Patient Education Library
Designed for both clinicians and the general public, these handouts provide practical, evidence-informed guidance that blends conventional medicine with complementary strategies. Within each handout you have the option to share or download a PDF.
Magnesium
WHAT IS IT?
Magnesium is a mineral that is necessary for many. reactions in the human body. The adult skeleton is the primary storage depot for magnesium, holding over 60% of the body’s magnesium resources.
Magnesium is vital to the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats for energy, the synthesis of nucleotides and DNA, cell signaling, and reactions involving a number of the body’s antioxidant defense systems. Magnesium plays a vital role in the conduction of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm. Magnesium is a vital structural component of cells, chromosomes, and bones.
WHO MIGHT CONSIDER TAKING THIS?
While severe magnesium deficiency is relatively rare, growing evidence suggests that chronic mild magnesium deficiency is relatively common and may factor into many health conditions, including diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, headaches, depression, and osteoporosis.
Also, age, GI disorders, diabetes, alcoholism and stress can increase the risk of magnesium deficiency.
Your health care provider may recommend magnesium if you have any of the following:
- Migraine headaches
- Menstrual cramps
- Diabetes or Prediabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Depression or Anxiety
PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE
Magnesium supplementation comes in many forms, each having different uses, absorption, and side effects. Magnesium glycinate is one supplemental form considered easy on the digestive system, but magnesium citrate works well for most people and tends to be less expensive.
Dose: US Recommended Daily Allowances are 80–240 mg for children and 360–420 mg for adults. However, your health care provider may recommend doses as high as 800 mg per day depending upon your particular health concern.
When trying to increase magnesium in your diet, focus on eating green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes and whole grains.
CONCERNS?
You should not exceed the recommended daily allowance for magnesium if you have kidney failure.
Excess magnesium supplementation can cause diarrhea—a side effect that may be used therapeutically as a laxative.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, nor does it establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider. We assume no responsibility for errors or omissions in the content.
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