Magnesium: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Mg
Scientific name(s)
Magnesium
Family or group:
Minerals and Trace Elements
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Constipation ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral magnesium intake is useful as a laxative for constipation and for bowel preparation prior to surgery or diagnostic procedures. Magnesium citrate, sulfate, and hydroxide salts are commonly used for this indication. Magnesium sulfate salt is the most potent. Magnesium citrate in doses of 8.75 to 25 grams (1.4 to 4 grams of elemental magnesium) has been used. Magnesium hydroxide in doses of 2.4 to 4.8 grams (1 to 2 grams of elemental magnesium) has also been used. Magnesium sulfate has been used in doses of 10 to 30 grams (0.98 to 2.94 grams of elemental magnesium). Magnesium salts should only be used for the occasional treatment of constipation.
Posologie
Oral
10 - 30 g
magnesium sulfate
Gastroesophageal reflux ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral intake of magnesium as an antacid reduces symptoms of gastric hyperacidity or gastroesophageal reflux. Generally, carbonate, hydroxide, oxide, or trisilicate salts of magnesium are used. Magnesium hydroxide acts the fastest. Magnesium carbonate is slower due to its crystalline structure. Magnesium trisilicate has the slowest onset and the longest duration of action due to its low solubility. Magnesium hydroxide in doses of 400 to 1200 mg (5-15 ml of milk of magnesia 400 mg/5 ml, 167-500 mg of elemental magnesium) has been used up to four times a day. Magnesium oxide in doses of 800 mg (483 mg of elemental magnesium) per day has also been used.
Posologie
Oral
400 - 1200 mg
magnesium hydroxide
Magnesium deficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral or parenteral intake of magnesium is useful for treating and preventing hypomagnesemia. Magnesium deficiency generally occurs in certain pathological states such as alcoholism and liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, renal dysfunction, inflammatory bowel diseases, pancreatitis, and various malabsorption syndromes. Hypomagnesemia is often associated with other electrolyte disorders such as hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, and hypocalcemia. Magnesium deficiency can also negatively affect insulin sensitivity and metabolic control in type 2 diabetes. There is some controversy regarding the route of administration. Since higher oral doses of magnesium can cause diarrhea, some suggest that parenteral administration is preferable. However, oral magnesium can be used cautiously at adequate doses without causing diarrhea. Magnesium gluconate or chloride is preferable for oral administration as it less frequently causes diarrhea. A 5% magnesium chloride solution has been used orally, at a rate of 2.5 grams of magnesium chloride (300 mg of elemental magnesium) per day for 16 weeks.
Posologie
Oral
300 - 2500 mg
16 - weeks
magnesium chloride
Meal effect on magnesium bioavailability from mineral water in healthy women.
McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
Superiority of magnesium and vitamin B6 over magnesium alone on severe stress in healthy adults with low magnesemia: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial
Oral magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic control in type 2 diabetic subjects: A randomized double-blind controlled trial.
Emotional balance ✪✪✪✪✪
European health authorities (EFSA, European Food Safety Authority and the European Commission) have determined that products containing magnesium can claim to contribute to normal energy metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles, and normal psychological function, if and only if these products contain at least 56 mg of magnesium per 100 g, 100 ml or per package if the product contains only one serving.
Posologie
Oral
300 mg
Muscle Pain ✪✪✪✪✪
Extracellular magnesium is essential for maintaining nerve and muscle electrical potentials and for transmitting impulses across neuromuscular junctions. Magnesium's inhibitory effect on premature labor contractions (tocolysis) is attributed to its antagonism to calcium-mediated myometrial contractions. Oral magnesium has been reported to reduce the incidence of leg cramps related to pregnancy, which may be associated with lower serum magnesium levels. Magnesium has also proven effective in preventing muscle contractions induced by succinylcholine, an adverse effect in patients under general anesthesia. Magnesium contributes to neurotransmission and muscle contraction, including the heart muscle, according to the EFSA.
