Magnesium

The body needs magnesium for enzyme activation. It is critical for energy production, protein formation, and cellular replication. Magnesium also activates the sodium-potassium pump in cells. Arguably its most important function is its essential role in the proper functioning of the entire cardiovascular system. Magnesium deficiency can be a predisposition to many conditions such as heart disease, kidney stones, cancer, and insomnia. Deficiency is common enough in the United States that scientists have recommended fortifying drinking water with magnesium to the Federal Drug Administration.

Magnesium has proved successful in handling many cardiac conditions, including cardiomyopathy and high blood pressure. Acute and chronic magnesium deficiencies are associated with increased risk for heart attack. Eight studies involving over 4,000 patients showed that intravenous supplementation within the first hour of hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction decreased the long term complications and death rate from heart attacks. Prinzmetal’s variant angina, a form of angina not caused by atherosclerosis but rather by spasm of a coronary artery, responds well to magnesium supplements. Two studies reported ten years apart indicated that magnesium may be the best treatment for this condition. ¹ Lastly, a 1984 study found magnesium improves conditions of high cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol.²

Magnesium depletion in the heart is thought to be a factor in cardiac arrhythmias. Low levels of magnesium leads to potassium depletion which may cause impaired nerve function and arrhythmia. Patients with congestive heart failure often have low magnesium and coenzyme Q-10 levels. The condition may be compounded further because magnesium may be depleted by other medicines prescribed for this condition.

Magnesium plays a central role in the secretion and action of insulin and in glucose metabolism. The mineral helps control blood sugar and is able to prevent many diabetic complications. Magnesium deficiency is common in diabetics often because insulin administration increases magnesium excretion.³ Diabetics may require twice the minimum dosage of magnesium. Since Vitamin B-6 is required for magnesium to enter the cell, diabetics should take magnesium and B-6 supplements together.

Magnesium is involved in treating a wide variety of other ailments. A 1994 study found magnesium relieves symptoms of chronic fatigue. Users reported increased energy, improved mental state, and reduced pain. This study confirmed the results obtained in clinical trials during the 1960s. Used on a short-term basis, magnesium provides relief to persons with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder by relaxing muscles and opening airways. Long-term oral supplementation has not been fully evaluated. Recognizing magnesium as “nature’s physiological calcium blocker,” Swiss researchers decided to use supplements in place of calcium channel-blocking drugs on glaucoma sufferers. Their 1992 trial study found magnesium improves vision in persons with glaucoma. The mineral may also prevent kidney stones by increasing the solubility of calcium in urine, thereby preventing stone formation. This effect is even stronger in combination with Vitamin B-6. Magnesium citrate appears to be the best form to use in the treatment of kidney stones.

Deficiencies in magnesium can be detrimental to women in their child-bearing years. Deficiency during pregnancy may lead to pre-eclampsia, pre-term delivery, and fetal growth disorders. These outcomes improve with supplementation. Magnesium deficiency is a causal factor in premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A 1994 study examined magnesium across the menstrual cycle. Levels were lower in women who experience PMS.⁴ These low levels were correlated to emotional instability, greater sensitivity to pain, and a lower pain threshold in the period prior to menstruation. A 1984 study indicated magnesium supplements improved symptoms of nervousness, breast tenderness, and weight gain. Even better results have been achieved when magnesium is used in combination with Vitamin B-6.⁵

1 Turlapaty PDMV and Altura BM, Magnesium deficiency produces spasms of coronary arteries: Relationship to etiology of sudden death ischemic heart disease. Science 208, 199, 200, 1980. Goto K et al: Magnesium deficiency detected by intravenous loading test in variant angina pectoris. Am J Cardiol, 65, 709-712, 1990.

2 Davis, WH, et al., Monotherapy with magnesium increases abnormally low high density lipoprotein cholesterol: A clinical essay. Clin Ther Res 36, 341-346, 1984.

3 Djurhuus MS, et al., Insulin increases renal magnesium excretion: A possible cause of magnesium depletion in hyperinsulinaemic states. Diabetic Med 12, 664-669.

4 Djurhuus MS, et al., Insulin increases renal magnesium excretion: A possible cause of magnesium depletion in hyperinsulinaemic states. Diabetic Med 12, 664-669.

