Side Effects of Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium supplements provide many health benefits but can also have certain side effects. These side effects may be mild or severe depending how they affect your body. Before you take any type of magnesium supplement, speak with your physician. This may be a concern if you take other medications or supplements.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral produced by the bones. It is also found in other organs like the kidneys. You obtain more minerals from the food you eat. Although magnesium benefits your health, consider the side effects associated certain conditions, medications and other factors.

Medication Reactions

If you have conditions of the heart or kidneys, you may have serious side effects if you take magnesium supplements. Magnesium reacts negatively with certain heart disease medications. Medications that treat heart disease include digoxin. This medication treats congestive heart failure.

If you suffer with kidney disorders like stones or failure, magnesium can affect your health. The kidneys release magnesium and having too much of the mineral in the kidneys can cause severe problems.

Diarrhea

Magnesium acts like a laxative to relieve constipation. If you have problems with diarrhea, the supplements may increase your episodes.

Calcium

Since the bones make magnesium, taking extra supplements may put too much of the mineral in your body. This problem may interfere with how you absorb calcium, another mineral in the bones. A lack of calcium weakens your bone structure. This weakness causes bones to become weak and brittle. You may want to avoid magnesium supplements if you have bone conditions or take calcium supplements for your bones.