Posologie
Oral
300 mg
Bone Health ✪✪✪✪✪
Magnesium is an essential nutrient, and in case of deficiency, the body may utilize bones as a source of magnesium to maintain homeostasis. Indeed, magnesium deficiency increases bone resorption by enhancing osteoclast formation and activity (bone-resorbing cells). Increased bone resorption causes the release of magnesium as well as calcium from the bones. Furthermore, magnesium deficiency could be a risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis, but its exact role is unknown. Clinical research suggests that magnesium, alone or in combination with calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals, reduces bone turnover and increases bone density. Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of bones according to the EFSA.
Posologie
Oral
300 mg
Fatigue ✪✪✪✪✪
Magnesium contributes to the reduction of fatigue and tiredness, electrolyte balance, and energy metabolism, according to the EFSA.
Posologie
Oral
300 mg
Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to magnesium and “hormonal health” (ID 243), reduction of tiredness and fatigue (ID 244), contribution to normal psychological functions (ID 245, 246), maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations (ID 342), maintenance of normal blood pressure (ID 344, 366, 379), protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage (ID 351), maintenance of the normal function of the immune system (ID 352), maintenance of normal blood pressure during pregnancy (ID 367), resistance to mental stress (ID 375, 381), reduction of gastric acid levels (ID 376), maintenance of normal fat metabolism (ID 378) and maintenance of normal muscle contraction (ID 380, ID 3083) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
Type 2 Diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Magnesium supplementation significantly reduces blood insulin levels, increases insulin sensitivity, reduces glycosylated hemoglobin and glucose levels, and lowers the risks of developing type 2 diabetes. A higher dietary intake of magnesium is associated with lower fasting insulin concentrations and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes in obese adults and children. Observational research also shows that an increase of 100 mg/day in dietary magnesium intake is associated with a 14 to 15% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Some research suggests that magnesium supplements may lower fasting blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. However, other research suggests that magnesium has no effect on insulin or glucose levels. Differences in these results may reflect variations in magnesium salts and doses used, or differences in magnesium status among study subjects. For type 2 diabetes, magnesium chloride at a dose of 2.5 grams in a 50 ml solution per day has been used for 16 weeks.
Posologie
Oral
250 - 2500 mg
16 - weeks
magnesium chloride
Oral Magnesium Supplementation Improves Insulin Sensitivity And Metabolic Control In Type 2 Diabetic Subjects: A Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial
The Effect Of Magnesium Supplementation On Glucose And Insulin Levels Of Tae-kwan-do Sportsmen And Sedentary Subjects
On The Significance Of Magnesium In Extreme Physical Stress
Oral Magnesium Supplementation Reduces Insulin Resistance In Non-diabetic Subjects - A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Trial
Oral Magnesium Supplementation In Insulin-requiring Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Effects Of Oral Magnesium Supplementation On Insulin Sensitivity And Blood Pressure In Normo-magnesemic Nondiabetic Overweight Korean Adults
The Effect Of Magnesium Supplementation On Glucose And Insulin Levels Of Tae-kwan-do Sportsmen And Sedentary Subjects
Magnesium Improves The Beta-cell Function To Compensate Variation Of Insulin Sensitivity: Double-blind, Randomized Clinical Trial
Premenstrual Syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Evidence indicates that magnesium supplementation can improve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including mood changes. Oral magnesium seems to also prevent premenstrual migraine. A combination of 200 mg of magnesium per day and 50 mg of vitamin B6 per day appears to reduce PMS symptoms related to anxiety, including nervous tension, mood disorders, and irritability, compared to a placebo. Magnesium oxide has been used at a dose of 333 mg (200 mg elemental magnesium) per day for two menstrual cycles. A higher dose of 360 mg elemental magnesium three times per day (as magnesium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) has been used from the 15th day of the menstrual cycle until the start of menstrual flow. Magnesium has also been used at a dose of 360 mg three times per day for two months.
