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We do not understand why magnesium does not get the respect it deserves. Physicians have been recommending extra calcium in supplements for decades, but magnesium is often overlooked. We think health professionals got this mineral thing reversed. People should get most of their calcium from food. It can be challenging to get enough magnesium from the diet, though. What is an appropriate magnesium dose? Do you know what your level is?
How Much Magnesium Should You Take?
Q. I have read that magnesium is an important supplement but I have no idea how much to take. Can one overdose on this element? Is it really as important as calcium?
A. Magnesium is crucial for virtually every cell in the body. This mineral should get more attention. People are frequently advised to get extra calcium, though too much could be problematic.
Doctors also recognize that potassium is essential, especially for people on blood pressure or heart medicine containing potassium-depleting diuretics. They should monitor potassium levels regularly when patients are on drugs such as HCTZ or furosemide. But physicians don’t always plan to monitor magnesium levels or recommend supplementation, although the same diuretics that affect potassium can also have a major impact on magnesium. Part of the problem is that physicians do not have a good way to screen patients for magnesium deficiency (QJM, Nov. 1, 2018).
Magnesium is absolutely essential for bone health and heart function. When magnesium levels drop too low, irregular heart rhythms may result. Other conditions that may be related to magnesium deficiency include anxiety and depression, pain, migraines, infertility, preeclampsia, kidney stones, reflux, asthma, constipation, hypertension, insomnia and Raynaud’s syndrome (painful extremities related to cold temperature and lack of adequate circulation).
So What Is the Right Magnesium Dose?
A safe magnesium dose ranges from 300 mg to 500 mg. Too much magnesium can lead to loose stools or diarrhea. If you find yourself running to the bathroom to prevent an accident you could well be getting too much magnesium. People with kidney disease must be careful not to take too much magnesium, as it may aggravate the condition.
It is important to have periodic tests to monitor magnesium levels in the body, but blood tests may not be adequate (Nutrients, Dec. 2, 2018). Sometimes blood levels are normal even though body stores are depleted. The doctor may prescribe a magnesium loading test to determine the status of this nutrient.
Stories About Magnesium Benefits:
Magnesium for insomnia:
“I often read about people having trouble getting a good night’s sleep. Perhaps my story will help someone.
“My pharmacist recently told me to take my magnesium tablets at bedtime instead of with breakfast. What a shocker to find such a difference in falling asleep. I no longer need to take melatonin or Tylenol PM.”
Many people agree with this reader. The research on this topic is not strong enough to determine whether or not magnesium supplementation improves sleep (BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, April 17, 2021).
Magnesium for constipation:
“I have had a lot of trouble with constipation. Metamucil just made things even worse. When I tried Citrucel, I found I’m sensitive to citrus fruits, so I became more bloated.
“Finally a nutritionist suggested I take a magnesium dose of 800 mg daily. This balances my calcium intake.
“After the second day of the magnesium supplements I became ‘like a normal person.’ It has also helped my fibromyalgia. I have read that people with fibromyalgia usually require a higher intake of magnesium. I am no doctor, but I know my own body and the magnesium has made a world of difference.”
800 mg of magnesium may be too much for most people, especially those with reduced kidney function. If you discover you are having several loose stools a day, that could be a clear indication that you are getting too high a magnesium dose!
Magnesium for “nerves”:
“I have gradually withdrawn from diazepam (Valium), flurazepam (Dalmane) and amitriptyline (Elavil). I had read that magnesium is a natural tranquilizer and have found that taking this mineral is very helpful for my nerves.”
Magnesium for leg cramps:
“Many people have horrible leg cramps and cannot take quinine because it has been taken off the market. I am 70 years old and have suffered with leg cramps all my life. Years ago, I used to take OTC quinine tablets, but quinine water (tonic) never worked for me.
“A long time ago I found that 250 mg tablets of magnesium at bedtime worked like a charm in warding off leg cramps and restless leg syndrome.”
