Magnesium is a crucial component of your health. It plays a role in a range of bodily functions, from your muscles to your nerves to your bones and even your heartbeat. Many people who are concerned about failing to fit enough magnesium into their diets turn to magnesium supplements, which are known to help improve sleep, physical performance, mental health, and more.
However, if you’re considering adding a magnesium supplement to your daily regimen, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects. All supplements come with possible downsides, and magnesium is no exception.
We spoke to nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet, in order to shed some light on some of the risks at hand when it comes to taking magnesium. She told us that digestive issues, interaction with other medications, and in extreme cases, toxicity are some of the biggest concerns. Find all of her expert insight below.
1. Digestive issues
For starters, Richards warns that consuming too much magnesium can result in digestive issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. "This is especially true when taking high doses of magnesium supplements or forms like magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide, which have laxative effects," she tells us. For this reason, it's always important to stick to recommended doses, and even start out small when adding a magnesium supplement to your routine.
2. Magnesium toxicity
People with kidney issues should especially be careful when taking magnesium, since their kidneys may not be able to properly process and eliminate the supplement from their blood. This could result in magnesium toxicity, leading to a range of health complications.
"In rare cases, excessive magnesium intake from supplements can lead to magnesium toxicity, resulting in symptoms like irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and confusion," Richards tells us. "This is more likely to occur when magnesium supplements are taken in excessive doses or when kidney function is impaired."
3. Interactions with other medications
Finally, it's always important to do your research on how any new supplement you're considering may interact with other medications and supplements. The wrong combos can be extremely dangerous for certain individuals.
Richards notes that "magnesium supplements may interact with certain medications, including antibiotics and medications for blood pressure, osteoporosis, and diabetes, potentially affecting their absorption and effectiveness." Yikes!
The bottom line
At the end of the day, magnesium supplements are generally safe for consumption. All in all, the same guidelines apply to magnesium as all supplements: Stick to the recommended doses, educate yourself on the risks and potential interactions, and always speak to a healthcare professional ahead of time.
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