Posologie
Oral
200 - 360 mg
Women
Synergies
The potential for dietary supplements to reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
Magnesium supplementation alleviates premenstrual symptoms of fluid retention.
Oral magnesium successfully relieves premenstrual mood changes.
Hypercholesterolemia ✪✪✪✪✪
It is proven that oral intake of magnesium chloride and magnesium oxide can lead to a slight decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels, and a slight increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia. However, magnesium does not seem to improve lipoprotein (a) levels. Magnesium oxide has been used at 1 gram per day for 6 weeks.
Posologie
Oral
1 g
6 - weeks
magnesium oxide
Osteoporosis ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that oral intake of magnesium may reduce bone loss and turnover in postmenopausal osteoporosis. In another study involving postmenopausal women taking estrogen, daily intake of 600 mg of magnesium plus 500 mg of calcium and a multivitamin supplement increased bone mass better than estrogen alone. Some epidemiological research suggests that magnesium intake is linked to increased bone mineral density, although not all studies have found an association. Magnesium hydroxide in doses of 300 to 1800 mg per day (125-750 mg per day of elemental magnesium) was used for 6 months, followed by 600 mg of magnesium hydroxide (250 mg of elemental magnesium) per day for 18 months.
Posologie
Oral administration
300 - 1800 mg
24 - months
Seniors, Women
magnesium hydroxide
Synergies
Trabecular bone density in a two-year controlled trial of peroral magnesium in osteoporosis.
Dietary magnesium intake, bone mineral density, and risk of fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Hypertension ✪✪✪✪✪
Most research shows that taking magnesium supplements at daily doses as high as the recommended dietary intake for adults and up to 1000 mg per day can reduce diastolic pressure by about 2 mmHg in adults with or without hypertension. Much lower doses do not seem to have this effect. The effect of magnesium on systolic blood pressure is conflicting. An analysis of clinical research shows that daily intake of 240 to 970 mg of magnesium does not lower systolic blood pressure. However, more recent analyses show that taking magnesium at 120 to 970 mg per day can reduce systolic blood pressure by about 2-4 mmHg in patients with or without hypertension, with greater results at higher doses. The poor quality of the studies limits the reliability of these results, hence better quality studies are needed to confirm these findings. In general, about 400 to 1000 mg of elemental magnesium is used per day.
Posologie
Oral administration
400 - 1000 mg
The effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Magnesium supplementation for the management of essential hypertension in adults.
The dose-dependent reduction in blood pressure through administration of magnesium. A double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study.
Effects of magnesium on blood pressure and intracellular ion levels of Brazilian hypertensive patients.
Effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis.
Metabolic Syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
High magnesium intake from diet and supplements is associated with a decreased risk of developing metabolic syndrome in healthy women (a decrease of 27%) and young healthy adults (a decrease of 31%). Other epidemiological research suggests that people with low serum magnesium levels are 6 to 7 times more likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome than those with normal magnesium levels. Some clinical research suggests that taking magnesium (365 mg of magnesium aspartate per day) orally for 6 months can improve insulin sensitivity compared to placebo in patients at risk of metabolic syndrome.
Posologie
Oral administration
365 mg
magnesium aspartate
Low serum magnesium levels and metabolic syndrome.
Magnesium intake and incidence of metabolic syndrome among young adults.
Oral magnesium supplementation reduces insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects - a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.
Colorectal Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological research shows that increased dietary intake of magnesium is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer (but not rectal cancer).
Posologie
Oral administration
100 mg
Non-linear association between magnesium intake and colorectal cancer risk
Dietary Intakes of Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Potassium Elements and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer: a Meta-Analysis
Magnesium intake and colorectal tumor risk: a case-control study and meta-analysis
Depression ✪✪✪✪✪
In humans, an intake of 450 mg of elemental Mg over 12 weeks has proven effective in reducing symptoms of depression in elderly, depressed patients with type II diabetes and low serum magnesium levels. The effects of magnesium intake on the risk of developing depression are inconsistent and unclear. Some population research has shown that dietary intake of 76 to 360 mg of magnesium per day is associated with a reduced risk of depression. However, higher dietary magnesium intake has not been associated with a reduced risk of depression. Furthermore, other population research has found no association between magnesium intake and the incidence of depression.
