In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleHow Much Magnesium Is Safe?Magnesium OverdoseSymptoms and SignsWhen to See a DoctorTreatment & PreventionFAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
How Much Magnesium Is Safe?
Magnesium Overdose
Symptoms and Signs
When to See a Doctor
Treatment & Prevention
FAQs
Close
Photo:Getty Images
Getty Images
Magnesium is a vital mineral that your body needs. It facilitates many biochemical functions in the body, including protein synthesis, blood sugar control and blood pressure regulation. It’s also needed for energy production and the synthesis of DNA and RNA, is important for the structural development of bones, and plays a role in transporting calcium and potassium for muscle, heart and nerve function. Needless to say, your body relies onmagnesiumin a lot of ways.
However, some people may not be getting enough magnesium from their diets, which is why doctors may recommend a supplement, especially to address certain problems, like constipation,sleep problemsand muscle cramps, saysLaura Purdy, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician and the medical director at Swell Medical.
But as useful as a supplement may be, is there such a thing as taking too much magnesium? We consulted the latest research and spoke with medical experts on what happens to your body if you take too much magnesium, including the warning signs to look out for.
Magnesium vs. Fiber: Which Is Better to Help You Poop? Here’s What Gastroenterologists Say
The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which is the average daily intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all healthy individuals, for magnesium from all sources for adults is:
Magnesium is naturally present inmany foods, such as almonds, spinach, kidney beans and tofu. If you’re not getting enough of it, some doctors might recommend taking a supplement. “It’s important to connect with your doctor to discuss your current diet and a proper dose for your body specifically,” says Purdy. “The recommended dose will range depending on the supplement and the brand. It’s important to follow the label instructions and consult with your doctor, taking your current diet and needs into consideration. It is also recommended to take the supplement with food when possible,” she explains.
The Best Time to Take Magnesium for Maximum Absorption, According to Dietitians
What Is Magnesium Overdose?
If you’re taking a supplement, stick to the limit of 350 mg of supplemental magnesium per day unless your health care provider specifically suggests a higher dose, saysKaty Dubinsky, Pharm.D., a pharmacist and the founder and CEO of Vitalize.
Common side effects of excessive magnesium intake include:
Who Is at Risk for a Magnesium Overdose?
While hypermagnesemia is rare, it’s something to keep in mind, particularly if you have a chronic illness. For example, if you have impaired kidney function or kidney failure, you may be at a higher risk for experiencing symptoms of a magnesium overdose.
Taking very high doses of magnesium, such as 5,000 mg found in some antacids and laxatives, has been associated with cases of magnesium toxicity.That doesn’t mean you should avoid these; instead, make sure you’re following the directions on the label when taking these medications.
Unfortunately, magnesium supplements may not mix well with other medications, including:
When to See a Health Care Provider
If you started taking a magnesium supplement and are experiencing the symptoms associated with magnesium toxicity above, call your health care provider. This is especially important if you have a kidney disorder.
Treatment and Prevention of Magnesium Overdose
To prevent a magnesium overdose, Dubinsky suggests focusing on food sources of magnesium. “Consumers should concentrate on including foods high in magnesium, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and dairy products, in their diets to treat deficiency,” she says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, vomiting and facial flushing are some of the symptoms of magnesium toxicity.
If your provider recommends taking a magnesium supplement, then, yes, you may be advised to take magnesium every day. Keep in mind that ‘“not everyone needs a magnesium supplement, or even the same amount,” says Purdy. If you don’t think you get enough magnesium from your diet, speak with your doctor, who can advise you on supplementing.
Because magnesium is released through urine, taking a diuretic will help to flush out the excess magnesium in your body. Experts also say that you should stop taking a magnesium supplement if you suspect you have taken too much. Then, speak to a health care provider about how to move forward to take care of your magnesium needs.
The Bottom Line
Magnesium is a necessary nutrient for a multitude of bodily functions including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve control, managing blood pressure and blood sugar and more. If you are deficient in magnesium, your health care provider might recommend taking a supplement. The tolerable upper intake limit is 350 milligrams of supplemental magnesium a day, and rare cases of overdose symptoms (like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure) have occurred when a person consumes a very large dose of magnesium in a day.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