Magnesium for high blood pressure:
“I have had high blood pressure in spite of taking losartan for some years and lisinopril for many years before that. Recently I started taking a magnesium citrate tablet in the hope that it would help my insomnia. It has helped me sleep better, I think, but it has definitely helped my blood pressure.
“I did some online research and learned there are quite a few prescription meds that can rob the body of magnesium. A standard blood test does not accurately register a magnesium deficiency. Now I highly suspect that my blood pressure medications were affecting my magnesium level and I am benefiting from compensating for that.”
Italian doctors urge their older patients to consume plenty of vegetables, nuts, whole grains and legumes (Nutrients, Dec. 31, 2020). All of these foods are good sources of magnesium (as well as other nutrients). In addition, they suggest their patients avoid processed foods, which provide little if any magnesium. If dietary magnesium is not enough, they have found that a magnesium dose of 365 to 450 mg per day can help control blood pressure.
Learn More About Magnesium for What Ails You:
If you would like to learn more about the miracle of magnesium for constipation, headaches and migraines, high blood pressure, insomnia, muscle and leg cramps, as well as restless leg syndrome, you may wish to consult our 264 page book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies. Here is a link to more information.
Laura
I realized that magnesium is MUCH better absorbed transdermally than thru the digestive tract. I use a lotion before bedtime for better sleep; hoping the needed dosage will be absorbed. I have noticed night cramps are gone now and deeper sleep.
Virginia
There are so many different types of magnesium supplements, (magnesium aspartate, bicarbonate, carbonate, chloride, citrate, gluconate, hydroxide, lactate, malate, orotate, oxide, taurate, threonate, and trisilicate) how does one know which to take?
Linda
I have tried taking magnesium in the past but it always makes my stomach hurt. I don’t recall the strength of the pills. Is there any kind of coated magnesium pills that might be gentler on my stomach?
Betty
My neurologist recommended 400-500 mg magnesium glycinate, 400 mg riboflavin (B2), and/or 300 mg CoQ10 as a preventative for migraines. I had to reconcile these amounts with my other vitamins and red yeast rice capsules (containing some CoQ10) to determine how much additional I needed. Long story short, I have not had a migraine since shortly after I started this regimen.
Bev
I take magnesium glutamate, 400 mg. This form does not give me diarrhea.
Karyn
It’s also important to note that there are several types of Magnesium. Read the label! The cheap magnesium in the store is usually oxide, and that might not be the type you need. I take magnesium glycinate at night for sleeplessness and high heart rate..
Catherine
I was a migraine sufferer for over 20 years and also had chronic constipation. A friend gave me an article from the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago linking low magnesium levels with migraine. I began to supplement with 400 mg per day and gradually reduced this to a maintenance dosage of 250 mg. I have not had a migraine since I started taking magnesium. My naturopath also boosted my daily Vit D3 dose to 5000 iu. The two, in combination, appear to have reduced the calcium deposits in my breasts as shown in the 3D mammogram I had a year after I boosted the D3. I’ve learned that D3 and magnesium helps the body metabolize calcium better.
Btryan
kemp
I take chelated Magnesium (online lab brand). I ran out one time and tried the cheap big box store magnesium and got instant diarrhea. I take 3 pills a day 133mg per dose for almost complete cramp relief.
Cynthia D
TEXAS
I have started taking 800mg a day, .I have been loosing a lot of hair and my finger nail Crack and split. I read this should help, my finger nails seem to be looking better, my hair still thin,and hair llss doesn’t run in my family. I hope this will help. Is that true ?
Robert
Washington
While magnesium is incredibly important to over-all health and necessary for virtually every cell in our bodies, I notice that you list irregular heartbeat and over-all heart health, digestive problems all can stem from not enough magnesium, which is true, but, on the other hand, if one takes too much magnesium the very same symptoms can and do occur. Finding the optimal amount is not so easy, especially as we age. I am having some of the symptoms you describe and I take magnesium, both orally and as an oil I rub on my skin. I think a lot more study has to go into this. I am going to dial back the supplements and start eating more almonds and make sure that I eat a serving or two of spinach, kale, etc. I’m definitely scaling back from between 400 and 500 milligrams of supplements each day.
