Magnesium

Magnesium

What is it?

• Magnesium is a chemical element which has many different functions within the body. Magnesium is a cofactor for more than 300 enzyme reactions [6].

What is it used for?

• Magnesium can be used to reduce asthma symptoms, help prevent cancer, and improve CAD, DM, depression, fatigue, HTN, leg cramps, migraines, osteo-porosis, and premenstrual syndrome [6].

How does it work in the body?

• Magnesium can help reduce mineral deposits into arteries. Magnesium can increase the activity of TRPM7 receptors which can then increase the effect of anticalcification proteins.

• Magnesium is an essential component for the conversion of Vitamin D to its active form. This conversion allows for optimal calcium absorption, metabolism, and normal parathyroid hormone function.

• Magnesium can have an effect on blood pressure through its functions as a calcium channel blocker by decreasing vascular resistance, and by changing vascular tone and reactivity.

• Magnesium can decrease the rigidness of arteries in those with CAD. For those with diabetes, magnesium can act as a cofactor on the metabolism of insulin and glucose.

• Magnesium can act as an anti-inflammatory agent by controlling the activation of NF-kB activation and the production of cytokin.

• Magnesium can be used as a laxative by its ability to absorb water in the intestines.

• Magnesium can play a role in cancer prevention through its role of maintaining genetic stability, regulating cell proliferation, protecting against insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

• On the contrary, low levels of magnesium have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors. Overall, more research is needed.

Evidence for and against:

• Magnesium has been shown to have a positive effect on preventing osteoporosis.

• Supplementation was associated with decreased fractures and increased bone density.

• It is noted that exceedingly high and low levels have shown to be harmful to bone health.

• Magnesium may have a positive effect on depression or mood as it is essential for the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin. Magnesium can be used as a sleep aid, as it acts as an antagonist on NMDA and inversely acts as an agonist on GABA. One randomized double blind placebo controlled study showed magnesium supplementation stimulates insulin production.

• A case control study showed that those who had a diet rich in magnesium had a lower likelihood of colorectal tumors.

• Those who took magnesium for 1 year along with medical treatment for heart failure had improved life expectancy and improvement in side effects.

• A meta-analysis conducted in 2016 concluded that magnesium supplementation of 300 mg for 1 month may reduce blood pressure in those with hypertension, however, further research is needed.

• A review conducted in 2002 studied pregnant women with leg cramps. Those who supplemented magnesium had the best outcome of reduction in leg cramps when compared to calcium, sodium chloride, or multivitamins. Adults with low intake of magnesium may be at increased risk for asthma.

• A randomized control trial showed improvement in asthma symptoms in those supplemented with magnesium.

• A systematic review by Whelan showed no significant improvement of PMS symptoms with magnesium supplementation.

• One double blind placebo controlled study showed that magnesium sulfate supplementation had a positive effect on migraines.

Interactions with medications:

• When aminoglycosides are taken with magnesium, it can increase the risk of causing neuromuscular weakness and/or paralysis.

• Magnesium may reduce the ability of the body to properly absorb certain types of antibiotics (quinolone, tetracycline, and nitrofurantoin). It is recommended to leave at least an hour between medications.

• Magnesium can cause dizziness, nausea, or fluid retention when taken with calcium channel blockers. Antacids contain magnesium hydroxide which can increase absorption of medications used to regulate blood sugar.

• Magnesium can hinder absorption of fluoroquinolones, when taken together. Leaving at least 4 h between taking the two, can decrease the risk of poor absorption.

• When magnesium and labetalol are taken together, it could slow heart rate or reduce heart function [16]. When magnesium and levomethadyl are taken together, there is risk for QT prolongation. Magnesium can hinder the absorption of these tiludronate and alendronate.

Dosage:

• The RDAs for adult males and females are listed below [17]:

  Males, 19-30 years of age: 400 mg daily.

  Females, 19-30 years of age: 310 mg daily. Males, 31 years of age and over: 420 mg daily.

  Females, 31 years of age and over: 320 mg daily.

• In various studies, the following dosages have been shown to be beneficial [18]:

  Relieving asthma symptoms (-350-450 mg).

  Migraines (360-600 mg/day). HTN (>480 mg/day).

Adverse reactions:

• Magnesium can cause Gl distress (such as nausea or diarrhea), abdominal pain, or bone pain [6].

Precautions/safety concern:

• Magnesium and calcium compete for absorption. When supplementing with magnesium, it is important to check calcium levels in order to minimize risk of calcium deficiency [16].