Magnesium is an essential element for the body’s health, but excessive intake, especially through dietary supplements, can lead to side effects ranging from mild digestive disturbances to serious health complications.
A report by the website "Fairwell Health" reviews the most prominent signs of increased magnesium in the body, the safe limits for its intake, and when medical intervention becomes necessary.
Diarrhea… the most common symptom
Diarrhea is the most common indicator of excess magnesium in the body, as this element draws water into the intestines, which softens the stool.
For this reason, some types of it, such as "magnesium citrate" or "magnesium oxide," are used as laxatives.
If you notice frequent diarrhea or loose stools while taking the supplements, it may be a sign that the dose is too high.
Nausea and vomiting
Excessive magnesium intake can irritate the digestive system, causing nausea or vomiting, especially when taken in high doses or on an empty stomach.
The persistence of these symptoms may indicate that the body cannot tolerate the amount consumed.
Abdominal cramps and pain
High magnesium levels can cause abdominal cramps or discomfort, often accompanied by diarrhea due to its effect on fluid balance and bowel movements.
Reducing the dose or changing the type of supplement may help alleviate these symptoms.
Reduction of Blood pressure
Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. However, this effect can be excessive when taken in large quantities.
Some of the most prominent symptoms of low blood pressure include:
Dizziness
-Feeling lightheaded
Fainting
The likelihood of this increases when taking very high doses or in those suffering from certain health conditions.
muscle weakness
Magnesium plays a key role in muscle contraction and relaxation, but excessive amounts may affect neuromuscular activity.
Symptoms may include:
-Muscle weakness
Reduced reactions
-Difficulty with muscle control
In severe cases, this can lead to muscle paralysis.
heart rhythm disorder
High magnesium levels may affect the electrical activity of the heart, leading to:
-Slow heartbeat
Irregular heartbeat
-Feeling palpitations or skipped beats
In severe cases, serious heart rhythm disturbances may occur that require immediate medical intervention.
breathing difficulties
In rare but serious cases, excessive magnesium can affect the muscles responsible for breathing, leading to slow or shallow breathing.
This is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
What should you do if you suspect an excess of magnesium?
If you think you are consuming excessive amounts of magnesium, it is important to review your total intake, including supplements, multivitamins, antacids, or laxatives that may contain it.
In mild cases, reducing the dose or stopping the supplement may help improve symptoms.
However, if symptoms persist or worsen, a doctor should be consulted, especially for kidney patients or those taking medications that affect magnesium levels.
When should you seek medical help?
Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms appear:
-Persistent vomiting
-Severe weakness
Fainting or persistent dizziness
Skin rash or hives
Confusion or extreme drowsiness
breathing difficulties
Patients with kidney disease are more prone to magnesium buildup, given the kidneys' role in eliminating excess magnesium, so they should be careful and consult a doctor before taking any supplements.
What is the excess amount of magnesium?
For most healthy adults, magnesium from food does not pose a risk, as the kidneys efficiently eliminate excess amounts.
But the situation is different with supplements, as the maximum daily limit allowed for magnesium from supplements and medications is about 350 milligrams for adults (not counting food).
Regularly exceeding this limit increases the risk of developing symptoms, especially gastrointestinal disorders.