High magnesium levels (
Too much magnesium from food does not pose a health risk in healthy individuals because the kidneys eliminate excess amounts in the urine [29]. However, high doses of magnesium from dietary supplements or medications often result in diarrhea that can be accompanied by nausea and abdominal cramping [1].
However, if left untreated, magnesium toxicity has a high mortality rate due to respiratory paralysis and cardiac arrest.
Signs of a magnesium overdose can include nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. At very high doses, magnesium can be fatal.
Magnesium sulfate is on the Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) “List of High-Alert Medications” because there is serious risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error.
The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly , especially if powdered. Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is also known as Epsom salt or bitter salt.
A high-risk medicine is one that may cause serious health problems if not taken the right way, or taken with another drug or food item that it may interact with. Some examples include: Medicine that makes you drowsy, causes depression or confusion, or has other potentially dangerous side effects.
RDA: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults 19-51+ years is 400-420 mg daily for men and 310-320 mg for women. Pregnancy requires about 350-360 mg daily and lactation, 310-320 mg. UL: The Tolerable Upper Intake Level is the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause harmful effects on health.
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.
Magnesium also modulates activity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPAA) which is a central substrate of the stress response system. Activation of the HPAA instigates adaptive autonomic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral responses to cope with the demands of the stressor; including increasing anxiety.
Magnesium deficiency in healthy people is rare but it can be caused by: a poor diet (especially in elderly people or those who don't have enough to eat) type 2 diabetes. digestive problems such as Crohn's disease.
Magnesium is also known for its role in the electrical stability and energy balance of cardiomyocytes. Hypomagnesemia has been associated with atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and low serum magnesium could therefore also be a risk factor for sudden cardiac death (SCD).
Magnesium levels between 7 and 12 mg/dL can impact the heart and lungs, and levels in the upper end of this range may cause extreme fatigue and low blood pressure. Levels above 12 mg/dL can lead to muscle paralysis and hyperventilation. When levels are above 15.6 mg/dL, the condition may result in a coma.
Doses less than 350 mg daily are safe for most adults. In some people, magnesium might cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects. When taken in very large amounts (greater than 350 mg daily), magnesium is POSSIBLY UNSAFE.
Stop taking magnesium supplements and contact your physician if you experience symptoms such as: Flushing. Dizziness. Fainting.
Magnesium can be a long-term supplement that you can take for years. Nevertheless, you should always check with your doctor to make sure that you're not exceeding the recommended dosage. Your doctor will run regular lab tests to make sure that your magnesium levels are within the normal range.
One of the side effects of magnesium might be drowsiness. In this case, you should consider magnesium supplementation at the end of the day (with dinner) to prevent the midday magnesium slump.
Medical research has linked magnesium to reduced anxiety. Magnesium helps you to relax by stimulating the production of melatonin and serotonin which boost your mood and help you sleep. Magnesium also reduces the production of cytokines and cortisol, which lead to increased inflammation and stress.
There is no data on magnesium overdose and according to the literature, high doses are safe, too. For example, the recommended administration of magnesium for therapeutic doses can be even as much as 800 – 3000 mg per day.
A high-risk individual or high-risk person or high-risk population is a human being or beings living with an increased risk for severe illness due to age, medical condition, pregnancy/post-pregnant conditions, geographical location, or a combination of these risk factors.
The five high-alert medications are insulin, opiates and narcotics, injectable potassium chloride (or phosphate) concentrate, intravenous anticoagulants (heparin), and sodium chloride solutions above 0.9%.
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices classifies mag- nesium sulfate as a high-alert medication which has potential to cause significant harm if used in error.
For contraindications, factors to consider are renal function, pregnancy, and neuromuscular disease. Patients with neuromuscular disease, such as myasthenia gravis need to be closely monitored if they are given magnesium. Magnesium inhibits the release of acetylcholine which can cause deterioration.
Magnesium glycinate -- Magnesium glycinate (magnesium bound with glycine, a non-essential amino acid) is one of the most bioavailable and absorbable forms of magnesium, and also the least likely to induce diarrhea. It is the safest option for correcting a long-term deficiency.