Magnesium is a mineral that is crucial to the body’s function. Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal, supports muscle and nerve function, and energy production. Every organ in the body, especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys, needs the mineral magnesium. It also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones.
Magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) is a condition in which the amount of magnesium in the blood is lower than normal. Common symptoms include: abnormal eye movements (nystagmus), convulsions, fatigue, muscle spasms or cramps, muscle weakness and numbness.
Adults who get less than the recommended amount of magnesium are more likely to have elevated inflammation markers. Low magnesium appears to be a risk factor for osteoporosis. Chronically low levels can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are used to treat acid reflux and have also been tied to low magnesium levels. Examples of PPIs include dexlansoprazole [Dexilant], esomeprazole [Nexium], lansoprazole [Prevacid], omeprazole [Prilosec, Zegerid], pantoprazole [Protonix], and rabeprazole [Aciphex].
Supplemental magnesium can interact with certain medicines, including diuretics, heart medicines, or antibiotics. Magnesium is the main ingredient in many antacids and laxatives. Check with your practitioner if you are considering magnesium supplements, especially if you routinely use antacids or laxatives containing magnesium.
High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Magnesium supplements often cause softening of stool. Signs of a magnesium overdose can include nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. At very high doses, magnesium can be fatal.
There’s some evidence that eating foods high in magnesium and other minerals can help prevent high blood pressure in people with prehypertension. Eating whole foods is always best, as magnesium can be lost during refinement and processing. Natural food sources of magnesium include: green, leafy vegetables (like spinach), nuts, beans, peas, soybeans, and whole-grain cereals.
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, no more than 350 mg by mouth daily.
Griffin, R. (2022, Nov 15) Magnesium. Web MD.
National Institutes of Health. (2020, Sep 25). Magnesium. Office of Dietary Supplements.
National Library of Medicine. (2021, Feb 8). Magnesium deficiency. Medline Plus.
Zeratsky, K. (n.d.) I’ve heard that magnesium supplements have health benefits. Should I take one? Mayo Clinic.
Learn More
The Effect Of Magnesium On Sodium-Potassium Balance | LiveStrong
Never Take These Three Forms Of Magnesium | Marc Micozzi MD
Should You Take Calcium And Magnesium Together? | LiveStrong
Signs You May Have A Magnesium Deficiency | Cleveland Clinic
What Are The Causes Of Low Magnesium And Potassium? | LiveStrong
Reacted Magnesium
Reacted magnesium provides three unique forms of highly absorbed magnesium to ensure maximum absorption of this important macromineral. Most magnesium supplements use only a single-source of magnesium, which can easily overwhelm a single pathway of absorption, and limit uptake of high-dose magnesium regimens. Reacted magnesium takes advantage of three unique pathways of absorption by providing magnesium as di-magnesium malate, magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate for enhanced absorption, improved utilization and gastrointestinal comfort.
Where to Purchase Reacted Magnesium
Amy Beard MD
Ortho Molecular Products
Professional Supplement Center
