Difference Between Magnesium & Magnesium Valproate

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for human survival, and magnesium valproate is a treatment used for certain medical conditions. While magnesium in food or supplement form is generally considered safe, it is dangerous to take magnesium valproate without the approval of and a prescription from your doctor. Learning more about the differences between the two will provide you with more information to speak with your doctor so you can work together to determine if you need to take either.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that is naturally present in certain foods, but it can also be made synthetically into supplement form. You need magnesium because it helps supports healthy bones, muscles and nerves. Magnesium also promotes a strong immune system, helps regulate blood sugar levels, maintains a normal blood pressure and keeps your heart beating normally. The magnesium you get from your food or from supplements is absorbed by your small intestine and may help prevent and treat high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

Recommendations

Children between the ages of 1 and 3 require 80 milligrams of magnesium daily, and children between the ages of 4 and 8 need 130 milligrams each day. Children between the ages of 9 and 13 require 240 milligrams of magnesium each day. Girls between the ages of 14 and 18 need 360 milligrams per day, and boys in the same age group need 410 milligrams. Men between the ages of 19 and 30 need 400 milligrams every day and then 420 milligrams from age 31 and older. Women between the ages of 19 and 30 need 310 milligrams, and then 320 milligrams from age 31 and older. Get magnesium in your diet by eating leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, halibut, potatoes, yogurt, avocados and bananas. Speak with your doctor about whether you may need a supplement or not.

Magnesium Valproate

Magnesium valproate is a form of valproic acid, a medication used to treat seizure disorders such as epilepsy. The National Cancer Institute notes that magnesium valproate is an anti-epileptic medication that is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract to combine with magnesium ions, which helps prevent seizures from occurring. Magnesium valproate targets the neurological system, which alters the chemical composition in your brain to help prevent seizures.

Considerations

Do not take magnesium valproate without a prescription from your doctor. This medication can cause side effects such as dizziness, vision changes, drowsiness, constipation, diarrhea, hair loss, nausea, difficulty sleeping, hair loss, weakness and weight gain. If you experience hives, rash, difficulty breathing, chest pain or irregular heart beat, you may be allergic to magnesium valproate. If these occur, call your doctor right away. Notify your doctor if you take other medications, because certain ones interact negatively with magnesium valproate by increasing the risk of seizure or by making the medication less effective.