Patty
Attleboro
I am 63 years old. I’ve had chronic acid reflux for 18 years. I have been on all types of pump inhibitors, nothing worked, not to mention I lost most of my hair from them. My back doctor put me on 400mg of magnesium oxide for cramping in my legs. Wow, to my surprise the cramping subsided, I am actually having regular bowel movements for the first time in my life and the best… no more acid reflux!! I also sleep better at night! Why wasn’t I prescribed this miracle sooner??
Flo
St. Helens, Oregon
I had a very painful Charley Horse in my left foot and leg 1 morning ago. since then, I have had a similar, but less painful pain from my left knee on the inside and up. I have been taking Magnesium, and it brought me out of the Charley Horse. Why am I having similar pain from the knee up? And, how much Magnesium should I be taking morning and night?
Mary
Colorado
What happens if you take 500mg of magnesium with Cefadroxil 1000 mg
Vic
Australia
My confusion with magnesium is that when you are advised to take 500mg of Magnesium ..are we talking Elemental Magnesium ?…the Mag Citrate Tabs I take have 930 mg of Mag Citrate…which equates to 150 mg of Elemental Mg …. the instructions on the bottle says take 1 Tablet per day…To get 500 mg of elemental Mg I would have to take 3x….
Thomas G
england
I have general anxiety disorider I am on four different medications pregablin sodium valporate quetipine diazapan escitalopram I have being investigating magnesium being good for anxiety so looking at what amounts I can start with and can I take antidepressants with it may be some one on this forum can give me some information
Kenneth A. Nagel
Wisconsin
Hello! 60 year old male with severe chronic neck and back issues. Moderate scoliosis, 6 bulging disc, 1 herniated, DDD, Stenosis, tendonitis in shoulders. Was an auto mechanic for 31 years and in my youth played some sports. I take a low dose pain med and prescribed a muscle relaxer that don’t work at all(stopped it) have ostheoarthritis. I DEAL with 24/7 365 days a year with severe muscle tightness/spasm from my neck,between my shoulders down to my bottom. What brand or dose would be recommended for muscle tightness/spasms, and I don’t sleep well ever. THANK YOU for any advice! I also use cold packs and moist heat every day. THANX!!! KEN.
GOMER
New York
My blood pressure was 180/80. Doc put me on meds. It didn’t lower it and I didn’t like the side effects. I started taking 500 mgs of magnesium and 1000 mgs of L arginine for a month …it went down to 140/70. Still a bit high …but improving. I’m also drinking a can of beet juice everyday to get some extra nitrate oxide.
Mary
Richmond, Va
Recently I started having leg and feet cramps. Tingling hands and feet. Restless leg syndrome really bad. It seemed to me to be out of the blue. It just wouldn’t go away. I went to the doctor. She told me I probably had low potassium but she will have to check my blood first. The test came back with normal potassium levels. So “thank God” she had the where with all to check my magnesium levels. Which came back low.
She advised me to start taking magnesium supplements. The cramping, tingling had stopped. I sleep very well since taking it. My blood pressure is starting to come down. I had this before, went to the doctor, never was my magnesium checked, put on potassium pills even when my potassium was normal. Thank God for that Nurse Practitioner who saw my that day when my Physician was out!
PATSY
England
I have been diagnosed with idiopathic cerebellar ataxia [cerebellar degeneration of no know cause] which affects balance and muscle control. I also had muscle burning but I read on ataxia forum that magnesium would stop the muscle burning.
I started taking 500g tablets and the burning stopped. When I ran out of magnesium pills the burning returned.
I used to take just one in the morning but have tried taking at night as my muscles are very painful on waking. Reading on here that 800g is more than enough, I shall cut out the morning one. It definitely works better for me at night, hasn’t cured my constipation yet despite eating kiwi, banana, orange, pear and few grapes daily.
Tammy
Old Washington, Ohio
I have fibromyalgia and what ever else, nobody knows. I get really bad leg cramps and also in my feet. I take 500 mg of magnesium and it’s not helping. Does anybody have any thing to help me??
sd
fairbanks
Some magnesium types are better absorbed than others. Before giving up change to a (different?) highly absorbable form of magnesium.
Beth
CT
I think it would be worth upping the intake. I have fibromyalgia and insomnia, and taking magnesium seems to have helped both. I’m not sure if the amount I take is recommended, but I take 1000 mg total, split over two doses.
T
AZ
Magnesium citrate and carbonate in the product Natural Calm is the only one that’s helped me. I tried several more expensive chelated products but saw no difference. Natural Calm helps me sleep and decreases my whole body muscle pain!
Mike
Texas
I think I have found the miracle cure for legs cramps. It is an old Amish remedy and consist of raw apple cider vinegar, juice from the ginger plant and all natural garlic juice. It is the only thing I have found that actually works. I take a shot of it every night before I go to bed and I have not had a cramp sense.
F
Northern Nevada
I am a 47 year old female and have been taking vitamin D for a while and noticed a big improvement in mood. I added 500 mg of magnesium a few weeks ago and I HAVE ENERGY AGAIN! I cannot believe the difference this has made for me.
Kellu
Tennessee
What brand and what time of day do you take it? Thanks
Patricia
U.K.
I have osteoporosis and have read that magnesium is helpful as it helps the body absorb calcium. What kind of magnesium should I take, how much, and is it better to take it morning or evening?
Siegfried
Florida
I am 73 and take in the morning 1000 mg Magnesium Chloride and to lunch 400 mg
Magnesium triple Complex ( Oxide, Citrate ,asparate ) .The Chloride will give me NO pain if I have high blood pressure , and no bowel problems but the triple MG is good for bowel.
Remember each MG works different.
I also take for 10 years PYCNOGENOL 300mg a day , and was never sick .This is the pill of the
future what helps for everything ,but you have to stay at least 3 months with that,to feel something. My experience =no more hemorroids ,good sleep and 3 times a week ,
no joint paint ,slow the stress ,lower eye pressure (5 points ).My Wife just had gastritis and
took 300mg PYCNOGENOL in the morning and 300 mg at lunch for 3 days and it is almost gone. So I use NO Doctors and feel great .
Donald
Bend, Oregon
I have been taking 2000-2100 milligrams of magnesium a day for 15-20 years now and feel great. I go every morning with no problems. I am 79 years old and hike 5 to 10 miles a day on my days off with my dog which is 4 days a week. I know everyone is different, so start out slow and find out what works best for you.
Jen
Ontario
I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and panic attacks. I have been on the same meds since 1999. Anyway, lately I have been so anxious and panicky and wondering why my meds weren’t working. I had a BPPV episode (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) which was super-scary but I do the Epley Maneuver, and I’m great again. I decided to look at deficiencies and realized I have a magnesium deficiency because I eat many things with mag in them. I also had so much trouble falling asleep, leg and body cramping. Honestly, everything is right as rain, I took 500mg magnesium with fit D, and I slept like a baby. The cramps stopped, and anxiety went away. I am so thankful I found this site. Not many people are told about this and are just given more rx’s. Thanks.
Denise
California
I have been taking 2000mg of mag and my severe tingling in my feet have stopped. I wish someone would have told be about mag sooner. I am happy I’ve found it.
evelyn
golden
I am 58 yearl old female. I was diagnosed with cll, so how much magnesium should I take?
Yes, I also have problem falling asleep. Would that help me fall asleep? thank you
Eliza
NC
For Constipation:
I have fibromyalgia with degenerative disc disease and severe IBS. I take 680 mg of magnesium daily in order to force waste out of my body (it won’t go otherwise). Sometimes it’s not enough. I’ve used buffered vitamin C powder in the past, but it is harsh and drains me of energy.
Felicity
NC
A question: are all forms of magnesiums equal? Mine is magnesium oxide and mag gluconate.
Sharon
Sg
Maybe aloe vera could help you with constipation. Whenever I take abt 60ml of aloe gel on an empty stomach, I would start my bowel toilet biz in the next 1-2hr. Hence, I never had constipation problem since. Aloe gel is good for ibs as well, mayb u want to try with 30ml first on empty stomach. Make sure u buy good quality aloe gel with no skin included. 680mg of magnesium maybe too high though.
Beth
I lost 18″ of my colon when I was 72 years old due to diverticulosis. I found certain foods gave me problems, and I had to cut back on the quantity I ate of certain things. Gas was a problem. I also had problems with constipation, so I had to try things to eliminate that. I started to take extra magnesium (300 cut in 1/2), but even that causes many bowel movements in a day or two. I take a multiple vitamin daily.
I have osteoporosis, and am a 23 year breast cancer survivor. I also have osteoarthritis. I am wondering if I wasn’t getting enough magnesium growing up or even as a young adult.
I would like to find something that works for the constipation, but have tried a number of things, so I take 1/4 of the magnesium pill and it helps. But I don’t take it daily.
Ruth
North Carolina
Excellent article. routine labs for magnesium level is between 1.3-2.1 for adults. Request your PCP order RBC magnesium for more accurate results
Sherry
Seattle
Comment on Drs vs. advice found on this website: I have much greater success with the advice found on this website than dealing with doctors. Remember: not all doctors graduate at the top of their class, pharmaceutical companies have great influence with doctors to prescribe manufactured medicines over common ingredients, many doctors haven’t extended their knowledge past their initial training (and a broken arm is so much easier to diagnose than what is causing a stomach ache) and we aren’t all made the same. Each person needs to find out what works best for them. Example: I have celiac disease, it wasn’t diagnosed by a doctor although I repeatedly went to them for problems relating to it. I take large doses of Vitamin D because tests show I only have a normal level in my body. If I take the typical dose, my Vit D gets too low. I also live in the NW where there isn’t much sun. I take vitamins from only one company because the fillers in other cheaper vitamin makers cause me digestive problems. I also take a fairly large amount of Magnesium because when I don’t I have pain in my left thumb where I accidently sliced some nerves 20 years ago. All experiments on what works best for my body but probably not for others.
Terri C
Florida
If you are taking 500 mg of magnesium and having problems with diarrhea you are just taking too much. I find 250 seems to work best for me. I take 1 am and one pm and always with food. Even just a small snack…crackers or something. I have been doing this for years and it works well.
PattyPR
different forms of Magnesium work for different ailments. My husband has a history of kidney stones. If he takes at least 400 mg Magnesium OXIDE and 30 mg vitamin B6 daily, he does not get stones. Stones are caused by different sources/compounds but for many this remedy works well. If he goes for 6 months without taking it, he will always get stones.
I am on chronic pain therapy with Hydrocodone and though Milk of Magnesia was working to keep my digestive system moving, I started having terrible muscles cramps all over while taking Lisinipril (for blood pressure) and Prednisone (a steroid for hives) at the same time. My primary care told me that Magnesium Glycinate would stop the muscle cramps and it has. It also keeps my digestive system working well. 400 mg at night means no cramps and digestive system regular in AM. If I take another 400 Mg 12 hours later, it may provide too much of a laxative effect.
Pete
I am 62 and I suffer from constipation. I read somewhere that magnesium causes loose bowels so I decided to take 400mg at bedtime. It made my bowels NORMAL. I thought I came up with the idea.
Sally
Pete, Too much Vitamin B6 can cause neuropathy. I know because I have it! B6 can be toxic! Sally
Velta
Louisiana
Prednisone will cause you leg cramps and dry your bone marrow. My brother now has a form of MS because of it. And I and my sister have FiberMyalgia. Because of too much Prednisone from doctors. The Magnesium will change that. This medicine is dangerous for blood clots and heart attacks , especially in people with Diabetes.