Posologie
Oral administration
450 mg
12 - weeks
Diabetic Neuropathy ✪✪✪✪✪
The progression of diabetic neuropathy is slowed in type 1 diabetic patients by daily magnesium intake.
Posologie
Oral administration
300 mg
5 - years
Fibromyalgia ✪✪✪✪✪
Taking magnesium hydroxide with malic acid orally seems to decrease fibromyalgia-related pain and tenderness in some patients. Additionally, taking magnesium citrate at a rate of 300 mg per day for 8 weeks seems to improve some symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Posologie
Oral administration
300 mg
8 - weeks
magnesium citrate
Synergies
Alcoholism ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research suggests that taking 30 mmol of magnesium L-aspartate hydrochloride orally daily for 4 weeks decreases sleep latency and improves sleep quality in alcoholic patients during alcohol withdrawal.
Posologie
Oral administration
30 mmol
4 - weeks
magnesium L-aspartate hydrochloride
Anxiety ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research suggests that taking 300 mg of elemental magnesium per day, combined with hawthorn and California poppy, may be useful in treating mild to moderate anxiety disorders.
Posologie
Oral administration
300 mg
Synergies
Migraine ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral administration of high doses of magnesium citrate seems to modestly reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in adults. However, the reliability of this data is limited as studies have not specified the extent of improvement. In children, oral magnesium seems to help prevent migraines when administered alone, but provides no additional benefit when given with conventional medicine. In adults, magnesium citrate was used at a rate of 830 to 3625 mg (or 300 to 600 mg of elemental magnesium) daily, in divided doses, for a maximum duration of 3 months. In children, magnesium oxide was used at a rate of 15 mg/kg (9 mg/kg of elemental magnesium) per day in 3 divided doses over a period of up to 16 weeks.
Posologie
Oral administration
830 - 3625 mg
3 - months
Adults
magnesium citrate
Effects of Intravenous and Oral Magnesium on Reducing Migraine: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Prophylaxis of migraine with oral magnesium: results from a prospective, multi-center, placebo-controlled and double-blind randomized study.
Oral magnesium oxide prophylaxis of frequent migrainous headache in children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Gestational Diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Magnesium supplementation has been evaluated in patients with gestational diabetes. A small clinical trial in pregnant women with gestational diabetes shows that taking 250 mg per day of magnesium oxide for 6 weeks slightly reduces fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance, and improves insulin sensitivity compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral route
250 mg
6 - weeks
Pregnant women
magnesium oxide
Stroke ✪✪✪✪✪
Most research has shown that an increase in dietary magnesium intake is associated with a decrease in the risk of stroke and a reduction in mortality due to strokes. There is also evidence that magnesium could improve outcomes in patients who have suffered a stroke. A preliminary clinical study shows that using salt providing the magnesium and potassium amounts corresponding to the reference nutritional intake for 6 months improves neurological performance compared to using ordinary salt in patients who have had a stroke and live in a region with magnesium deficiency.
Posologie
Oral route
300 mg
Adults
The effects of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber on risk of stroke.
Magnesium intake and incidence of stroke: meta-analysis of cohort studies.
Intake of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber and risk of stroke among US men.
Intake of potassium- and magnesium-enriched salt improves functional outcome after stroke: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind controlled trial.
Association between intakes of magnesium, potassium, and calcium and risk of stroke: 2 cohorts of US women and updated meta-analyses.
Associations of dietary magnesium intake with mortality from cardiovascular disease: the JACC study.
Stress ✪✪✪✪✪
Magnesium can improve the physical and psychological symptoms of stress, including restlessness and anxiety.
