Side effects of too much magnesium citrate

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Side Effects of Excessive Magnesium Citrate Intake

Magnesium citrate is commonly used as a dietary supplement and laxative. While it has several health benefits, excessive intake can lead to significant side effects. This article synthesizes findings from multiple research studies to highlight the potential adverse effects of consuming too much magnesium citrate.

Neuromuscular Deterioration and Respiratory Depression

One of the most severe side effects of excessive magnesium citrate intake is neuromuscular deterioration and respiratory depression. A case study reported that a 39-year-old woman experienced a dramatic increase in serum magnesium levels after repeated doses of magnesium citrate, leading to acute neuromuscular issues and respiratory depression. The patient required dialysis to manage hypermagnesemia, and her condition improved slowly over time .

Gastrointestinal Distress

Magnesium citrate is often used as a laxative, and excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and nausea. These symptoms are generally mild but can become severe with higher doses, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Hypermagnesemia

Hypermagnesemia, or elevated magnesium levels in the blood, is a critical concern with excessive magnesium citrate intake. This condition can lead to various complications, including cardiovascular issues, muscle weakness, and impaired kidney function. In severe cases, it can result in life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest and respiratory failure .

Mild Side Effects

In a study assessing the impact of magnesium citrate on diabetic nephropathy patients, the supplement was generally well-tolerated with only mild side effects reported. These side effects did not require any medical intervention, indicating that while mild side effects are common, they are usually manageable .

Conclusion

While magnesium citrate has several health benefits, excessive intake can lead to severe side effects, including neuromuscular deterioration, respiratory depression, gastrointestinal distress, and hypermagnesemia. It is crucial to adhere to recommended dosages and consult healthcare providers before starting any new supplement regimen to avoid these adverse effects.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Abstract 11900: Potassium Magnesium Citrate is Superior to Potassium Chloride in Reversing Metabolic Side Effects of Chlorthalidone

Magnesium supplementation can maintain serum potassium and reverse the metabolic side effects of chlorthalidone, potentially improving safety and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients.

RCT

2023·

0citations

·W. Vongpatanasin et al.

Impact of magnesium supplementation on clinical outcome and disease progression of patients with diabetic nephropathy: a prospective randomized trial

Oral magnesium citrate supplementation improves microalbuminuria, serum osteocalcin, lipid profile, and quality of life in diabetic nephropathy patients without major side effects.

RCT

2023·

1citation

·Nihal Halawa et al.

Cathartic-induced magnesium toxicity during overdose management.

Cathartic-induced magnesium toxicity can occur during overdose management, leading to neuromuscular deterioration and respiratory depression in patients.

Case Report

1986·

41citations

·J. Jones et al.

Effects of Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide, and Magnesium Sulfate Supplementation on Arterial Stiffness: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Intervention Trial

Oral magnesium citrate supplementation for 24 weeks did not significantly change arterial stiffness or blood pressure, with similar nonsignificant effects observed for magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate.

RCTRigorous Journal

2022·

12citations

·J. Schutten et al.

Magnesium Citrate Increases Pain Threshold and Reduces TLR4 Concentration in the Brain

A single dose of magnesium citrate weakens pain transmission and perception in mice, with TLR4 acting as a regulator in magnesium's effects on pain perception.

Rigorous Journal

2020·

3citations

·B. Koc et al.

Successful management of primary hypomagnesaemia with high‐dose oral magnesium citrate: A case report

High-dose oral magnesium citrate effectively managed primary hypomagnesaemia in a 5-year-old infant, resulting in normal serum calcium levels and symptom-free status.

Case Report

2006·

0citations

·İ. Bircan et al.

Effect of varying doses of potassium-magnesium citrate on thiazide-induced hypokalemia and magnesium loss.

Potassium-magnesium citrate at a dosage of 4 tablets per day effectively corrects thiazide-induced hypokalemia and increases urinary pH and citrate for stone prevention, but higher dosages may be needed for prevention of magnesium loss and adverse symptoms.

RCT

1999·

7citations

·L. Ruml et al.

Effects of magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate supplementation on arterial stiffness in healthy overweight individuals: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide, and magnesium sulfate supplementation may improve arterial stiffness and blood pressure in slightly obese individuals, potentially contributing to primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

RCTVery Rigorous Journal

2019·

13citations

·J. Schutten et al.

The Effects of High Level Magnesium Dialysis/Substitution Fluid on Magnesium Homeostasis under Regional Citrate Anticoagulation in Critically Ill

High-magnesium dialysis fluid effectively maintains magnesium levels in critically ill patients under regional citrate anticoagulation, without the need for extra magnesium replenishment.

Non-RCTRigorous Journal

2016·

15citations

·M. Zakharchenko et al.

Serum magnesium concentrations after repetitive magnesium cathartic administration.

Repetitive magnesium citrate use during toxic ingestion treatment can safely raise serum magnesium levels without inducing severe hypermagnesemia.

Observational Study

1990·

23citations

·J. A. Woodard et al.

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