Magnesium gluconate is one type of available magnesium supplement. Magnesium is an essential mineral that is important for proper organ function, bone strength, regulating levels of vitamins and minerals in the body, cell signalling and producing energy and DNA. However, too much or too little magnesium can be dangerous, especially during pregnancy, when you need to meet both your magnesium needs and those of your baby.
Recommended Intake
Pregnant adolescents need to consume 400 mg of magnesium per day, pregnant women between the ages of 19 and 30 need 350 mg per day and pregnant women over 30 need 360 mg of magnesium per day. No more than 350 mg per day of your magnesium intake should come from supplements, because this is the tolerable upper intake level and higher magnesium intakes from supplements can cause toxicity symptoms.
Potential Benefits During Pregnancy
Taking a low-dose magnesium gluconate supplement consisting of 3 g per day between the 28th week of pregnancy and delivery may lower your risk of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, according to a study published in the Chinese journal "Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi" in October 1997. Doctors also use intravenous magnesium supplementation to treat preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication.
Side Effects and Safety
Magnesium gluconate side effects are generally mild and include diarrhea and upset stomach. Magnesium can also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, antibiotics, blood pressure medications, penicillamine, osteoporosis medications, digoxin, malaria medications and the tranquilizer chlorpromazine. If you take these medications, you may not be able to take magnesium gluconate or you may need the dosage and timing of your medication changed.
Considerations
Do not take magnesium gluconate without checking with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you. Consuming too much magnesium through supplements can cause toxicity symptoms including dizziness, confusion, flushing, muscle weakness, loss of consciousness, slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, mineral deficiencies, nausea, severe drowsiness, kidney problems, coma and death.
