It’s possible that you may develop an allergic reaction while taking magnesium supplements but not from eating foods that naturally contain magnesium. Although your immune system may not react to magnesium in foods, it may be hypersensitive to magnesium supplements, especially if the supplement is synthetic. Drugs.com states that common symptoms of an allergy to magnesium include hives, swelling and shortness of breath.
Magnesium
It may not be as rare as you may think that someone becomes deficient of magnesium, but in some cases your doctor may recommend a daily magnesium supplement. Common symptoms of magnesium deficiency include nausea, vomiting, sleeping trouble, anxiety, abnormal heartbeats, low blood pressure, confusion and muscle spasms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Magnesium is a mineral that helps support and build teeth and bones and helps provide more energy. This mineral is primarily found in green vegetables, whole grains and nuts. If your doctor recommends a magnesium supplement, report any adverse reactions that develop.
Cause
An allergic reaction occurs when you take magnesium supplements and your body doesn’t recognize the mineral as safe. The immune system reacts to the mineral supplement as if it’s dangerous and unleashes a chemical attack on the substance. This overreaction of the immune system causes the creation of immunoglobulin E antibodies, histamine and other chemicals. These chemicals cause irritation, dilation of your blood vessels and inflammation. The effects of these chemicals in the body cause common allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
Aside from facial swelling, hives and shortness of breath, you may develop other common allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion, coughing, headache, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, cramping, skin rashes, inflammation and redness in the skin and flushing of the skin. MayoClinic.com states that some side effects may appear very similar to allergic reaction symptoms, which need to be assessed by your doctor. Concerning symptoms that may develop include flushing of the skin, shock, a sudden drop in blood pressure, seizures and mental confusion, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Treatment
If you demonstrate symptoms of an allergic reaction while taking magnesium supplements, your doctor may recommend allergy testing and to stop taking the supplement. Allergy testing includes a skin patch test and blood test to identify the presence of IgE antibodies. Your doctor may also recommend a registered dietitian to help you acquire more magnesium through dietary choices. If you have a severe allergic reaction, you may need an injection of epinephrine.
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