Magnesium plays an important role in bone health, and your body stores 50 percent of its magnesium in the bones. It also promotes nerve and muscle health, a regular heartbeat, healthy immune function, normal blood sugar levels and normal blood pressure. Most Americans probably do not get the optimal amount of magnesium in their diet, but a true deficiency is rare, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A daily magnesium supplement generally does not pose any serious risks, provided you are using it appropriately, but potentially adverse effects exist. If you believe taking magnesium will address a particular health concern, talk to your doctor about a suggested dose and other aspects of safe use.
Tolerable Upper Limit
The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements reports that magnesium has a tolerable upper limit that applies to supplements only, not total magnesium intake; regularly exceeding this suggested maximum intake increases the risk of adverse effects linked to magnesium supplementation. The tolerable upper limit for anyone age 9 and older is 350 mg. Some conditions might require doses that exceed this limit and you should only use magnesium in these amounts under physician supervision. Regardless of the dose you believe you require, check with your doctor, who can determine the most appropriate dose based on your needs and other factors that might affect magnesium levels in your body, such as the use of certain medications.
Side Effects
Diarrhea is the most common side effect of using magnesium supplements, according to the University of Michigan Health System. It can also cause more serious side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, mineral deficiencies, confusion, changes in mental status, loss of appetite, muscle weakness and trouble breathing. These problems are more likely to occur with frequent use of laxatives and antacids that contain large amounts of magnesium, rather than a dietary supplement, but they are possible with any form of magnesium.
Calcium Deficiency
Regular use of magnesium supplements may lead to a calcium deficiency, particularly if you already have less-than-optimal levels. These two nutrients compete for absorption. Long-term use of a magnesium supplement might require a calcium supplement. Talk to your doctor about this.
Medication Interactions
Magnesium might inhibit absorption of antibiotics in the tetracycline and quinolone families, so allow allow at least two hours in between taking the supplement and the medication. If you take medications to control your blood sugar, you might need to reduce your dose to compensate for the blood sugar-lowering effects of magnesium. It might also reduce the effectiveness of osteoporosis drugs and increase the risk of negative side effects from blood pressure medications in pregnant women.
Considerations for Certain Individuals
Reduced kidney function increases the risk of adverse effects associated with magnesium because of the reduced ability to maintain proper levels of this nutrient. If you have kidney disease, do not supplement with magnesium without talking to your doctor first. This same precaution applies if you have heart disease.
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