5 Piesse JW, Nutritional factors in the etiology of the premenstrual tension syndrome. Int Clin Nutr Rev 4, 54-81, 1984; and Facchinetti F, et al., Oral magnesium successfully relieves premenstrual mood changes. Obstet Gynecol 78, 177-181, 1991.

• Almonds
• Bluefish
• Carp
• Cod
• Flounder
• Halibut
• Herring
• Leafy, green vegetables
• Mackerel
• Molasses
• Nuts
• Ocean perch
• Shrimp
• Snails
• Soybeans
• Sunflower seeds
• Swordfish
• Wheat germ

Available as:

• A constituent of many multivitamin/mineral preparations.
• Most any mineral compound containing the phrase “magnesia” or “magnesium” provides additional magnesium, and often the other substances in the name are not supplied in large enough amounts for use by the body.
• MgO, MgCO-3, MgCitrate, MgGluconate, MgGlycinate, and chelated magnesium.
• Found in various forms: Alumina/Magnesia/Calcium Carbonate, Alumina/Magnesia/Simethicone, Alumina/Magnesium Carbonate, Alumina/Magnesium Trisilicate, Alumina/Magnesium Trisilicate/Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Gluconate, Chelated Magnesium, Magnesium Oxide.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

PROVEN BENEFITS:

• Aids bone growth.
• Aids function of nerves and muscles, including regulation of normal heart rhythm.
• Keeps metabolism steady.
• Conducts nerve impulses.
• Works as laxative in large doses.
• Acts as antacid in small doses.
• Strengthens tooth enamel.
• Alleviates cramps associated with premenstrual syndrome.

What this mineral does:

• Activates essential enzymes.
• Affects metabolism of proteins and nucleic acids.
• Helps transport sodium and potassium across cell membranes.
• Influences calcium levels inside cells.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS:

• Cures alcoholism.
• Cures kidney stones.
• Alleviates heart disease.
• Helps control bad breath and body odor.
• Helps contain lead poisoning.
• Protects against heart attacks.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

• Anyone with inadequate caloric or dietary intake or increased nutritional requirements.
• Those who abuse alcohol or other drugs.
• People with a chronic wasting illness or who have recently undergone surgery.
• Those with recent severe burns or injuries.

Miscellaneous information:

• Twenty to eighty percent of the American population are deficient in this mineral. It has even been suggested to the FDA that drinking water be fortified with magnesium.
• Toxic symptoms are rare in people with properly functioning kidneys.
• Magnesium has been found to be low in women before and during their menstrual period.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

The following symptoms occur rarely:

• Muscle contractions
• Convulsions
• Confusion and delirium
• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Skin problems
• Hardening of soft tissues¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

• Sudden heart failure
• Low levels may contribute to the development of hypertension and heart ailments¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY

• Serum magnesium, though some believe it is an unreliable test unless levels are extremely low
• White or red blood cell content; magnesium retention test; lymphocyte growth response; sublingual cell smears¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

Optimal Levels

• 150-600 mg.

Minimum Dosage

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):

Estimate of adequate daily intake by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council, 1989.

Don't take if you Have:

• Kidney failure.
• Heart block (unless you have a pacemaker).
• An ileostomy.

Consult your doctor if you have:

• Chronic constipation, colitis, diarrhea.
• Symptoms of appendicitis.
• Stomach or intestinal bleeding.

Over age 55:

• Adverse reactions/side effects more likely.

Pregnancy:

• Risk to fetus outweighs benefits. Don't use.

Breast feeding:

• Avoid magnesium in large quantities.
• If you must take temporarily, discontinue breast-feeding. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.
• Don't take megadoses.

Effect on lab tests:

• Makes test for stomach acid secretion inaccurate.
• May increase or decrease serum-phosphate concentrations.
• May decrease serum and urine pH.

Storage:

• Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't freeze.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change action of mineral.

Others:

• Chronic kidney disease frequently causes body to retain excess magnesium.
• Adverse reactions, side effects and interactions with medicines, vitamins or minerals occur ONLY RARELY when too much magnesium is taken for too long or if you have kidney disease.¹

OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

Signs and symptoms:

• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Extremely low blood pressure
• Extreme muscle weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Heartbeat irregularity.

What to do:

• For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue mineral, and consult doctor immediately. Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS.
• For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire bottle): Call emergency services, the telephone operator or your nearest Poison Control Center.¹

ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES