Magnesium: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Mg
Scientific name(s)
Magnesium
Family or group:
Minerals and trace elements
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Constipation ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral magnesium intake is useful as a laxative for constipation and for bowel preparation prior to surgery or diagnostic procedures. Magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium hydroxide salts are generally used for this indication. Magnesium sulfate is the most potent.rnrnMagnesium citrate at doses of 8.75 to 25 grams (1.4 to 4 grams of elemental magnesium) has been used. Magnesium hydroxide at doses of 2.4 to 4.8 grams (1 to 2 grams of elemental magnesium) has also been used. Magnesium sulfate has been used at doses of 10 to 30 grams (0.98 to 2.94 grams of elemental magnesium). rnrnMagnesium salts should only be used for the occasional treatment of constipation.rnrn
Posologie
Orally
10 - 30 g
magnesium sulfate
Gastroesophageal reflux ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral magnesium taken as an antacid reduces symptoms of gastric hyperacidity or gastroesophageal reflux. In general, magnesium carbonate, hydroxide, oxide, or trisilicate salts are used. Magnesium hydroxide is the fastest acting. Magnesium carbonate is slower because of its crystalline structure. Magnesium trisilicate has the slowest onset of action and the longest duration of action due to its low solubility. Magnesium hydroxide at doses of 400 to 1200 mg (5–15 ml of milk of magnesia 400 mg/5 ml, 167–500 mg elemental magnesium) has been used up to four times daily. Magnesium oxide at 800 mg (483 mg elemental magnesium) per day has also been used.
Posologie
Oral administration
400 - 1200 mg
magnesium hydroxide
Magnesium deficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral or parenteral administration of magnesium is useful to treat and prevent hypomagnesemia. Magnesium deficiency generally occurs in certain pathological states such as alcoholism and liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, renal dysfunction, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and various malabsorption syndromes. Hypomagnesemia is often associated with other electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, and hypocalcemia. Magnesium deficiency may also negatively affect insulin sensitivity and metabolic control in type 2 diabetes. There is some controversy regarding the route of administration. Because higher oral doses of magnesium can cause diarrhea, some suggest that parenteral administration is preferable. However, oral magnesium can be used cautiously at adequate doses without causing diarrhea. Magnesium gluconate or magnesium chloride is preferable for the oral route because it less often causes diarrhea. A 5% magnesium chloride solution has been used orally at a dose of 2.5 grams of magnesium chloride (300 mg elemental magnesium) per day for 16 weeks.
Posologie
Oral route
300 - 2500 mg
16 - weeks
magnesium chloride
Meal effect on magnesium bioavailability from mineral water in healthy women.
McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
Superiority of magnesium and vitamin B6 over magnesium alone on severe stress in healthy adults with low magnesemia: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial
Oral magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic control in type 2 diabetic subjects: A randomized double-blind controlled trial.
Emotional balance ✪✪✪✪✪
The European health authorities (EFSA, European Food Safety Authority and the European Commission) have determined that products containing magnesium can claim to contribute to normal energy metabolism, the normal function of the nervous system and muscles, and normal psychological function, if and only if these products contain at least 56 mg of magnesium per 100 g, 100 ml, or per package if the product contains only one servingrnrn
Posologie
Orally
300 mg
Muscle pain ✪✪✪✪✪
Extracellular magnesium is essential for maintaining nerve and muscle electrical potentials and for the transmission of impulses across neuromuscular junctions. The inhibitory effect of magnesium on contractions during premature labor (tocolysis) is attributed to antagonism of calcium-mediated myometrial contractions. Oral magnesium has been reported to reduce the incidence of pregnancy-related leg cramps, which may be associated with lower serum magnesium levels. Magnesium has also been shown to be effective in preventing muscle contractions induced by succinylcholine, which is an adverse effect in patients under general anesthesia.rnrnMagnesium contributes to neurotransmission and muscle contraction, including the heart muscle, according to EFSA.rnrn
Posologie
Orally
300 mg
Bone health ✪✪✪✪✪
Magnesium is an essential nutrient, and in the event of deficiency, the body can use bone as a source of magnesium to maintain homeostasis. Indeed, magnesium deficiency increases bone resorption by increasing the formation and activity of osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells). Increased bone resorption causes the release of magnesium as well as calcium from bone. Furthermore, magnesium deficiency may be a risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis, but its exact role is unknown. Clinical research suggests that magnesium, alone or in combination with calcium, vitamin D and other minerals, reduces bone turnover and increases bone density. Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of bones according to EFSA.
Posologie
Orally
300 mg
Fatigue ✪✪✪✪✪
Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to electrolyte balance and to energy metabolism, according to the EFSA.
Posologie
Oral administration
300 mg
Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to magnesium and “hormonal health” (ID 243), reduction of tiredness and fatigue (ID 244), contribution to normal psychological functions (ID 245, 246), maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations (ID 342), maintenance of normal blood pressure (ID 344, 366, 379), protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage (ID 351), maintenance of the normal function of the immune system (ID 352), maintenance of normal blood pressure during pregnancy (ID 367), resistance to mental stress (ID 375, 381), reduction of gastric acid levels (ID 376), maintenance of normal fat metabolism (ID 378) and maintenance of normal muscle contraction (ID 380, ID 3083) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
Type 2 diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Magnesium supplementation significantly reduces blood insulin levels, increases insulin sensitivity, lowers glycated hemoglobin and glucose levels, and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Higher dietary magnesium intake is associated with lower fasting insulin concentrations and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adults and obese children. Observational research has also shown that an increase of 100 mg/day in dietary magnesium intake is associated with a 14 to 15% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Some studies suggest that magnesium supplements can decrease fasting blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. However, other studies suggest that magnesium has no effect on insulin or glucose levels. Differences in these results may reflect differences in the magnesium salts and doses used, or differences in magnesium status among study subjects. For type 2 diabetes, magnesium chloride has been used at 2.5 grams in a 50 ml solution per day for 16 weeks.
Posologie
Oral
250 - 2500 mg
16 - weeks
magnesium chloride
Oral Magnesium Supplementation Improves Insulin Sensitivity And Metabolic Control In Type 2 Diabetic Subjects: A Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial
The Effect Of Magnesium Supplementation On Glucose And Insulin Levels Of Tae-kwan-do Sportsmen And Sedentary Subjects
On The Significance Of Magnesium In Extreme Physical Stress
Oral Magnesium Supplementation Reduces Insulin Resistance In Non-diabetic Subjects - A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Trial
Oral Magnesium Supplementation In Insulin-requiring Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Effects Of Oral Magnesium Supplementation On Insulin Sensitivity And Blood Pressure In Normo-magnesemic Nondiabetic Overweight Korean Adults
The Effect Of Magnesium Supplementation On Glucose And Insulin Levels Of Tae-kwan-do Sportsmen And Sedentary Subjects
Magnesium Improves The Beta-cell Function To Compensate Variation Of Insulin Sensitivity: Double-blind, Randomized Clinical Trial
Premenstrual syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
There is evidence that magnesium supplementation can improve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), particularly mood changes. Oral magnesium intake also appears to prevent premenstrual migraine. A combination of 200 mg of magnesium per day and 50 mg of vitamin B6 per day appears to reduce premenstrual symptoms related to anxiety, notably nervous tension, mood disturbances, and irritability, compared with placebo. Magnesium oxide has been used at 333 mg (200 mg elemental magnesium) per day for two menstrual cycles. A higher dose of 360 mg elemental magnesium three times a day (as magnesium pyrrolidone carboxylate) has been used from day 15 of the menstrual cycle until the start of menstrual flow. Magnesium has also been used at 360 mg three times a day for two months.
Posologie
Orally
200 - 360 mg
Women
Synergies
The potential for dietary supplements to reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
Magnesium supplementation alleviates premenstrual symptoms of fluid retention.
