Bleeding disorders: Magnesium seem to slow blood clotting. In theory, taking magnesium might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders.
We have found that magnesium increases the clotting time in plasma and in whole blood in a concentration-dependent fashion. Also, blood clotted in the presence of increased concentration of magnesium, has progressively shortened the lysis time of whole blood clots.
There are different types of blood thinners: Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin (also called Coumadin), slow down your body's process of making clots. Antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot.
Some in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that magnesium causes a prolongation in bleeding time [2, 3]. On the other hand, it has been shown that magnesium has direct vasodilatory effect on peripheral vessels via calcium channel blockade resulting in hypotension and reduced blood loss [4].
Magnesium has since long been known to have anticoagulant properties in vitro. Zimmermann (50) suggested 9% MgS04 as an anticoagulant useful for blood sampling as early as 1906. In 1932 Lumiere demonstrated that magnesium hyposulphite could affect coagulation in a similar manner as sodium citrate did (25).
What's also pretty special about magnesium is that it also acts as a gentle muscle relaxant. This means it can help ease those strong contractions in your uterus - the very ones that cause cramps and heavy bleeding.
High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. In addition, the magnesium in supplements can interact with some types of antibiotics and other medicines.
Magnesium also plays an important role in coagulation through the tissue factor–activated factor VII pathway, factor IX, and platelet aggregation. In fact, magnesium may have a more potent effect on platelet aggregation than calcium.
Iron , magnesium, and zinc may bind with warfarin, potentially decreasing their absorption and activity. People on warfarin therapy should take warfarin and iron/magnesium/zinc-containing products at least two hours apart.
Antibiotics -- The absorption of quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and moxifloxacin (Avelox), tetracycline antibiotics, including tetracycline (Sumycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin), and minocycline (Minocin), and nitrofurantoin (Macrodandin), may be diminished when taking magnesium supplements.
Thick blood is caused by heavy proteins, or by too much blood in the circulation. Too many red cells, white cells, and platelets will result in blood thickening. Another cause is an imbalance in the blood clotting system.
Some herbs and spices that contain salicylates (a natural blood thinner) include cayenne pepper, cinnamon, curry powder, dill, ginger, licorice, oregano, paprika, peppermint, thyme and turmeric. Meanwhile there are fruits that can aid in blood thinning.
Magnesium prevents calcium buildup in cholesterol plaque in arteries, which leads to clogged arteries. Magnesium levels are inversely associated with cardiovascular disease risk.
Is magnesium citrate a blood thinner? Yes, it's a mild blood thinner. Magnesium citrate slows blood clotting. For this reason, people with clotting disorders should avoid it.
Overdose. Signs of a magnesium overdose can include nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. At very high doses, magnesium can be fatal.
The benefits of magnesium supplementation in healthy individuals aren't clear, but Dr. Nassar says that taking a magnesium supplement every day likely isn't unsafe for most people. Just be sure you're not taking too much magnesium. The maximum dietary allowance for most adults is around 400 mg or less.
There is a lot of evidence linking zinc to blood clotting. Zinc is released from cells called platelets that control blood clotting, and scientists have found unwanted blood clots can form when zinc levels in the blood are faulty.
Who should avoid magnesium citrate? Magnesium citrate may interact with drugs, including specific antibiotics and medications that doctors prescribe to lower calcium concentration in the urine, such as potassium or sodium phosphate. People on low-sodium or restricted-sodium diets should also avoid magnesium citrate.
Vitamin K can have a serious interaction with the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin®). If you take warfarin, make sure that the amount of vitamin K you consume from food and supplements is about the same every day.
Vitamin D has been shown to have an anticoagulant effect.
Magnesium deficiency slows fibrinolysis and increases coagulation and thrombosis.
Despite the unclear relationship between magnesium and sleep, there have been encouraging studies showing that magnesium supplements may improve sleep quality, sleep duration, and benefit people with sleep disorders like insomnia and restless legs syndrome.
Is it OK to take magnesium every night? You really shouldn't. Insomnia can be a sign of an unidentified sleep disorder, Gurubhagavatula said. You may find you have sleep apnea, restless legs, narcolepsy or a circadian rhythm sleep disorder.
Magnesium for sleep
Some studies have found that magnesium supplements can: Make it easier to fall asleep. Improve sleep quality. Reduce symptoms of restless legs syndrome, which can interfere with a good night's sleep.