Magnesium Side Effects and How to Avoid Them

October 23, 2023

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a pivotal role in numerous biochemical processes within the human body. From nerve function to muscle contractions and energy production, magnesium is vital to maintaining overall health. However, like any other nutrient or supplement, magnesium isn't without potential side effects, especially when taken in excessive amounts or specific forms. In this article, we'll explore the intricacies of magnesium and dissect the various potential side effects associated with its different forms and dosages, as well as discuss the safest ways to include magnesium in the diet.

Understanding Magnesium

magnesium

Before we delve into the world of magnesium side effects, it's crucial to understand the vital role this mineral plays in the body. Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, (1) including:

Muscle and Nerve Function: Magnesium helps regulate muscle contractions and nerve impulses. This is why it's often recommended for muscle cramps and spasms.
Blood Sugar Control: Magnesium plays a role in insulin sensitivity, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Bone Health: It is a vital component of bone structure, and it works in conjunction with calcium to keep bones strong.
Energy Production: Magnesium is a cofactor in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's primary source of energy.
Blood Pressure Regulation: It helps relax blood vessels, contributing to healthy blood pressure.
Heart Health: Adequate magnesium intake is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
DNA and RNA Synthesis: It is involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, crucial for cell growth and repair. (2)

Having a balanced intake of magnesium is essential for optimal health. However, when consumed in excess or in specific forms, magnesium can potentially lead to side effects.

Common Forms of Magnesium and Their Side Effects

There are various forms of magnesium available as dietary supplements today, and each can affect the body differently. Some of the potential side effects of different forms of magnesium include:

1. Magnesium Sulfate Side Effects:

Magnesium sulfate is often used topically in baths (Epsom salt) or taken orally as a laxative. While it can be beneficial, it may lead to side effects such as:

Diarrhea: High doses of magnesium sulfate can cause diarrhea, which, if not managed, may lead to dehydration.
Nausea and Vomiting: Excessive intake of magnesium sulfate can result in nausea and vomiting. (3)

2. Magnesium Glycinate Side Effects:

Magnesium glycinate is known for its high bioavailability and lower risk of side effects. However, some individuals may experience:

Gastrointestinal Discomfort: In rare cases, magnesium glycinate may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea or an upset stomach.
Allergic Reactions: Although uncommon, allergic reactions to magnesium glycinate can occur in sensitive individuals. (4)

3. Magnesium Citrate Side Effects:

Magnesium citrate is widely used as a laxative to relieve constipation. Its potential side effects include:

Diarrhea: Similar to magnesium sulfate, magnesium citrate can lead to diarrhea when taken in excessive amounts.
Abdominal Cramps: Some individuals may experience abdominal cramps or discomfort when using magnesium citrate. (5)

4. Magnesium Oxide Side Effects:

Magnesium oxide is a common form of magnesium found in over-the-counter supplements. It is known for its laxative effect and may cause:

Diarrhea or Gastrointestinal Discomfort: The laxative properties of magnesium oxide can result in diarrhea and abdominal cramping when taken in large doses.
Reduced Absorption: Magnesium oxide has a lower absorption rate than other forms of magnesium, potentially leading to reduced effectiveness as a supplement. (6)

5. Side Effects of Too Much Magnesium:

Excessive magnesium intake, whether from supplements or medications, can lead to a condition known as hypermagnesemia. (7) This condition can manifest in various ways, including:

Diarrhea and Stomach Cramps: Overconsumption of magnesium can cause gastrointestinal distress, resulting in diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Muscle Weakness and Fatigue: An overdose of magnesium may lead to muscle weakness, lethargy, and an overall feeling of weakness.
Irregular Heartbeat: In severe cases, hypermagnesemia can affect the heart, causing an irregular heartbeat.
Low Blood Pressure: Excessive magnesium intake may lead to dangerously low blood pressure.
Respiratory Problems: In extreme cases, hypermagnesemia can affect the respiratory muscles, leading to difficulty breathing.

Safest Ways to Consume Magnesium

magnesium foods

While magnesium is crucial for various bodily functions, it's essential to prioritize safe and effective methods of consumption. Here are some of the safest ways to ensure you get an adequate intake of magnesium, including dietary sources and supplements:

1. Dietary Sources:

The most natural and safest way to meet your magnesium needs is through your diet. Consuming magnesium-rich foods can provide you with the necessary nutrients without the risk of overconsumption or adverse side effects. Some excellent dietary sources of magnesium include:

Leafy Greens: Greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are great sources of magnesium and can be incorporated into salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are packed with magnesium. They make for healthy and magnesium-rich snacks.
Whole Grains: Whole wheat, oats, and brown rice contain magnesium. Choosing whole grain options over refined grains is not only beneficial for magnesium intake but also for overall health.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are not only excellent sources of protein and fiber but also provide a significant amount of magnesium.
Avocado: Avocados are not only delicious but also a good source of magnesium. They can be incorporated in salads and sandwiches.
Fish: Certain types of fish like mackerel, salmon, and halibut contain magnesium, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
Dark Chocolate: If you have a sweet tooth, opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, which contains magnesium in moderate amounts.
Bananas: This popular fruit is not just a source of potassium but also provides some magnesium.

Incorporating these foods into your daily meals can help you maintain optimal magnesium levels naturally. However, there is one significant challenge when it comes to obtaining magnesium through your diet today. Regrettably, modern industrial agriculture practices have led to the depletion of magnesium levels in many soils. Consequently, this depletion has translated into a deficiency of magnesium in various food crops. As a result, many foods do not contain the same levels of magnesium as they once did, making it increasingly important to consider magnesium supplementation or consciously selecting magnesium-rich food sources to ensure you meet your daily magnesium requirements.

2. Safe Magnesium Supplements:

When dietary sources alone are insufficient or when you have specific medical conditions that necessitate higher magnesium intake, magnesium supplements can be helpful. Among the various magnesium supplements available, magnesium chloride is frequently regarded as one of the safest and most versatile options for general supplementation.

While other forms of magnesium can also be safe, they often have specific uses or considerations. For overall magnesium supplementation, magnesium chloride is often the preferred choice due to its excellent safety profile and ease of absorption by the body.

Some of the benefits of magnesium chloride include:

Better Absorption: Magnesium chloride has high bioavailability, meaning it is easily absorbed and utilized by the body, minimizing the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort that can occur with other forms. (8)
Low Risk of Side Effects: Magnesium chloride typically has a lower risk of causing gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea when compared to other forms like magnesium oxide. (8)
Versatile Application: Magnesium chloride can be found in various forms, including oral supplements, topical oils, and even in the form of bath salts. This versatility allows individuals to choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences.

In summary, the safest way to maintain adequate magnesium levels is through a balanced diet rich in magnesium-containing foods. However, due to low magnesium levels in soils, ensuring adequate magnesium intake has become even more important. For this, supplementation can be very helpful, and magnesium chloride is one of the safest and most effective options, with high bioavailability and a lower risk of side effects. Regardless, it is always recommended to seek guidance from a healthcare professional to determine the right approach to meeting your magnesium requirements and to ensure your overall health and well-being.