Posologie
Oral route
300 mg
Synergies
Cardiovascular diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological results regarding the effect of dietary magnesium on the risk of cardiovascular diseases are contradictory. Indeed, some research shows that an increase in dietary magnesium intake is associated with a decrease in mortality due to strokes, coronary heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure, but other epidemiological research shows no effect.
Posologie
Oral route
300 mg
Magnesium intake and cardiovascular disease mortality: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Dietary magnesium intake is inversely associated with mortality in adults at high cardiovascular disease risk
Calcium, magnesium and potassium intake and mortality in women with heart failure: the Women's Health Initiative
Relationship Between Dietary Magnesium Intake and Incident Heart Failure Among Older Women: The WHI
Circulating and dietary magnesium and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Coronary diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that magnesium oxide intake of 800 to 1200 mg per day for 3 months reduces platelet thrombosis by 35% compared to placebo in patients with coronary disease.
Posologie
Oral route
800 - 1200 mg
Attention deficit disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The role of magnesium in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains uncertain. Several studies have shown a positive correlation between low magnesium levels and ADHD. Magnesium supplementation at 0.6 to 0.8 mg/kg/day in combination with vitamin B6 at 6 mg/kg/day has shown significant improvement in behavior.
Posologie
Oral route
300 mg
Children
Synergies
The effects of magnesium physiological supplementation on hyperactivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Positive response to magnesium oral loading test
Magnesium status and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A meta-analysis
Significantly lower serum and hair magnesium levels in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder than controls: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Obesity ✪✪✪✪✪
A meta-analysis of 7 clinical studies in obese patients shows that magnesium intake reduces the body mass index (BMI) by 0.3 compared to control. Another meta-analysis of 7 studies in obese patients shows that while magnesium supplementation does not reduce weight, it reduces waist circumference by 2 cm compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral route
300 mg
12 - weeks
Properties
Digestive Effect
Magnesium salts are antacids that react with gastric acid to form magnesium chloride. Magnesium hydroxide has the fastest onset of action. On the other hand, magnesium salts have laxative effects and cause diarrhea, which is due to the osmotic effects of unabsorbed salts in the intestine and colon, and the stimulation of gastric motility by the release of gastrin (gastric hormone that stimulates acid secretion) and cholecystokinin (gastrointestinal hormone promoting the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile).
Usages associés
Bone Density
Magnesium is an essential nutrient, and in cases of deficiency, the body may use bones as a source of magnesium to maintain homeostasis. Indeed, a deficiency in magnesium increases bone resorption by increasing the formation and activity of osteoclasts (bone resorption cells). Increased bone resorption causes the release of magnesium as well as calcium from the bones. Additionally, magnesium deficiency may be a risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis, but its exact role is unknown. Clinical research suggests that magnesium, either alone or in conjunction with calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals, reduces bone turnover and increases bone density.
Usages associés
Essential
Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral used in the human body as a cofactor for more than 300 biochemical reactions necessary for maintaining homeostasis. The biological functions of Mg are broad and varied, including nucleic acid production, involvement in all reactions fueled by adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and modulation of any activity mediated by intracellular calcium concentration fluxes (e.g., insulin release, muscle contraction). European health authorities (EFSA, European Food Safety Authority and the European Commission) have assessed that products containing magnesium can claim to contribute to normal energy metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles, electrolyte balance in the body, protein synthesis and normal cell division, normal psychological function, maintenance of bone and tooth health, and reduction of fatigue, if and only if these products contain at least 56 mg of magnesium per 100 g, 100 ml or per package if the product contains just one serving.
