You may supplement your diet with vitamins, minerals and herbs. While these can be helpful to ensure proper nutrition and health, they can also have side effects. Magnesium supplements, can be helpful or harmful depending upon how they are used. Diarrhea is one side effect of magnesium. Consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that helps make up the bones and teeth. It is also found in every organ of the body. Whole grains, nuts and leafy green vegetables are good sources of magnesium. Yet, you may not get enough magnesium in your diet.
Supplements
Magnesium supplements are available in health food, vitamin and some grocery stores. They come in a variety of forms. Over-the-counter magnesium supplements include powder, capsules, syrups, tablets and packets. Magnesium may be included in multivitamin and herb supplements. For health conditions in which magnesium is lost or the body is unable to absorb sufficient amounts of magnesium, it may be prescribed in high doses or given as an injection. Work with a physician before taking any supplements.
Side Effects
Magnesium can have side effects. Common side effects are nausea and diarrhea. Other side effects include flushing, dizziness, breathing difficulty or paralysis. Taking too much magnesium can lead to an overdose. Overdose symptoms are similar to side effects and are most common for people with kidney disease or decreased kidney functions. Your medical professional can help you determine if symptoms are caused by magnesium.
Recommendations
You may inadvertently consume too much magnesium by taking milk of magnesia or Epsom salts. Kidney problems can make it difficult for magnesium to be filtered by the body. Follow recommendations for daily magnesium intake. Adolescent and adult males should get between 270 and 400 mg per day depending on age. Adolescent and adult females should consume 280 and 335 mg per day depending on pregnancy and lactation. Do not give magnesium to infants and children without a doctor's recommendation. Consult with a doctor to learn the correct amount of magnesium for your needs.
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