Magnesium Toxicity (mg24),

Magnesium Toxicity

Magnesium Toxicity

While studying the different forms of magnesium supplements, I was surprised by the number of people who thought they might be suffering from magnesium toxicity. Even though studies have shown that many people are actually suffering from an unknown magnesium deficiency, many people thought the opposite, that they might be suffering from magnesium toxicity. Suffering from magnesium toxicity is very improbable for healthy persons, and really only generally happens with persons who have a kidney malfunction of some kind. So if you're thinking that you might be suffering from magnesium toxicity, definitely get your kidneys checked out. Of course, taking high doses of a magnesium supplement, much more than the recommended daily intake can cause magnesium toxicity, but that should be obvious to most people.

There is one instance however where magnesium toxicity could arise in otherwise healthy persons.  Some laxatives as well as antacids contain high levels of magnesium.  If you take high doses of either and are suspecting that you have magnesium toxicity, either stop taking the supplements altogether in lieu of others that don't contain magnesium, or else rotate other supplements into your diet that don't contain magnesium.

Magnesium toxicity is rare, much more rare in fact than magnesium deficiency.

Types of Magnesium

A lot of the effects of magnesium on the body depend on what type of magnesium a person is taking. A person doesn't ever take magnesium alone, but always combined with another chemical. That's why most magnesium products are things like magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium glycinate. The magnesium toxicity symptoms depend on what type of magnesium a person is taking. The reason why is because magnesium isn't always all that bio-available, meaning that it's pretty difficult for the body to absorb into the bloodstream from the digestive tract. Often, an overdose of magnesium can cause problems like diarrhea, which is most commonly due to the fact that most of the magnesium that was taken wasn't absorbed into the body, and once it reaches the lower intestine, it causes problems and discomfort.

That's why it's important to find a type of magnesium that's suitable for your needs. Often, people like taking magnesium in powder form that's effervescent when poured into a glass of warm or hot water. Others like taking magnesium in different ways. But from studies, magnesium glycinate has shown to be the most bio-available form of magnesium on the market, meaning that you can take less and get more benefit. Magnesium glycinate combines magnesium with the amino acid glycine, and is absorbed very readily by the body.

Magnesium Toxicity Symptoms

Just to be thorough, I wanted to list some of the specific symptoms that are linked to magnesium toxicity. Some of the symptoms are more general however, and apply to many different kinds of conditions.

1.              Generalized Weakness -- Both in the muscles and in the bones.

2.              Sleepiness -- Fatigue and sleepiness are often associated

3.              Very Low Blood Pressure

4.              Chronic Diarrhea

5.              Shortness of Breath

Magnesium in the Body

Magnesium is an absolutely essential element to the body. In order to maintain healthy teeth and bones, there needs to be a balance between magnesium and calcium. Having too much magnesium doesn't really cause a problem for bones and teeth, but having too little magnesium will definitely lead to bone deficiency. In many reports, there is a direct correlation between countries that have the worst calcium to magnesium ratio, and instances of bone dysfunction like osteoporosis. Magnesium is also very therapeutic. I've personally taken it to help battle sleeplessness, which is very effective. But it also soothes and relaxes muscles, and promotes a general state of comfort.

Magnesium has also been called a life saving drug. Another hubber recently informed me of his personal experience with magnesium, how it powerfully halted seizures within 30 seconds of intake, and how on the labels of some powerful medications it instructed that magnesium should be administered intravenously as a last resort, if all else failed. So as you can see, magnesium is a very useful element in the human body, very well regulated by the kidneys and other organs. Having a magnesium toxicity is very unlikely, and if you're at all suspecting having magnesium toxicity, you should consult a physician immediately, because your condition could be both rare and serious.

Magnesium Toxicity vs Deficiency

Magnesium toxicity is a much more rare condition than magnesium deficiency.  Most often, persons have an unknown deficiency rather than a toxic condition.  According to the National Academy of Sciences, most Americans are deficient in magnesium, among other possible deficiencies.  Magnesium is a very abundant element in the body, and toxicity only happens through a few very specific circumstances.  However, if you think you might be experiencing magnesium toxicity, definitely consult a physician, as your condition might be both rare and serious.