The body needs the mineral magnesium for bones and nerves to function properly. It helps regulate heart rhythm and helps keep the immune system healthy. Foods such as almonds, spinach, halibut and cashews contain lots of magnesium. People can develop a magnesium deficiency because of dysfunctional kidneys, malabsorption problems in the intestines, poorly managed diabetes or certain medications. Magnesium is combined with salt in supplements, such as magnesium chloride. Although magnesium is a necessity, taking supplemental forms may cause harm.
Benefits
Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar and serves additional functions in the body. Adults who do not get the recommended amount of magnesium in their diet may require supplemental magnesium. Individuals suffering from diabetes may need magnesium chloride therapy -- in addition to other therapy such as diet and exercise -- to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Magnesium chloride may help young children grow healthy bones and muscles. Some people take magnesium chloride to help prevent migraine headaches, according to the American Headache Society.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur with magnesium chloride. Side effects of magnesium supplements are generally mild and go away with continued use, but other side effects are rare and require medical attention. Possible side effects include skin flushing, dizziness, fainting, muscular paralysis and difficulty breathing. Additional adverse reactions from supplemental magnesium include diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Report any troubling adverse reactions to your doctor.
Overdose
Taking a large amount of magnesium chloride may result in an overdose, which can cause serious health problems. An overdose of magnesium can cause symptoms such as a change in urinary frequency, trouble breathing, severe drowsiness and an irregular heartbeat. Symptoms of a magnesium overdose are more common for people who have kidney dysfunction. Symptoms of toxic levels of magnesium may mimic the symptoms of a magnesium deficiency and include a change in mental behavior and appetite loss, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Interactions With Other Medications
Combining magnesium chloride with certain medications may cause harm. Taking magnesium along with calcium channel blockers -- used to treat high blood pressure -- may increase the chance of adverse reactions, including nausea, dizziness and fluid retention, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Magnesium can cause a decrease in the absorption of certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline. It is best to take magnesium an hour before or a couple of hours after a dose of quinolone antibiotics.
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