Usages associés
Analgesic
Magnesium is an antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are involved in pain potentiation. Additionally, magnesium has a depressant effect on nerves and smooth muscles thus contributing to pain relief. On the other hand, magnesium may play a role in migraines. Indeed, low levels of magnesium can induce cerebral arterial vasoconstriction, increase platelet aggregation, promote serotonin release, and potentiate the vasoactive properties of serotonin.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
Magnesium is known as essential in all reactions fueled by adenosine triphosphate (ATP), including its ability to facilitate the movement of calcium across the cellular membrane of cardiac and vascular tissues. Epidemiological studies show that magnesium deficiency is associated with an increase in ventricular arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular mortality. Moreover, there is evidence that magnesium is important in regulating blood pressure. A deficiency in magnesium has caused an increase in intracellular sodium and potassium concentrations, which can lead to increased peripheral resistance and vasospasm. In cell membranes, a decrease in magnesium concentration and an increased calcium/magnesium ratio have been associated with hypertension. There is also evidence that hypertensive patients with hypomagnesemia generally require more antihypertensive drugs than hypertensive patients with normal magnesium levels. Finally, there is evidence that serum magnesium deficiency might play a role in ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
Usages associés
Neurological
Extracellular magnesium is essential for maintaining nerve and muscle electrical potentials and for transmitting impulses across neuromuscular junctions. Evidence shows that magnesium may act as a neuroprotective agent in patients with acute stroke. There are several possible mechanisms explaining this neuroprotection, including non-competitive antagonism of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) (ionotropic receptors) and calcium channel antagonism. In animal research, magnesium has been shown to prevent post-hypoxic brain injury by blocking the excessive release of glutamate in the calcium channel. On the other hand, magnesium plays a role in the prevention and control of seizures by blocking neuromuscular transmission and decreasing the release of acetylcholine at motor nerve endings. In pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, the mechanism of action of magnesium is unclear. There is evidence that magnesium dilates blood vessels in the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce ischemia. Additionally, there is other evidence that magnesium may decrease CNS blood flow. Moreover, magnesium may have anticonvulsant actions in eclampsia due to decreased neuromuscular transmission, a direct inhibitory effect on smooth muscles, and CNS depression.
Usages associés
Anxiolytic
A relationship between Mg status and anxiety is evident in humans. Indeed, anxiety increases urinary excretion of Mg, which leads to a partial reduction in Mg levels. Moreover, magnesium modulates the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA), which is essential in the stress response system. Indeed, magnesium supplementation has been shown to attenuate HPAA activity. Activation of this axis triggers adaptive autonomic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral responses to meet the demands of the stressor, including increased anxiety. A number of likely mechanisms have been described that may explain the relationship between Mg and anxiety. Indeed, Mg reduces neuronal hyperexcitability by inhibiting the activity of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors involved in anxiety and panic disorder. On the other hand, magnesium can modulate anxiety by increasing the availability of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and decreasing the presynaptic release of glutamate. GABA is a primary inhibitory transmitter in the central nervous system that counterbalances the excitatory action of glutamate. An imbalance between GABA and glutamate is associated with neuronal hyperexcitability characteristic of pathological anxiety.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
An animal study noted that oral administration of magnesium in conjunction with a subtoxic dose of cadmium was able to normalize oxidative biomarkers (SOD, MDA, O2). The antioxidant properties of magnesium may be reduced by calcium.
Antidepressant
A relationship between magnesium and depressive states has been established. Magnesium plays a key role in the activity of psychoneuroendocrine systems involved in the pathophysiology of depression. For example, all elements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are sensitive to the action of Mg (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis comprises interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, controlling stress responses). It has also been shown that magnesium attenuates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex gland) and may influence the passage of corticosteroids to the brain through the blood-brain barrier. In animals, experimentally induced hypomagnesemia results in depression-like behavior, which is effectively treated by the administration of antidepressants. In humans, a diet low in magnesium is associated with depression. Low levels of Mg in serum and cerebrospinal fluid have also been associated with depressive symptomatology.
