Who Should Not Take Magnesium: Risks & Warnings

Magnesium is a mineral found in foods and supplements. It’s become an increasingly popular mineral supplement because it has a range of health benefits.

Magnesium is used for many purposes, including but not limited to, treating anxiety, relieving pain, helping with sleep, and improving heart health.

Although magnesium is generally considered to be safe and effective for most people, there are some risks associated with taking it for some people.

In this article, we’ll explore who should not take magnesium and why.

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral that’s critical to the health of the body and brain. The body does not produce magnesium, but must digest and absorb it from magnesium-rich foods and magnesium fortified food sources.

This vital mineral plays a role in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production, muscle contraction and nerve function.

Magnesium also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and inflammation.

Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency has become more and more common in recent years. Magnesium deficiencies have been linked to a variety of health problems, such as migraines, anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue.

If you think you might not be getting enough magnesium, talk to your doctor about being tested for this and the possible need for magnesium supplements as a form of treatment, as well as what magnesium-fueled foods you should be eating lots of, such as green, leafy vegetables.

Magnesium Benefits

Magnesium is a mineral that’s critical to the health of your cells, nerves, muscles, bones, and heart. It’s no wonder magnesium supplements are often touted as a cure-all for a variety of ailments. 

There are a number of benefits associated with taking magnesium supplements. They can help to improve energy levels and combat fatigue.

Magnesium is involved in ATP production, so taking a supplement can help to increase energy levels.

Because your magnesium intake helps to regulate neurotransmitter activity in the brain, there are a host of benefits when it comes to mental health.

Magnesium supplements are known to improve muscle function and reduce pain after exercise. This is because magnesium helps to relax muscles and reduce inflammation.

Let’s examine a few more benefits of magnesium supplements and what the experts are saying.

May Improve Mood

Magnesium deficiency has been linked to poor mood and anxiety, and studies are proving that taking magnesium supplements are making a difference for improving moods and combating anxiety.

In fact, research has shown that magnesium supplementation can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.

One study found that magnesium was as effective as antidepressant medication in treating depression and with none of the side effects that can come with antidepressant medication.

By regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in the brain, magnesium works to improve mood.

Low levels of certain neurotransmitters have been linked directly to depression and anxiety. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that’s linked to feelings of wellbeing and happiness. 

Another known fact is that magnesium plays a role in energy metabolism and blood sugar regulation, which can also affect one’s mood.

May Improve Sleep

Getting enough magnesium can also have a positive impact on sleep quality. Magnesium plays a role in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm and it has been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and increase total sleep time.

In addition, magnesium helps to promote deep sleep and reduce the number of nighttime awakenings. Magnesium helps to relax the body and reduce stress levels, which can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Magnesium also helps to regulate melatonin levels, the hormone that controls the body’s sleep-wake cycle. By increasing melatonin levels, magnesium can help to promote deeper, more restful sleep. 

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, magnesium supplementation may be worth considering.

May Help Reduce Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications such as heart attacks and strokes.

While there are many medications available to help reduce blood pressure, some people may also be interested in exploring natural remedies. One such remedy is magnesium.

Experts are saying that research is showing that magnesium can help to reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and promoting healthy kidney function.

One study found that magnesium supplements were able to lower systolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

Along with this, magnesium has been shown to improve other markers of cardiovascular health, such as cholesterol levels and heart rate. 

May Improve Migraines

Migraines can be extremely debilitating, influencing everything from your mood to your ability to concentrate.

For some people, magnesium supplements can be an effective way to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Magnesium deficiency is a contributing factor to migraines. By increasing magnesium levels, supplements may help to reduce the frequency of migraines and quite possibly make them less severe. 

Also, because magnesium helps to relax blood vessels, evidence suggests that it can help to reduce the symptoms of migraines, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. 

Magnesium Risks

Magnesium is an important mineral that people need to have in their diets. It helps with energy production, muscle contractions and bone health.

Some people might think that it would be a good idea to take magnesium supplements to ensure that they are getting enough of the mineral.

However, there are some potential risks associated with taking magnesium supplements.

Magnesium supplementation in moderation is generally safe, but it is always best to err on the side of caution.

You should speak with your healthcare provider before taking magnesium supplements to determine whether you are someone who should avoid taking magnesium.

Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of taking magnesium supplements. There are a few reasons why this may be the case.

Magnesium, particularly magnesium citrate, can have a laxative effect if taken in large doses. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, both of which can cause nausea.

Some people may be sensitive to magnesium, which can lead to an upset stomach even in small doses. If you experience nausea after taking magnesium supplements, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

In some cases, simply reducing the dose may be all that is needed to alleviate the symptom. If you’re taking magnesium citrate, it may be necessary to choose another form of magnesium.