Oral magnesium successfully relieves premenstrual mood changes.
Hypercholesterolemia ✪✪✪✪✪
It has been shown that oral intake of magnesium chloride and magnesium oxide can lead to a slight decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels, and a slight increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia. However, magnesium does not appear to improve lipoprotein(a) levels (a).rnrnMagnesium oxide was used at a dose of 1 gram per day for 6 weeks.rnrn
Posologie
Orally
1 g
6 weeks
magnesium oxide
Osteoporosis ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that oral magnesium intake may reduce bone loss and bone turnover in postmenopausal osteoporosis. In another study of postmenopausal women taking estrogens, daily intake of 600 mg of magnesium plus 500 mg of calcium and a multivitamin supplement increased bone mass more than estrogen alone. Some epidemiological research suggests that magnesium intake is associated with increased bone mineral density, although not all studies have found an association. Magnesium hydroxide at 300 to 1800 mg per day (125-750 mg per day of elemental magnesium) was used for 6 months, followed by 600 mg of magnesium hydroxide (250 mg of elemental magnesium) per day for 18 months.
Posologie
Oral
300 - 1800 mg
24 - months
Seniors, Women
magnesium hydroxide
Synergies
Trabecular bone density in a two year controlled trial of peroral magnesium in osteoporosis.
Dietary magnesium intake, bone mineral density and risk of fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
High blood pressure ✪✪✪✪✪
Most research shows that taking magnesium supplements at daily doses as high as the recommended dietary intake for adults and up to 1000 mg per day can reduce diastolic blood pressure by about 2 mmHg in adults with or without hypertension. Much lower doses do not appear to have this effect. rnrnThe effect of magnesium on systolic blood pressure is contradictory. An analysis of clinical research shows that taking 240 to 970 mg of magnesium daily does not lower systolic blood pressure. However, more recent analyses show that taking magnesium at 120 to 970 mg per day can reduce systolic blood pressure by about 2-4 mmHg in patients with or without hypertension. Larger effects are observed at higher doses. The poor quality of the studies limits the reliability of these results, which is why higher-quality studies are needed to confirm them.rnrnIn general, about 400 to 1000 mg of elemental magnesium per day is used.rnrn
Posologie
Oral
400 - 1000 mg
The effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Magnesium supplementation for the management of essential hypertension in adults.
The dose-dependent reduction in blood pressure through administration of magnesium. A double blind placebo controlled cross-over study.
Effects of magnesium on blood pressure and intracellular ion levels of Brazilian hypertensive patients.
Effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis.
Metabolic syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
High magnesium intake from diet and supplements is associated with a decreased risk of developing metabolic syndrome in healthy women (a 27% decrease), and in healthy young adults (a 31% decrease). Other epidemiological research suggests that people with low serum magnesium levels are 6 to 7 times more likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome than people with normal magnesium levels.rnrnSome clinical research suggests that taking magnesium (365 mg of magnesium aspartate per day) orally for 6 months may improve insulin sensitivity compared to placebo in patients at risk of metabolic syndrome.rnrn
Posologie
Orally
365 mg
magnesium aspartate
Low serum magnesium levels and metabolic syndrome.
Magnesium intake and incidence of metabolic syndrome among young adults.
Oral magnesium supplementation reduces insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects - a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.
