Magnesium

Related Terms

Chelated magnesium, Emgesan?, Epsom salts, magnesia, magnesium aluminum sulfite, magnesium aspartate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium citrate, magnesium diglycine, magnesium dihydrogen diphosphate, magnesium disuccinate hydrate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium glycerophosphate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium lactate, magnesium malate, magnesium murakab, magnesium orotate, magnesium oxide, magnesium phosphate, magnesium pidolate, magnesium salicylate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium trisilicate, milk of magnesia, Slo-Mag?, Slow-Mag?, Super Malic?, Zuspan regimen.

Background

Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in hundreds of reactions in the human body.
Magnesium sulfate is the main treatment for pregnant women who have seizures or high blood pressure. Strong evidence exists to support these uses of magnesium sulfate. There is also strong evidence to support the use of magnesium in reducing the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Magnesium supplements may also be used to correct magnesium deficiencies.
There is good evidence to support the use of magnesium as an additional therapy for treating severe acute childhood asthma, bleeding in the brain, and hearing loss. It has also been used to relieve pain, control blood sugar, and protect against nerve damage in premature infants. More research is needed to support any other clinical use of magnesium.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Abnormal heart rhythms are the most common complication after heart surgery. Magnesium injected into the vein may reduce the risk of abnormal heartbeat. However, it may lack effect on length of hospital stay, heart attack risk, and death.

A


Abnormal heart rhythms are the most common complication after heart surgery. Magnesium injected into the vein may reduce the risk of abnormal heartbeat. However, it may lack effect on length of hospital stay, heart attack risk, and death.

A


High blood pressure and seizures are common complications of pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate is often injected into the veins in women who have these conditions. This treatment is considered a superior drug for preventing seizures, as well as reducing death, breathing problems, pneumonia, and coma.

A


High blood pressure and seizures are common complications of pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate is often injected into the veins in women who have these conditions. This treatment is considered a superior drug for preventing seizures, as well as reducing death, breathing problems, pneumonia, and coma.

A


Aging may be associated with low levels of magnesium, especially in people who have general nutritional deficiencies. However, low magnesium levels may also be caused by reduced absorption of magnesium, increased loss of magnesium in urine, hormone disorders, insulin resistance, or other diseases or medications. Taking magnesium supplements by mouth has been suggested.

A


Aging may be associated with low levels of magnesium, especially in people who have general nutritional deficiencies. However, low magnesium levels may also be caused by reduced absorption of magnesium, increased loss of magnesium in urine, hormone disorders, insulin resistance, or other diseases or medications. Taking magnesium supplements by mouth has been suggested.

A


Asthma may frequently worsen and range from mild to severe attacks. The use of magnesium sulfate is one of many treatment options available during acute asthma attacks. Magnesium sulfate injected into the vein or given with other asthma therapies has been shown to be effective for acute asthma attacks, particularly in children with severe symptoms. However, magnesium may lack benefit for mild-to-moderate attacks.

B


Asthma may frequently worsen and range from mild to severe attacks. The use of magnesium sulfate is one of many treatment options available during acute asthma attacks. Magnesium sulfate injected into the vein or given with other asthma therapies has been shown to be effective for acute asthma attacks, particularly in children with severe symptoms. However, magnesium may lack benefit for mild-to-moderate attacks.

B


Type 2 diabetes may often be prevented with diet and exercise. Magnesium intake may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as improve blood sugar control in people who have the condition. Magnesium has been found to have only a small impact on other important factors associated with diabetes complications.

B


Type 2 diabetes may often be prevented with diet and exercise. Magnesium intake may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as improve blood sugar control in people who have the condition. Magnesium has been found to have only a small impact on other important factors associated with diabetes complications.

B


The benefits of magnesium taken by mouth have been studied for the treatment of hearing loss caused by noise or an unknown cause. Magnesium treatment has been shown to reduce temporary and permanent hearing loss caused by noise. However, further research is needed in this area.

B


The benefits of magnesium taken by mouth have been studied for the treatment of hearing loss caused by noise or an unknown cause. Magnesium treatment has been shown to reduce temporary and permanent hearing loss caused by noise. However, further research is needed in this area.

B


Magnesium injected into the vein may help reduce the risk of poor outcome and stroke in people who have bleeding in the brain. Increasing magnesium levels may help improve outcome after bleeding in the brain. Further research is needed to confirm the benefits of magnesium in the treatment of hemorrhage.

B


Magnesium injected into the vein may help reduce the risk of poor outcome and stroke in people who have bleeding in the brain. Increasing magnesium levels may help improve outcome after bleeding in the brain. Further research is needed to confirm the benefits of magnesium in the treatment of hemorrhage.

B


Premature delivery may cause many nervous system problems in babies. These include blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy (disorder affecting movement and learning), and other disabilities. Studies have looked at the use of magnesium sulfate therapy before birth as a way to protect against nervous system disorders in the baby. This treatment may help improve motor function in early childhood and reduce the risk of cerebral palsy. Some research suggests that there may be an association between magnesium sulfate treatment and a reduced risk of both cerebral palsy and death. Further research is needed to determine optimal dosing.

B


Premature delivery may cause many nervous system problems in babies. These include blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy (disorder affecting movement and learning), and other disabilities. Studies have looked at the use of magnesium sulfate therapy before birth as a way to protect against nervous system disorders in the baby. This treatment may help improve motor function in early childhood and reduce the risk of cerebral palsy. Some research suggests that there may be an association between magnesium sulfate treatment and a reduced risk of both cerebral palsy and death. Further research is needed to determine optimal dosing.

B


Studies show that magnesium has a small but positive effect as a pain reliever. Magnesium may reduce the need for morphine.

B


Studies show that magnesium has a small but positive effect as a pain reliever. Magnesium may reduce the need for morphine.

B


Magnesium has been found to help spinal anesthesia last longer during surgery. However, more research is needed in this field.

B


Magnesium has been found to help spinal anesthesia last longer during surgery. However, more research is needed in this field.

B


Early research suggests that injecting magnesium into the vein as a supplement to benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety agents) may lack effect on the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Further research is needed before conclusions can be made.

C


Early research suggests that injecting magnesium into the vein as a supplement to benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety agents) may lack effect on the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Further research is needed before conclusions can be made.

C


Magnesium has been studied for anxiety and related disorders, usually in combination with other vitamins, minerals, or herbal products. One study on magnesium alone found a lack of effect on anxiety. Magnesium combined with vitamin B6 may decrease premenstrual anxiety. Further study is needed.

C


Magnesium has been studied for anxiety and related disorders, usually in combination with other vitamins, minerals, or herbal products. One study on magnesium alone found a lack of effect on anxiety. Magnesium combined with vitamin B6 may decrease premenstrual anxiety. Further study is needed.

C


Magnesium may help manage manic symptoms when given as supplemental therapy. However, better quality research is needed in this area.

C


Magnesium may help manage manic symptoms when given as supplemental therapy. However, better quality research is needed in this area.

C


Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening event in which the heart stops contracting properly. Because of an apparent benefit of magnesium for heart attack, it has been used together with other agents for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, it is unclear whether magnesium is the ideal treatment choice for CPR, due to conflicting findings. More research is needed in this area.

C


Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening event in which the heart stops contracting properly. Because of an apparent benefit of magnesium for heart attack, it has been used together with other agents for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, it is unclear whether magnesium is the ideal treatment choice for CPR, due to conflicting findings. More research is needed in this area.

C


Evidence suggests that magnesium may benefit people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Further research is needed before conclusions can be made.

C


Evidence suggests that magnesium may benefit people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Further research is needed before conclusions can be made.

C


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease in which the airways become narrowed. It is caused by exposure to fumes such as cigarette smoke, and acute attacks are difficult to treat. Magnesium sulfate injected into the vein and used with lung agents has been found to be safe and modestly effective in the treatment of COPD. More research is needed to make a firm conclusion.

C


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease in which the airways become narrowed. It is caused by exposure to fumes such as cigarette smoke, and acute attacks are difficult to treat. Magnesium sulfate injected into the vein and used with lung agents has been found to be safe and modestly effective in the treatment of COPD. More research is needed to make a firm conclusion.

C


Magnesium hydroxide has been studied for constipation in children, but has been found to be less effective than standard therapy. More research is needed.

C


Magnesium hydroxide has been studied for constipation in children, but has been found to be less effective than standard therapy. More research is needed.

C


Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes long-term, widespread pain and sensitivity to gentle touch. It may also cause fatigue, sleep problems, and joint stiffness. Early study reports that Super Malic? (containing malic acid and magnesium) may benefit people with this condition. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

C


Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes long-term, widespread pain and sensitivity to gentle touch. It may also cause fatigue, sleep problems, and joint stiffness. Early study reports that Super Malic? (containing malic acid and magnesium) may benefit people with this condition. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

C


Magnesium injected into the vein may reduce abnormal heart rhythms, which commonly occur during a heart attack. It is unclear whether magnesium therapy helps reduce the number of deaths caused by heart attacks. Magnesium sulfate injected into the vein has been studied for reducing abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure in people who are unable to receive standard therapy.

