Health Experts Issue New Warning About Magnesium Supplements — Especially for These Two High-Risk Groups
Magnesium supplements are widely used to support muscle and nerve function, maintain healthy bones, and help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. While they’re safe for many people when taken as directed, health experts caution that they aren’t appropriate for everyone. In particular, two groups face a higher risk of complications.
1. People With Kidney Disease
Healthy kidneys remove excess magnesium from the body. When kidney function is significantly reduced, magnesium can build up in the bloodstream, potentially leading to hypermagnesemia (high magnesium levels).
Symptoms of excess magnesium may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flushing
- Muscle weakness
- Low blood pressure
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
People with moderate to severe kidney disease should only take magnesium supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
2. People Taking Certain Medications
Magnesium supplements can interact with several commonly prescribed medications, including:
- Some antibiotics, reducing how well they are absorbed.
- Bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis.
- Levothyroxine, a medication for hypothyroidism.
- Certain diuretics, which can either increase or decrease magnesium levels depending on the type.
If you take prescription medications, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether you should separate the timing of magnesium from your medication or avoid supplements altogether.
Common Side Effects of Magnesium Supplements
Even in healthy adults, magnesium supplements may cause:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
These side effects are more common with certain forms, such as magnesium oxide, while forms like magnesium glycinate are often better tolerated.
Who May Benefit From Magnesium?
Some people have a medically confirmed magnesium deficiency or a condition where supplementation may be appropriate. However, supplements should ideally be taken based on a healthcare professional’s recommendation rather than self-diagnosing a deficiency.