Penny
Floyd, VA
I’ve been listening to Dr. Carolyn Dean who wrote the magnesium miracle and you can see this on youtube. She says there are several different kinds of magnesium, one affects the bowels and another doesn’t. Check her out if you want to know more.
mike
I take magnesium spray on your skin. It’s the best way since you avoid any digestion complaints.
Jeffery
Austin Texas
I recently started taking Mag and I no longer have a painful winter itch that sometimes can be described as debilitating. Thank you Magnesium!
Jane
Connecticut
I was taking 500 mg. of magnesium and was feeling well but horrible, horrible diarrhea. So I stopped. Any comments on transdermally applied magnesium oil since it bypasses digestive system?
Jane
St. Louis, MO
I would NEVER do anything I read in your columns from other readers. It would be dangerous in my mind to take the advice of people who I don’t know and who aren’t professionals. Why don’t you give a decent answer to everyone who has the same problem rather than allow your People’s Pharmacy website be a place for anyone to suddenly become a doctor without a degree.
Thank you.
Jane from St. Louis, MO
Mary
Charleston SC
Jane – from long experience, I’m the opposite: I never take a doctor’s prescribed medicine without checking on how other people have reacted to it, and this habit has saved me quite a bit of grief. Unfortunately, doctors too often depend entirely on drug company propaganda for information on the drugs they prescribe. Drug companies have to keep their stockholders happy with high profits. Maybe it’s a choice between ignorance and greed, but I think the patients who write in at least are honest about how their own bodies react to drugs. Do you always trust the honesty of drug companies? Unfortunately I don’t.
Jon O
WA
Take less mag if your having loose stools.
Tashi
Va
Mg glycinate (600mg) daily, vit d, Arjuna and Ashwaghandha have helped me with PVCs ( thousands each day). I got advi
Ce from an ayurvedic practitioner that was also trained in Chinese and American herbalism.
Millie
Virginia
I was diagnosed in 2002 with MS after having sought medical help for numbness in my right hand in 1994 and was told that I had suffered a small stroke.
MRI in 2002 showed brain lesions consistent with MS. I have had numerous tests and see a neurologist at an MS clinic in a very reputable medical center. I have fatigue, leg muscle spasms, etc. along with problems walking.
A few years ago I asked my primary care doctor to check my Vitamin D level. It was below 20, and now I take supplements to keep it in the normal range. A friend who was having some health problems mentioned that he had begun to take magnesium which seemed to really help him.
I don’t know what his condition is, but it’s not MS. So I began taking 400mg at bedtime. It has helped my sleep. About a week ago I awoke and realized my right hand was not numb. Also, I have not taken any diazapam for leg spasms for several weeks.
Could the magnesium be helping this much? I have just finished a 200 capsule size bottle. I take other medications which include omeprazole, lisinopril with Hctz, and simvastatin. I’m being cautiously optimistic, but when I read today’s stories about magnesium I just had to tell someone. I plan to share this with my neurologist on the next visit.
I’m 79 years old and exercise three or four times a week at our recreation center. The major part of the exercise program is water aerobics (Ai Chi) in the therapy pool.
Terry Graedon
The omeprazole could have depleted your body of magnesium. Good to hear it is helping.
Patricia
Atlanta, GA
Patricia
I have been taking 2 rounded teaspoons of magnesium, along with 2 Colon Care capsules for almost a year now. I sometimes only take one Colon Care capsule. The first thing I noticed was I slept longer at night. Still having Chemo induced Neuropathy. Mood has improved. Taking it at night works for me.
Brian
Pennsylvania
I have noticed that this article doesn’t address the various types of magnesium available OTC. Many people are unfamiliar with the fact that they need to obtain a magnesium supplement that has a high degree of bioavailability. Unfortunately, when choosing a Mg supplement, the majority of people are not aware that these supplements aren’t created equal. To the best of my knowledge, and please correct me if I am wrong, magnesium glycinate delivers the highest level of bioavailability. Mg citrate is somewhere in the “middle” (~40-60%), while magnesium oxide (a very common form found OTC), is the lowest in terms of bioavailability (~8%).