Colorectal cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological research shows that increased dietary magnesium intake is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer (but not rectal cancer).rnrn
Posologie
Orally
100 mg
Non-linear association between magnesium intake and colorectal cancer risk
Dietary Intakes of Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Potassium Elements and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer: a Meta-Analysis
Magnesium intake and colorectal tumor risk: a case-control study and meta-analysis
Depression ✪✪✪✪✪
In humans, a supplement of 450 mg of elemental magnesium for 12 weeks was found to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression in elderly, depressed patients with type 2 diabetes and low serum magnesium levels. rnrnThe effects of magnesium intake on the risk of developing depression are inconsistent and unclear. Some population studies have shown that dietary intake of 76 to 360 mg of magnesium per day is associated with a reduced risk of depression. However, higher dietary magnesium intake has not been associated with a reduced risk of depression. In addition, other population studies have not found an association between magnesium intake and the incidence of depression.rnrn
Posologie
Oral
450 mg
12 - weeks
Diabetic neuropathy ✪✪✪✪✪
The progression of diabetic neuropathy is slowed in patients with type 1 diabetes by daily magnesium intake.rnrn
Posologie
Oral
300 mg
5 - years
Fibromyalgia ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral intake of magnesium hydroxide with malic acid appears to reduce the pain and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia in some patients. In addition, taking magnesium citrate at a dose of 300 mg per day for 8 weeks appears to improve some symptoms of fibromyalgia.rnrn
Posologie
Oral
300 mg
8 - weeks
magnesium citrate
Synergies
Alcoholism ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research suggests that taking 30 mmol of magnesium L-aspartate hydrochloride orally daily for 4 weeks reduces sleep onset latency and improves sleep quality in alcoholic patients during alcohol withdrawal.
Posologie
Oral administration
30 mmol
4 - weeks
magnesium L-aspartate hydrochloride
Anxiety ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research suggests that taking 300 mg of elemental magnesium per day, together with hawthorn and California poppy, may be useful in the treatment of mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders.
Posologie
Oral administration
300 mg
Synergies
Migraine ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral intake of high doses of magnesium citrate appears to modestly reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in adults. However, the reliability of these data is limited by the fact that the studies did not specify the magnitude of the improvement. rnrnIn children, oral magnesium appears to help prevent migraines when administered alone, but does not provide additional benefit when administered with conventional medicine.rnrnIn adults, magnesium citrate has been used at doses of 830 to 3625 mg (equivalent to 300 to 600 mg of elemental magnesium) daily, in divided doses, for up to 3 months rnrnIn children, magnesium oxide has been used at a dose of 15 mg/kg (9 mg/kg of elemental magnesium) per day in 3 divided doses for a period of up to 16 weeks.rnrn
Posologie
Oral
830 - 3625 mg
3 - months
Adults
magnesium citrate
Effects of Intravenous and Oral Magnesium on Reducing Migraine: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Prophylaxis of migraine with oral magnesium: results from a prospective, multi-center, placebo-controlled and double-blind randomized study.
Oral magnesium oxide prophylaxis of frequent migrainous headache in children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Gestational diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Magnesium supplementation has been evaluated in patients with gestational diabetes. A small clinical trial in pregnant women with gestational diabetes shows that taking 250 mg per day of magnesium oxide for 6 weeks slightly reduces fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance, and improves insulin sensitivity compared with placebo.rnrn
Posologie
Oral
250 mg
6 - weeks
Pregnant women
magnesium oxide
Stroke ✪✪✪✪✪
Most research has shown that increased dietary magnesium intake is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and lower stroke-related mortality. There is also evidence that magnesium may improve outcomes in patients who have suffered a stroke. A preliminary clinical study shows that using salt that provides the amount of magnesium and potassium corresponding to the recommended nutrient intake for 6 months improves neurological performance compared with using ordinary salt in patients who have had a stroke and who live in an area with magnesium deficiency.
Posologie
Oral
300 mg
Adults
The effects of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber on risk of stroke.
Magnesium intake and incidence of stroke: meta-analysis of cohort studies.
Intake of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber and risk of stroke among US men.
Intake of potassium- and magnesium-enriched salt improves functional outcome after stroke: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind controlled trial.
Association between intakes of magnesium, potassium, and calcium and risk of stroke: 2 cohorts of US women and updated meta-analyses.
Associations of dietary magnesium intake with mortality from cardiovascular disease: the JACC study.
Stress ✪✪✪✪✪
Magnesium can improve the physical and psychological signs of stress, including restlessness and anxiety.