C


Magnesium injected into the vein may reduce abnormal heart rhythms, which commonly occur during a heart attack. It is unclear whether magnesium therapy helps reduce the number of deaths caused by heart attacks. Magnesium sulfate injected into the vein has been studied for reducing abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure in people who are unable to receive standard therapy.

C


Magnesium has been used in the treatment of heart attack. Magnesium taken by mouth has been studied as a way to prevent recurring heart attacks in people who have survived acute heart attacks. However, results are conflicting and more research is needed.

C


Magnesium has been used in the treatment of heart attack. Magnesium taken by mouth has been studied as a way to prevent recurring heart attacks in people who have survived acute heart attacks. However, results are conflicting and more research is needed.

C


Evidence suggests that magnesium may help regulate blood clot formation. Early study reports that taking magnesium by mouth may prevent blood clot formation in people who have coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). More research is needed in this area.

C


Evidence suggests that magnesium may help regulate blood clot formation. Early study reports that taking magnesium by mouth may prevent blood clot formation in people who have coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). More research is needed in this area.

C


It is unclear whether magnesium taken by mouth lowers blood pressure in people with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure or prevents the development of high blood pressure. Results are conflicting, with most studies suggesting a small but significant reduction in blood pressure. More research is needed.

C


It is unclear whether magnesium taken by mouth lowers blood pressure in people with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure or prevents the development of high blood pressure. Results are conflicting, with most studies suggesting a small but significant reduction in blood pressure. More research is needed.

C


Early research suggests that magnesium-based compounds may benefit people undergoing treatment for kidney disease. High levels of magnesium have been linked to improved health status and survival in people with kidney disease. However, further study is needed.

C


Early research suggests that magnesium-based compounds may benefit people undergoing treatment for kidney disease. High levels of magnesium have been linked to improved health status and survival in people with kidney disease. However, further study is needed.

C


There is evidence that kidney stone recurrence may be more common in people who have high levels of magnesium in the urine. Treatment with magnesium hydroxide has been found to prevent new stone formation in people who have calcium stones in the kidneys. However, some results are conflicting and further information is needed.

C


There is evidence that kidney stone recurrence may be more common in people who have high levels of magnesium in the urine. Treatment with magnesium hydroxide has been found to prevent new stone formation in people who have calcium stones in the kidneys. However, some results are conflicting and further information is needed.

C


Leg cramps are a common problem during pregnancy. Pregnant women often have low levels of magnesium. Raising magnesium levels may decrease leg cramps during pregnancy. Magnesium taken by mouth has been reported to reduce pregnancy-related leg cramps. More research is needed in this area.

C


Leg cramps are a common problem during pregnancy. Pregnant women often have low levels of magnesium. Raising magnesium levels may decrease leg cramps during pregnancy. Magnesium taken by mouth has been reported to reduce pregnancy-related leg cramps. More research is needed in this area.

C


Early study has looked at the use of magnesium on bone health in postmenopausal women. However, more research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

C


Early study has looked at the use of magnesium on bone health in postmenopausal women. However, more research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

C


Migraine headaches can be extremely painful and are often accompanied by nausea. More women suffer from migraine headaches than men. Furthermore, migraine headaches in women can be related to the menstrual cycle. Magnesium has been studied for use in migraines. Human studies have found that magnesium sulfate may reduce the intensity of migraine headaches. Low magnesium levels may increase menstrual-related migraines in at-risk women. More research is needed to confirm these results.

C


Migraine headaches can be extremely painful and are often accompanied by nausea. More women suffer from migraine headaches than men. Furthermore, migraine headaches in women can be related to the menstrual cycle. Magnesium has been studied for use in migraines. Human studies have found that magnesium sulfate may reduce the intensity of migraine headaches. Low magnesium levels may increase menstrual-related migraines in at-risk women. More research is needed to confirm these results.

C


Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which a heart valve does not close properly. Low magnesium levels may be a cause of MVP. Many people with MVP have low magnesium levels in the blood. Magnesium supplementation has been reported to improve symptoms of this condition. More research is needed to reach a conclusion.

C


Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which a heart valve does not close properly. Low magnesium levels may be a cause of MVP. Many people with MVP have low magnesium levels in the blood. Magnesium supplementation has been reported to improve symptoms of this condition. More research is needed to reach a conclusion.

C


Magnesium may help prevent involuntary muscle twitching caused by the drug succinylcholine (a muscle relaxant). Muscle twitching is a side effect of general anesthesia given during surgery. More high-quality research is needed to confirm these results.

C


Magnesium may help prevent involuntary muscle twitching caused by the drug succinylcholine (a muscle relaxant). Muscle twitching is a side effect of general anesthesia given during surgery. More high-quality research is needed to confirm these results.