If anyone is able to contribute to this post, your thoughts would be extremely helpful.
Paul Hallett
Canada
Wow, this mineral actually works! I take magnesium and calcium 4:1 (650mg:250mg) proportion along with Vitamin D (500IU) because I need more magnesium, vitamin D and less calcium when it comes to school and learning. I also take another magnesium tablet (500mg) during the evening time before I go to bed and my sleep has improved so much! I love this mineral to death! I say I am very happy that I’ve found this mineral and it works like a charm. :)
Carol
Ontario, Canada
I am 50 yrs old. I have high blood pressure and suffer from panic attacks, my friend suggested I try Magnesium & Omega-3 and B-12. I’m going to start tomorrow . All the comments seem to say good things about these 3 pills. Hopefully, they will work for me as well.l
Mary
San Jose, CA
How much magnesium is safe for a 2 year old with chronic constipation?
Dylan
Minneapolis, MN
Do you really think you should give a two year old a dose of ANYTHING on the advice of some anonymous person on an internet comments section? I don’t mean to be rude but that just seems dangerously reckless. This is a question for a doctor or a pharmacist.
Dylan
Minneapolis, MN
I just noticed that the website itself has someone responding to questions on here. That makes it a little less bad, I guess. I still feel like you should be asking someone that you’re positive is a qualified professional though.
Kelly
Washington
Water
Mary
The grandchild of someone I know was recently taken to the hospital after he collapsed. Cause was unknown and they were scared.
It turns out the child was dehydrated.
Keep hydration up AS WELL as taking any magnesium
Eileen
Glasgow
I would never give anything to a child under 16 without a doctors advice. Please don’t even consider giving small vitamins. If there is constipation, doc can give a gentle laxative.
sherry
United States
Has anyone had symptoms of swelling or edema in legs after starting a magnesium supplement?
robert a.
United Kingdom
I’m glad I heard about magnesium not via my dr though, as I shake big time without it I cant make out how much I’m taking… I think it’s about 500 mg per day but recently its starting to get quite bad again but very reluctant to go to drs as I know they will just put me on more tabs I don’t really want to take as I take enough tabs already.
chris
Melb Australia
I take 150mg of magnesium daily as well as 1000mg deep sea krill oil & 3 macafem tablets daily. ( i have doing this for about 1 month) While I was taking these immediately after breakfast – I was feeling fine. In the last 2 weeks I started to take these after my evening meal. Since then I have started to feel bloated and nauseous after meals & sometimes break out in a sweat. Why? Do these tablets have negative affects on each other? Should I be taking them for prolonged periods of time? Please note I am post menopausal & had libido problems before adding Macafem to the other 2 supplements (above) that I was taking.
The People's Pharmacy
Chris, we are not aware of interactions between them. However, if you don’t feel good after taking them, you might go back to your original schedule or take them at different times from each other.
jude newman
brisbane queensland
To learn all you need to know about magnesium go to http://drcarolyndean.com/ . I take 300mgs morning and night.
cerwin
I see this post is several years old. However, I felt this person’s pain and need for help. I suffer from the same symptoms and elephant leg swelling. I also take the water pills hydrchlorothizide. MY Dr. Has yet to help this ongoing problem along with others like the irregular heartbeat. I was very curious if you have found relief or help? And if magnesium has helped? How much if so?
Pat
I started to use Magnesium Oxide 500 mg. in hopes it would help with constipation especially taken every day… no luck so far.
Perhaps S.Jones could help me with this as I noticed they had written that the 500 mg. helped with their constipation problem.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Pat
Diana
Illinois
Magnesium OXIDE is the worst form of magnesium that you can buy. It is not easily absorbed by the body so it’s almost useless. Purchase Magnesium Glycinate, Chelated Magnesium, or Elemental Chelated Magnesium. Magnesium Citrate is good too, it’s just more likely to cause loose stools (which could be a good thing if you find you’re often constipated).
higgij310
Schenectady, NY
Magnisium Oxide is not a form absorbed well. You may only be absorbing 4%. Try chelated type.