Posologie
Oral administration
300 mg
Synergies
Cardiovascular diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological findings regarding the effect of dietary magnesium on the risk of cardiovascular disease are contradictory. Indeed, some studies show that increased dietary magnesium intake is associated with a reduction in mortality from stroke, coronary heart disease, ischemic heart disease and heart failure, but other epidemiological studies show no effect.
Posologie
Oral administration
300 mg
Magnesium intake and cardiovascular disease mortality: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Dietary magnesium intake is inversely associated with mortality in adults at high cardiovascular disease risk
Calcium, magnesium and potassium intake and mortality in women with heart failure: the Women's Health Initiative
Relationship Between Dietary Magnesium Intake and Incident Heart Failure Among Older Women: The WHI
Circulating and dietary magnesium and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Coronary heart disease ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that taking magnesium oxide at a dose of 800 to 1200 mg per day for 3 months reduces platelet thrombosis by 35% compared with placebo in patients with coronary heart disease.
Posologie
Oral
800 - 1200 mg
Attention deficit disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The role of magnesium in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains uncertain. Several studies have shown a positive correlation between low magnesium levels and ADHD. Magnesium supplementation at 0.6 to 0.8 mg/kg/day in combination with vitamin B6 at 6 mg/kg/day has shown a significant improvement in behavior.
Posologie
Oral
300 mg
Children
Synergies
The effects of magnesium physiological supplementation on hyperactivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Positive response to magnesium oral loading test
Magnesium status and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A meta-analysis
Significantly lower serum and hair magnesium levels in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder than controls: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Obesity ✪✪✪✪✪
A meta-analysis of 7 clinical studies in obese patients shows that magnesium intake reduces body mass index (BMI) by 0.3 compared to control. Another meta-analysis of 7 studies in obese patients shows that while magnesium supplementation does not reduce weight, it reduces waist circumference by 2 cm compared to placebo. rnrn
Posologie
Oral
300 mg
12 weeks
Properties
Digestive effect
Magnesium salts are antacids that react with gastric acid to form magnesium chloride. Magnesium hydroxide has the fastest onset of action. rnrnOn the other hand, magnesium salts have laxative effects and cause diarrhea, which is due to the osmotic effects of salts not absorbed in the intestine and colon, and to the stimulation of gastric motility by the release of gastrin (a gastric hormone that stimulates acid secretion) and cholecystokinin (a gastrointestinal hormone that promotes the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile).rnrn
Usages associés
Bone density
Magnesium is an essential nutrient, and in the case of deficiency, the body may use bone as a source of magnesium to maintain homeostasis. Indeed, magnesium deficiency increases bone resorption by increasing the formation and activity of osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells). Increased bone resorption causes the release of magnesium as well as calcium from the bones.rnrnFurthermore, magnesium deficiency may be a risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis, but its exact role is unknown.rnrnClinical research suggests that magnesium, alone or in combination with calcium, vitamin D and other minerals, reduces bone turnover and increases bone density.rnrn
Usages associés
Essential
Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral used in the human body, as a cofactor, in more than 300 biochemical reactions necessary for the maintenance of homeostasis. The biological functions of Mg are broad and varied and include the production of nucleic acids, involvement in all reactions driven by adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and the modulation of any activity mediated by intracellular calcium concentration fluxes (for example, insulin release, muscle contraction). European health authorities (EFSA, European Food Safety Authority and the European Commission) have determined that products containing magnesium may claim to contribute to normal energy metabolism, the normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles, the body's electrolyte balance, protein synthesis and normal cell division, normal psychological function, the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth and the reduction of fatigue, if and only if these products contain at least 56 mg of magnesium per 100 g, 100 ml or per package if the product contains only one serving.
