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Side Effects of Magnesium Supplements

June 18, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Nowadays, loads of supplements are found in the market. Most of them are over the counter so doctor’s prescription is not required This is not a good scenario since many supplements like magnesium supplements are not safe to take at all times because they can cause side effects to our body if we take them wrongly. Magnesium supplements can cause dangerous side effects to our body if we over dose in taking them.  This is the reason why it is highly recommended that a doctor’s guidance is needed when we take mineral supplements like magnesium. In this article we are going to learn the functions of magnesium in the body and the possible side effects of taking magnesium supplements.

Magnesium is the  8th most abundant mineral on Earth and 4th in the  human body. It is  estimated that an average human body has 25 milligrams of magnesium and most of it are found in the bones. It is considered as a crucial mineral in the body for it plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis or physiological balance. It participates in several chemical reactions needed for normal functioning of the body. It affects the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and immune system of the body.

In the musculoskeletal system, magnesium helps in the  contraction and relaxation of muscles and in the absorption of calcium used in bone development. When there is low amount of magnesium in the body, there will be muscle weakness because the muscles cannot contract properly. At the same time, there will be bone fragility for calcium cannot be absorbed properly in the absence of magnesium. On the other hand, if the body’s magnesium level shoot up abnormally, by taking magnesium supplements for example,  there will be muscle cramps, muscle spasm, and too much bone deposition.

Neurologically, magnesium affects the mental state of a person if the level of it is too high. It  can cause seizure and personality changes if its level is low.

Magnesium also participates in excitation and contraction of the heart. It maintains the smooth regular heart beat by combating any systemic stress.  Thus, if the level is too high it will cause decreased  blood pressure and irregular heart beat. If the level is low, it may cause cardiac spasm.

Magnesium helps in the relaxation of the respiratory system. When magnesium is low, definitely a person will experience breathing difficulty.

Magnesium also boosts the immune system of a person. If there is magnesium deficiency, a person will have a weak immune system and will be at high risk of being infected.

If a person has kidney disease and taking diuretics, it is not recommended for him to take magnesium supplement because it will be difficult for him to excrete excess amount of magnesium leading to  dangerous increased in magnesium concentration in the body.

Moreover, when a person is having heart problems, he must consult his physician first before taking magnesium supplement because it can cause irregular heart beat, cardiac weakness, and dangerous decrease in blood pressure.

Knowing the various side effects of taking magnesium supplements, we need to be cautious in taking them by following the right dosage prescribed by our doctor. Too much magnesium in our body may lead dizziness, flushing, muscle paralysis, troubled breathing, blurred vision, drowsiness and even coma or death.  It is recommended to take not more than 350 mg of magnesium supplement per day. To avoid magnesium deficiency, we should eat foods reach in magnesium such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, fish and meat. If we eat these foods regularly, we may not need to take iron supplements to avoid side effects.[ad#afterpost]

Filed Under: Health, Medicine, Transferred post

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raymund is a biologist by profession but with wide interest on nutrition and healthy living. He is currently a health and wellness writer in an American online publication. Blogging is one of his favorite hobbies.

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