Calcium is usually the mineral associated with strong bones. Yet, without magnesium, the nutrient couldn’t do its job. Magnesium also facilitates muscle movement, supports your immune system and makes it possible for your neurons to convey brain messages to other parts of your body. Many foods provide magnesium. Different forms of the mineral also are available as dietary supplements. Take a magnesium product if your doctor recommends it.
Magnesium Lactate
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends magnesium lactate, citrate and gluconate as the three easiest forms for your body to absorb magnesium. However, your doctor’s prescription supersedes that recommendation. If she instructs you to take a different type, do not make substitutions without her approval. Magnesium lactate has two uses: to correct a deficiency of the mineral and to alleviate gastric problems, such as heartburn and indigestion. This form of magnesium is contraindicated if you suffer from kidney or heart disease. Thus, disclose your complete medical history to your doctor to prevent an adverse reaction. Magnesium lactate also can cause diarrhea. Drugs.com, a medicine information website, suggests you take the dietary supplement at mealtimes to decrease the risk of loose bowels.
Magnesium Citrate
Your doctor may prescribe magnesium citrate if you become constipated or when you need to empty your intestines prior to a medical procedure. In this form, the mineral usually provokes a bowel movement 30 minutes to three hours after you take the supplement. The formula works by redirecting moisture from tissues into the intestines. The fluid induces movement and the stool is expelled. Magnesium citrate is contraindicated if you take drugs to prevent blood clots as well as heart and psychiatric medications in the phenothiazines family. Give your doctor the complete list of medicines and supplements you take for her to check for possible interactions.
Magnesium Gluconate
Magnesium gluconate is a supplement type to correct a deficiency of the mineral. Taking it with food facilitates absorption into the bloodstream. This form of the mineral especially promotes a healthy nervous system and muscles. The product is contraindicated if you have kidney disease. Disclose your complete medical history to your doctor to prevent any harmful effects.
Magnesium Hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide treats occasional constipation. The supplement is for short-term use. It is unlikely your doctor would prescribe it to treat a chronic deficiency of the mineral. As with other magnesium supplements, this form comes with a contraindication if you have kidney disease. You may develop stomach discomfort or have bouts of vomiting and diarrhea as a side effect of taking this product.
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium sulfate has a different indication from all the other supplement forms. Doctors administer it to pregnant women who develop a condition known as preeclampsia. The problem, characterized by high blood pressure, can cause seizures and induce coma. Magnesium sulfate also is a treatment to stop premature contractions during pregnancy. In addition, according to Brooklyn College, this form of the mineral reduces the absorption of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. Your doctor also may prescribe magnesium sulfate to treat a deficiency.
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