Usages associés
Analgesic
Magnesium is an antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are involved in the potentiation of pain. In addition, magnesium has a depressant effect on nerves and smooth muscles, thereby contributing to pain relief. On the other hand, magnesium may play a role in migraines. Indeed, low magnesium levels can induce cerebral arterial vasoconstriction, increase platelet aggregation, promote the release of serotonin, and potentiate the vasoactive properties of serotonin.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
Magnesium is known to be essential in all reactions powered by adenosine triphosphate (ATP), including its ability to facilitate the movement of calcium across the cell membrane of cardiac and vascular tissues. Epidemiological studies show that magnesium deficiency is associated with increased ventricular arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore, there is evidence that magnesium is important in the regulation of blood pressure. Magnesium deficiency has caused increased intracellular concentrations of sodium and potassium, which can lead to increased peripheral resistance and vasospasm. In cell membranes, a decrease in magnesium concentration and an increased calcium/magnesium ratio have been associated with hypertension. There is also evidence that hypertensive patients with hypomagnesemia generally require more antihypertensive medication than hypertensive patients with normal magnesium levels. Finally, there is evidence that serum magnesium deficiency may play a role in ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
Usages associés
Neurological
Extracellular magnesium is essential for maintaining nerve and muscle electrical potentials and for transmitting impulses across neuromuscular junctions. rnrnEvidence shows that magnesium can act as a neuroprotective agent in patients with acute stroke. There are several possible mechanisms explaining this neuroprotection, including noncompetitive antagonism of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) (ionotropic receptors) and antagonism of calcium channels.rnrnIn animal research, magnesium has been shown to prevent post-hypoxic brain injury by blocking the excessive release of glutamate and the ensuing calcium influx. rnrnOn the other hand, magnesium plays a role in the prevention and control of seizures by blocking neuromuscular transmission and decreasing the release of acetylcholine at motor nerve terminals.rnrnIn pre-eclampsia and eclampsia the mechanism of action of magnesium is not clear. There is evidence that magnesium dilates blood vessels in the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce ischemia. Conversely, there is other evidence that magnesium may decrease CNS blood flow. Moreover, magnesium may have anticonvulsant actions in eclampsia due to reduced neuromuscular transmission, a direct inhibitory effect on smooth muscle, and CNS depression.rnrn
Usages associés
Anxiolytic
A relationship between magnesium status and anxiety is evident in humans. Indeed, anxiety increases urinary excretion of magnesium, which leads to a partial reduction in magnesium levels. Moreover, magnesium modulates the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is essential in the stress-response system. Indeed, magnesium supplementation has been shown to attenuate HPA axis activity. Activation of this axis triggers autonomic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral adaptive responses to cope with the demands of the stressor, including increased anxiety. A number of plausible mechanisms have been described that may explain the relationship between magnesium and anxiety. Indeed, magnesium reduces neuronal hyperexcitability by inhibiting the activity of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors involved in anxiety and panic disorder. On the other hand, magnesium may modulate anxiety by increasing the availability of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and by decreasing presynaptic glutamate release. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that counterbalances the excitatory action of glutamate. An imbalance between GABA and glutamate is associated with the neuronal hyperexcitability characteristic of pathological anxiety.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
An animal study noted that oral administration of magnesium in combination with a subtoxic dose of cadmium was able to normalize oxidative biomarkers (SOD, MDA, O2). The antioxidant properties of magnesium can be reduced by calcium.
Antidepressant
A relationship between magnesium and depressive states has been established. Magnesium plays a key role in the activity of psychoneuroendocrine systems involved in the pathophysiology of depression. For example, all elements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are sensitive to the action of Mg (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis consists of the interactions among the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands; it controls stress responses). It has also been shown that magnesium attenuates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (a hormone secreted by the pituitary that stimulates the adrenal cortex) and may influence the passage of corticosteroids into the brain across the blood-brain barrier. In animals, experimentally induced hypomagnesemia leads to depression-like behavior, which is effectively treated by administration of antidepressants. In humans, a magnesium-poor diet is associated with depression. Low levels of Mg in serum and cerebrospinal fluid have also been associated with depressive symptomatology.