Usages associés
Hypoglycemic
There is evidence that magnesium plays a role in diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Clinical research has reported that oral magnesium improves glycemic control in some patients with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, low levels of magnesium are associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Blood magnesium levels could play a role in insulin resistance. Indeed, insulin is involved in the intracellular shifting of magnesium. In turn, intracellular magnesium seems to regulate insulin's activity on the oxidative metabolism of glucose. A low intracellular magnesium level leads to disturbances in tyrosine kinase activity at insulin receptors, resulting in decreased insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Magnesium is also thought to enhance the action of enzymes involved in glucose utilization.
Usages associés
Hypolipidemic
Experimental magnesium deficiency is accompanied by hyperlipidemia with an increase in VLDL and LDL lipoproteins, a decrease in HDL, and an increased susceptibility of lipoproteins to lipid peroxidation. In humans, too, an inverse correlation has been observed between blood magnesium levels and those of VLDL, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B.
Usages associés
Immunomodulator
The role of magnesium in immunity is well observed in animals and sufficiently probable in humans for this relationship not to be dismissed. Indeed, for a long time, the protective action of magnesium salts against serum anaphylaxis was highlighted. Currently, there are numerous experimental data concerning magnesium-immune system relations. In deficient rats, a significant decrease in the various immunoglobulins IgM, IgG, IgA is observed. Moreover, this deficiency induces hypersensitivity to immune stresses. These changes are reversible by magnesium administration.
Safety dosage
Child from 1 to 2 years: 170 mg
Child from 3 to 9 years: 230 mg
Child from 10 to 17 years: 250 mg
Infant from 7 to 11 months: 80 mg
Adult from 18 years: 300 mg
Breastfeeding woman from 18 years: 300 mg
Pregnant woman from 18 years: 300 mg
Interactions
Médicaments
Antacids: moderate interaction
The use of antacids may reduce the laxative effect of magnesium oxide. This may be because, in acidic conditions, magnesium oxide is converted into magnesium chloride and then into magnesium bicarbonate, which promotes the osmotic laxative effect. Antacids, which reduce stomach acidity, can reduce the conversion of magnesium oxide into active bicarbonate salt.
Calcium channel blocker: moderate interaction
Magnesium inhibits the entry of calcium into smooth muscle cells and may therefore have additive effects with calcium channel blockers.
Digoxin: moderate interaction
Clinical evidence suggests that treatment with oral magnesium hydroxide or magnesium trisilicate reduces the absorption of digoxin by the intestines. This may reduce blood levels of digoxin and decrease its therapeutic effects.
Bisphosphonates: moderate interaction
Cations, including magnesium, may decrease the absorption of bisphosphonates. Advise patients to separate magnesium doses and these medications by at least 2 hours.
Levodopa: strong interaction
Magnesium oxide can reduce the effectiveness of levodopa/carbidopa when taken together. Advise patients to avoid using levodopa/carbidopa at the same time as magnesium.
Sulfonamides: moderate interaction
Concurrent use of sulfonamides and magnesium-based antacids may theoretically increase the risk of hypoglycemia in some patients. This effect is related to the ability of magnesium-based antacids to elevate gastrointestinal pH, leading to increased solubility and better absorption of sulfonamides.
Amphotericin B: strong interaction
Electrolyte disturbances, including low serum magnesium levels, develop in a large proportion of patients receiving amphotericin B.
Pentamidine: strong interaction
Symptomatic hypomagnesemia can occur with pentamidine, especially when administered intravenously. This is likely due to damage to renal tubules, resulting in increased urinary magnesium loss.
Tacrolimus: strong interaction
Tacrolimus reduces renal tubular reabsorption of magnesium, leading to increased magnesium loss. This results in hypomagnesemia in a significant proportion of people treated with tacrolimus.
Proton pump inhibitor: strong interaction
Long-term use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) has been linked to an increased risk of hypomagnesemia in observational research. It is believed that PPIs inhibit active transport of magnesium in the intestine.
Precautions
Renal insufficiency: use with caution
Magnesium should be used with caution in people with reduced renal function due to an increased risk of hypermagnesemia.