C


Organophosphates are a group of chemicals that include insecticides and nerve gases. The use of magnesium in organophosphate poisoning has been studied. Injecting magnesium sulfate into the vein has been found to be effective. More research is needed.

C


Organophosphates are a group of chemicals that include insecticides and nerve gases. The use of magnesium in organophosphate poisoning has been studied. Injecting magnesium sulfate into the vein has been found to be effective. More research is needed.

C


Magnesium sulfate may benefit women with some pregnancy-related complications, but may lack effect on infant death. Further research is needed in this field.

C


Magnesium sulfate may benefit women with some pregnancy-related complications, but may lack effect on infant death. Further research is needed in this field.

C


PMS symptoms usually appear two weeks before the menstrual cycle begins. They may significantly affect a woman's daily routine during that time. Magnesium taken by mouth may help treat mood changes associated with PMS. More research is needed in this area.

C


PMS symptoms usually appear two weeks before the menstrual cycle begins. They may significantly affect a woman's daily routine during that time. Magnesium taken by mouth may help treat mood changes associated with PMS. More research is needed in this area.

C


Early research has looked at the use of magnesium for shivering after surgery. Further research is needed to confirm the potential effect of magnesium.

C


Early research has looked at the use of magnesium for shivering after surgery. Further research is needed to confirm the potential effect of magnesium.

C


Magnesium has been studied in people who have tetanus, with mixed results. Further study is needed in order to make firm conclusions.

C


Magnesium has been studied in people who have tetanus, with mixed results. Further study is needed in order to make firm conclusions.

C


Magnesium citrate has been found to lack effect on symptoms of acute mountain sickness. Further study is needed in this field.

D


Magnesium citrate has been found to lack effect on symptoms of acute mountain sickness. Further study is needed in this field.

D


Magnesium is involved in many reactions in the body. Low magnesium levels may affect exercise performance. Some experts suspect that magnesium levels may not be adequate in many people, especially athletes. Many female athletes do not get enough magnesium from the diet, and magnesium is also lost in the urine with exercise. To date, there is not enough evidence that taking magnesium can improve athletic performance.

D


Magnesium is involved in many reactions in the body. Low magnesium levels may affect exercise performance. Some experts suspect that magnesium levels may not be adequate in many people, especially athletes. Many female athletes do not get enough magnesium from the diet, and magnesium is also lost in the urine with exercise. To date, there is not enough evidence that taking magnesium can improve athletic performance.

D


Pre-term labor is considered to be labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Magnesium has been used for the prevention of pre-term labor contractions. Available studies have shown a lack of effect of magnesium for this use. Also, it is possible that the use of magnesium for contractions may cause the death of the fetus.

D


Pre-term labor is considered to be labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Magnesium has been used for the prevention of pre-term labor contractions. Available studies have shown a lack of effect of magnesium for this use. Also, it is possible that the use of magnesium for contractions may cause the death of the fetus.

D


There is a lack of evidence at this time to support the use of magnesium salts in people with acute traumatic brain injury. Magnesium has also been studied for other types of brain injury in combination with other agents, with mixed results.

D


There is a lack of evidence at this time to support the use of magnesium salts in people with acute traumatic brain injury. Magnesium has also been studied for other types of brain injury in combination with other agents, with mixed results.

D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
General: Magnesium taken by mouth should be separated from other medications by two hours or more, when taken in amounts greater than recommended daily allowances or through the diet.
Magnesium may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Magnesium may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Magnesium may affect blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Magnesium may also interact with ACE inhibitors, agents for abnormal heart rhythms, agents for the eyes, agents for the heart, agents for the lungs, agents for mental disorders, agents for osteoporosis, agents for the skin, agents for the stomach, agents that affect the immune system, agents that promote urination, agents that protect against nerve damage, aldesleukin, amifostine, aminoglycosides, amphotericin-B, anesthetics (agents for pain relief during surgery), anti-asthma drugs, antibiotics, anticancer drugs and alkylating agents, antiseizure agents, beta-agonists, birth control taken by mouth, bisphosphonates, calcium channel blockers, calcium salts, cardiac glycosides, central nervous system depressants, cephalosporins, Cetuximab (Erbitux?), cholestyramine (Questran?), corticosteroids, estrogens and other hormonal agents, foscarnet (Foscavir?), labetalol, laxatives, levomethadyl, lithium, musculoskeletal agents, nervous system agents, neuromuscular blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers, Panitumumab (Vectibix?), pentamidine (NebuPent?, Pentacarinat?, Pentam 300?), phosphates, potassium, propanolol, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), quinolones, skeletal muscle relaxants, tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf?), tetracycline, and thyroid hormones.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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