Potassium and magnesium supplements can cause adverse side effects or interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplements. Although hypermagnesemia -- an elevated level of magnesium in the blood -- is rare, hyperkalemia -- a condition in which there is too much potassium present in the blood -- normally occurs at the same time. Hypermagnesemia often develops in people with impaired kidney function who are prescribed drugs that contain magnesium.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium are chemicals in the bloodstream known as electrolytes. An imbalance in the levels of any of these key electrolytes can cause a number of symptoms depending on which electrolyte is affected. For example, abnormally high or low potassium or magnesium levels may affect your heart rhythm. Minor electrolyte imbalances are usually corrected by making dietary changes. More severe cases may require identifying and treating an underlying medical problem.
Magnesium
The Office of Dietary Supplements reports that magnesium deficiency is common in the U.S., particularly among women, the elderly and individuals with persistently low blood levels of potassium. The body needs magnesium to process potassium, keep bones strong, maintain normal blood pressure and keep heart rhythm steady. This mineral also plays a role in healthy immune function and regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels; it may also help protect against cardiovascular disease. Since magnesium comes from the foods you eat, you may need magnesium supplements if your dietary intake is low. Excessive intake of magnesium from dietary supplements can cause nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and abdominal cramping. The risk of magnesium toxicity increases if you have kidney disease, which hinders the kidneys' ability to remove excess magnesium from the blood.
Potassium
Potassium is another electrolyte the body needs for digestion, heart function and smooth muscle contraction. The amount of sodium and magnesium in the blood affects the body’s potassium balance. Like magnesium, the body excretes excess potassium in urine. When you excrete less potassium, hypermagnesemia can occur. Kidney damage and the shift of potassium into and out of cells are common causes of hypermagnesemia.
Hypermagnesemia Causes and Treatments
Although the occurrence of hypermagnesemia is uncommon, renal failure is the most frequent cause. Excessive magnesium intake, Addison's disease and hypothyroidism are other causes. In most cases, the kidneys are able to excrete excess magnesium from the body. Hypermagnesemia is a condition often seen in individuals who receive magnesium intravenously for a medical condition. Treatment for hypermagnesemia includes increasing fluid intake. Calcium may also be given intravenously to help lower high blood magnesium levels. If your blood magnesium level is severely elevated or life-threatening symptoms are present, dialysis treatments may be necessary.
Member Comments