Usages associés
Hypoglycemic
There is evidence that magnesium plays a role in diabetes and metabolic syndrome. In clinical research, oral magnesium has been reported to improve glycemic control in some patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, low magnesium levels are associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Blood magnesium levels may play a role in insulin resistance. Indeed, insulin is involved in the intracellular movement of magnesium. In turn, intracellular magnesium appears to regulate insulin activity on the oxidative metabolism of glucose. Low intracellular magnesium levels lead to disturbances in tyrosine kinase activity at insulin receptors, resulting in decreased insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Magnesium is also thought to enhance the action of enzymes involved in glucose utilization.
Usages associés
Hypolipidemic
Experimental magnesium deficiency is accompanied by hyperlipidemia with an increase in VLDL and LDL lipoproteins, a decrease in HDL, and an increased susceptibility of lipoproteins to lipid peroxidation. In humans as well, an inverse correlation has been observed between blood magnesium levels and VLDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B.
Usages associés
Immunomodulatory
The role of magnesium in immunity is well observed in animals and is sufficiently likely in humans that this relationship should not be dismissed. Indeed, for a long time, the protective action of magnesium salts in serum anaphylaxis has been demonstrated. Currently, there are numerous experimental data concerning magnesium-immune system relationships. In magnesium-deficient rats, a marked decrease in the various immunoglobulins IgM, IgG, IgA is observed. Moreover, this deficiency induces hypersensitivity to immunological stress. These changes are reversible with magnesium administration.rnrn
Safe dosage
Child aged 1 to 2 years: 170 mg
Child aged 3 to 9 years: 230 mg
Child aged 10 to 17 years: 250 mg
Infant aged 7 to 11 months: 80 mg
Adults aged 18 years and older: 300 mg
Breastfeeding women aged 18 years and older: 300 mg
Pregnant women aged 18 years and older: 300 mg
Interactions
Médicaments
Antacids: moderate interaction
The use of antacids may reduce the laxative effect of magnesium oxide. This may be because, under acidic conditions, magnesium oxide is converted to magnesium chloride and then to magnesium bicarbonate, which promotes the osmotic laxative effect. Antacids, which reduce stomach acidity, can reduce the conversion of magnesium oxide into the active bicarbonate salt.
Calcium channel blockers: moderate interaction
Magnesium inhibits the entry of calcium into smooth muscle cells and may therefore have additive effects with calcium channel blockers.
Digoxin: moderate interaction
Clinical evidence suggests that oral magnesium hydroxide or magnesium trisilicate therapy reduces intestinal absorption of digoxin. This can lower digoxin blood levels and decrease its therapeutic effects.
Bisphosphonates: moderate interaction
Cations, including magnesium, can decrease the absorption of bisphosphonates. Advise patients to separate doses of magnesium and these medications by at least 2 hours.
Levodopa: strong interaction
Magnesium oxide may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa/carbidopa when taken at the same time. Advise patients to avoid taking levodopa/carbidopa at the same time as magnesium.
Sulfonylureas: moderate interaction
Concurrent use of sulfonylureas and magnesium-based antacids may theoretically increase the risk of hypoglycemia in some patients. This effect is related to the ability of magnesium-based antacids to raise gastrointestinal pH, which leads to increased solubility and improved absorption of sulfonylureas.
Amphotericin B: strong interaction
Electrolyte disturbances, including low serum magnesium levels, develop in a large proportion of patients receiving amphotericin B.
Pentamidine: strong interaction
Symptomatic hypomagnesemia may occur with pentamidine, especially when it is administered intravenously. This is likely due to damage to the renal tubules, resulting in increased urinary losses of magnesium.
Tacrolimus: strong interaction
Tacrolimus reduces renal tubular reabsorption of magnesium, producing increased magnesium wasting. This leads to hypomagnesemia in a significant proportion of patients treated with tacrolimus.
Proton pump inhibitor: strong interaction
Long-term use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) has been linked to an increased risk of hypomagnesemia in observational research. PPIs are thought to inhibit the active transport of magnesium in the intestine.
Precautions
Renal insufficiency: use with caution
Magnesium should be used with caution in people with reduced renal function due to an increased risk of hypermagnesemia.rnrn
