Magnesium

Vitamin / Mineral Supplement Overview:
Magnesium is one of the most plentiful minerals in the soft tissue. It is found in high concentrations inside cells, namely those of the brain and heart. The average adult body contains around 20-28 g of magnesium with about 60 percent is present in the bones. The rest is in the muscle, soft tissue and body fluids.

How This Mineral Works in Your Body:
Assist bone growth
Aids function of nerves and muscles, including regulation of normal heart rhythm
Conducts nerve impulses
Works as a laxative in large doses
Acts as antacid in small doses
Strengthens tooth enamel
Produces and transfers energy in the body
Maintains healthy heart, bones, muscles and blood vessels
Important in protein and carbohydrate metabolism
Aids in the transport of substances across cell membranes
Essential for the manufacture of genetic material
Activates essential enzymes
Helps transport sodium and potassium across cell membranes
Influences calcium levels inside cells
May help weaken the effects of lead poisoning
May reduce kidney stones
May be taken to treat heart disease
Anyone without proper caloric or dietary intake or with increased nutritional requirements
Those who abuse alcohol or other substances
People with a chronic wasting illness
Anyone who has recently undergone surgery
Vomiting and Diarrhoea may increase necessity
With medical supervision, may supplement treatment of acute myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, digitalis toxicity and congestive heart failure

Where This Mineral is Found:
Almonds
Herring
Avocados
Leafy, green vegetables
Bananas
Mackerel
Bluefish
Molasses
Carp
Nuts
Cod
Ocean perch
Collards, beet greens
Shrimp
Dairy products
Swordfish
Flounder
Wheat germ
Halibut
Whole wheat bread
Peanuts
Baked beans
Beet greens
Brown rice, cooked
Kidney beans, can
Cashew nuts
Spinach, boiled
Halibut, baked
Chick peas
Black eyed peas
Artichokes
Apricots, dried
Sweetcorn
Green peas
Raisins
Whole wheat spaghetti, cooked
Avocado
Oatmeal, cooked

Using Magnesium:
Take tablets, capsules and extended release tablets with a full glass of liquid. Do not chew or crush. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless otherwise advised by your physician.
Liquids or powders should be taken with at least one full glass of liquid while drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Magnesium is available as:
Tablets
Capsules
Extended-release
Liquid
Powder
A constituent of many multivitamin/mineral preparations
Injection (given by doctors or nurses)

Recommended Magnesium Daily Intakes:
Suggested Intake: 350-500 mg
Men (under 30): 400 mg
Men (over 30): 420 mg
Women (under 30): 310 mg
Women (over 30): 320 mg
Pregnancy (14-18): 400 mg
Pregnancy (19-30): 350 mg
Pregnancy (over 30): 360 mg
Lactating (14-18): 360 mg
Lactating (19-30): 310 mg
Lactating (over 30): 320 mg
Children(1-6 yrs): 80-130 mg
Children (9-13 yrs): 240 mg
Children (14-18yrs): 360-410 mg

Medical Precautions: Do not take if you have:
Kidney failure
Heart block (unless you have a pacemaker)
Had an ileostomy

Consult your doctor if you have:
Chronic constipation, colitis, Diarrhoea
Symptoms of appendicitis
Stomach or intestinal bleeding

Over 55:
It is more likely that adverse reactions and side effects will be experienced

Pregnancy:
There is a risk to the fetus, therefore do not take.

Breastfeeding:
Do not take magnesium unless advised by your physician to do so.

Vitamin Supplement Storage:
Keep in a cool and dry location and away from direct light, but do not freeze.
Keep safely away from children
Do not keep in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and dampness may alter the action of the mineral.

Safe Vitamin / Mineral dosage:
It is advised that you consult with your physician for the proper dose for your condition

Others:
Excess magnesium is retained due to chronic kidney disease
Adverse reactions, side effects and interactions with medicines, vitamins or minerals occur only rarely when you take too much magnesium for too long or if you have kidney disease.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency:
Following symptoms occur rarely:
Muscle contractions and tremors
Convulsions
Confusion, delirium, memory and concentration difficulties
Irritability
Nervousness
Skin problems
Hardening of soft tissues
Hypertension
Arrhythmia
Personality changes
Anorexia
Weakness, tiredness
Vertigo
Involuntary eye movements
Unsteady gait
Irregular heartbeat
Palpitations
Low blood sugar

Symptoms of advanced Magnesium deficiency:
Loss of hair
Swollen gums
Damage to the arteries resembling atherosclerosis

Overdose:
Signs and symptoms : What to do
Severe nausea and vomiting, extremely low blood pressure, extreme muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, heartbeat irregularity, fluid retention, lethargy, flushing of the skin, renal failure : Discontinue use of mineral. Call physician immediately.

Accidental Overdose:
Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for operator or call your closest Poison Control Center for immediate attention.

Lab tests for deficiency detection:
Serum magnesium

Effect on lab tests:
Inaccurate test for stomach-acid secretion
May increase or decrease serum-phosphate concentrations
May decrease serum and urine pH

Magnesium Side Effects:
Signs and symptoms : What to do
Abdominal pain : Discontinue use of mineral. Call physician immediately.
Appetite loss : Discontinue use of mineral. Call physician immediately.
Diarrhoea : Discontinue use of mineral. Call physician immediately.
Irregular heartbeat : Seek emergency treatment
Mood changes or mental changes : Discontinue use of mineral. Call physician immediately.
Nausea : Discontinue use of mineral. Call physician immediately.
Tiredness or weakness : Discontinue use of mineral. Call physician immediately.
Urination discomfort : Discontinue use of mineral. Call physician immediately.
Vomiting : Discontinue use of mineral. Call physician immediately.

Interactions:
Interacts with : Combined effect
Antibiotics (some) : Decreases magnesium levels.
Cellulose sodium phosphate : Decreases magnesium effect. Take 1 or more hours apart.
Diuretics (some) : Decreases magnesium level.
Ketoconazole : Reduces absorption of ketoconazole. Take 2 hours apart.
Mecamylamine : May slow urinary excretion of mecamylamine. Avoid combination
Tetracycline : Decreases absorption of tetracycline.
Vitamin D : May raise magnesium level too high.
Calcium : Regulates blood vessel tone and contraction of muscles, including heart muscle

CANADIAN MEDICAL GUIDE Thank you for visiting Canadian Medical Guide .com