Abdominal Cramping

Magnesium supplements can sometimes cause abdominal cramping. This is because magnesium can act as a laxative, causing the muscles of the intestine to contract. While this effect is usually mild and temporary, it can be uncomfortable for some people.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk of abdominal cramping when taking a magnesium supplement. For example, you can start with a lower dose and gradually increase it as your body adjusts.

You can also take magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate supplements, which are less likely to cause cramping than other forms of magnesium.

With a little trial and error, you should be able to find a supplement regimen that works for you without any unpleasant magnesium side effects.

Diarrhea

Magnesium supplements are often taken to improve overall health or to address specific issues like constipation, anxiety, or even magnesium deficiency.

However, one of the potential side effects of magnesium supplements is diarrhea. This is more common when the magnesium supplement you’re taking is magnesium citrate. This is because magnesium citrate acts as a laxative, causing the bowels to move more frequently.

Typically, this is just a temporary side effect of magnesium supplementation that goes away once the body adjusts to the supplement.

In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. If you experience diarrhea after taking magnesium supplements, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and see your doctor if the diarrhea persists for more than a few days.

With proper precautions, however, magnesium supplements can be a safe and effective way to improve your health.

Medication Interference 

If you’re considering taking magnesium supplements, it’s important to be aware of the potential for medication interference.

Magnesium can interact with a number of different medications, including some used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease and asthma.

In most cases, the interaction is not serious and can be easily managed by adjusting the dosage of magnesium or the other medication with your doctor.

That being said, in some cases, the interaction can lead to more serious magnesium side effects, so it’s essential to talk to your doctor before starting any supplement regimen.

With a bit of planning, you can safely take magnesium supplements without worrying about medication interference.

So, what medications does magnesium definitely interact with? Magnesium supplements can interfere with the absorption of antibiotics, blood pressure medications, in particular those that treat high blood pressure, medications used to treat heart disease, asthma, and calcium supplements.

It can also make it difficult for the body to process lithium, a common treatment for bipolar disorder. If you’re taking any kind of medication, you must talk to your doctor before you start taking magnesium supplements.

Who Should Not Take Magnesium

Dietary supplements are designed to supplement the diet, not replace it. However, some people take supplements in hopes of getting all the nutrients they need from a pill.

This can be particularly tempting when it comes to minerals like magnesium, which are essential but often lacking in the diet.

While magnesium supplements can be helpful for some people, there are certain groups who should avoid them. Let’s take a more advanced look at who doesn’t need to take magnesium.

Diabetics

There are some good reasons why people with diabetes should avoid taking a magnesium supplement. Magnesium can interfere with how insulin works in the body. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy.

When magnesium levels are too high, insulin doesn’t work as well, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.

In severe cases, this can lead to ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition where the body begins to break down fat for energy instead of sugar. If you have diabetes, it’s best to avoid taking a magnesium supplement.

People With Intestinal Disease

Intestinal diseases can be extremely unpleasant, and many people suffering from these conditions may look for ways to ease their symptoms.

But, magnesium is not an effective treatment for intestinal disease and can actually make symptoms worse.

Magnesium supplementation can cause diarrhea and in people with intestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, this can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Also, magnesium can interact with medications being used to treat intestinal diseases, making them less effective.

People With Heart Or Kidney Disease

Kidneys play an important role in filtering out waste products from the body and when they are not functioning properly, magnesium levels can build up to toxic levels.

In addition, magnesium can interact with other medications that people with kidney disease take, such as calcium channel blockers and diuretics.

As a result, it’s critical for people with kidney disease to talk to their doctor before taking any supplements containing magnesium.

Magnesium can also cause other problems in people with kidney disease, such as muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and irregular heartbeat.

While magnesium is an essential nutrient for most people, it can be dangerous for those with kidney disease.

Is Taking a Magnesium Supplement Safe?

According to the office of dietary supplements, magnesium is “the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is essential to good health.”

Despite its importance, many Americans are deficient in magnesium. This can lead to a number of health concerns, including muscle cramps, fatigue, anxiety, and migraines.

Fortunately, magnesium deficiency is easily addressed by taking a supplement or eating magnesium-rich foods.

Some good sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes and whole grains.

Many people find that taking a magnesium supplement helps them to sleep better and reduces stress levels.

Overall, taking a magnesium supplement is safe for most people and can have a range of positive health benefits.

The Bottom Line

So, magnesium supplements are generally safe, but if you fall into one of those groups who should not take magnesium, be sure to ask your doctor about magnesium-rich foods.

Be sure to check out the great health tips click on our Health and Nutrition BLOG. For quality supplements and products, head over to our product page and find exactly what you’re looking for. 

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