the preferred form of supplemental magnesium to treat a deficiency in certain populations, according to "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs." Because of its high bioavailability and high absorption rate in your gastrointestinal tract, magnesium citrate is often used to treat magnesium deficiencies in people who are elderly, diabetic, as well as individuals taking diuretics for other health conditions. A magnesium deficiency can cause a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and weakness. More severe symptoms include numbness, tingling, muscle contraction, seizures, personality changes, heart palpitations and hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels.
Side Effects
Magnesium citrate has a low toxicity; the effects of overdosing on magnesium citrate are generally mild. Common side effects include abdominal discomfort and cramps, gas and nausea. Serious side effects include an irregular heartbeat, confusion, drowsiness, muscle weakness, persistent diarrhea, and dehydration. Although rare, some individuals may develop and allergic reaction to magnesium citrate supplementation. A magnesium citrate allergy is a medical emergency. You should seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an allergic reaction.
References
- "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs"; Nicola Reavley; 1999
- Cancer.org; Magnesium Citrate; 2009
- "The New York Times"; Kidney Stones; 2009
- "Office of Dietary Supplements"; Magnesium
- "Nutrition for Health, Fitness, and Sport"; Melvin H. Anthony; 2002
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