The People's Pharmacy
Here’s a link to info on food sources and supplements:
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
Emmylou
Florida
You may want to try Miralax. for constipation.You can purchase the generic version at Walgreens. It is less expensive. Every person reacts differently to certain products, vitamins, as well as medicines. I have had a very good experience with the generic version of Miralax. It combines very well with coffee, tea, or juices. You won’t even know it has been mixed in. I hope this works for you.
enia
Hello,
I’ve been suffering with horrible PVC’s for about three years now. beta blockers doesn’t seem to help much, so I’m trying other things. Question for all of you who have experience with magnesium and PVC’s: what kind of magnesium do you think is the best and how much to take daily? I’ve read that magnesium glyconate is well absorbed and easier on the stomach than citrate and oxide… Thank you all, I’m desperate to feel better, these skipped beats are literally driving me crazy every day :(
Candis
Ga
I also suffer from PVC’S and someone told me to try magnesium. I am taking the magnesium oxide 250mg and have been taking for 2 weeks now. I felt 100% better the first day taking them. I was having 50 extra heart beats daily and now it feels like 2 or 3 daily so a huge change for me. I was also having a ton of anxiety and panic attacks everytime I would think my heart was going to stop or think I was having a heart attack. Well, I am a witness that I have been so calm and haven’t had any attacks since taking them. Not even any anxious feelings either. I take one before bed. When I took one in the mornings, I was too sleepy to work so I started taking it before bed. Working wonders for me.
Stephanie
Colorado
This comment is for everyone. Supplements in general are of great benefit, but you have to look at what you are eating and drinking. Carbonated beverages and things like Gatorade can cause mineral imbalances in our bodies. Look up what minerals/vitamins are in specific fruits and veggies, and start eating more of them. It is amazing that you can fix a lot of problems with digestive enzymes and organic foods, along with supplements.
S. jones
I was always having problems with constipation no matter how much water I drank every day.. i was told “oh drink more water” …so I did and I was STILL constipated…I heard/read that magnesium works wonders with constipation and I thought what do I have to lose.
I started taking 500mg every evening with my meal and come morning, lets say, I no longer have that problem. I also always had lots of headaches… taking magnesium has helped that as well along with heart palpitations… magnesium is all I take and it seems like it has helped me immensely with everything…
My husband has high blood pressure and no matter what “pill” the doctors gave him it isn’t working… his blood pressure is still high… after ready some of these posts I am strongly going to suggest he maybe try magnesium to help get it under control…
Judy
how much do you take to be effective?
TL
I recently found out I have rapid a rapid heart beat and it scared the *#$%@! Out of me I have always been active and happy. But for 6 to 8 months I have been laid off and depressed over some life issues. I have read some of the comments. And it sounds like magnesium is what I need to start to get things pointed in the right direction.
Can some please plan and clearly suggest what type pill or powder the name on the bottle and how much to take to start of 250 300 400mg…. I’m real cautious because I never really got sick and now I have this… I do eat anything I want I smoke and now that I stopped smoking and am on a diet I just was wondering if someone could suggest for me what kind and how much to take …I am 31 yr. Old
EMS
I would call magnesium supplements the miracle I was looking for, having open heart surgery triple bypass at 40 yrs of age, I needed all the help I could get. I am a 13 yrs survivor, my heart is healthier now because of magnesium, no palpitations, no irregular heart beat, great blood pressure, I guess I’ve said enough it truly has been my miracle mineral… you have nothing to lose but a whole lot to gain, trust me… it also helps my mood in a huge way…. making stress easier to handle in my daily life.
dlr
yes I take that for the irr. heart beat and also trying for restless legs that drive me insane especially in the summer heat at nite.
T.J.
I was on blood pressure meds for 8mos now I’m having heart problems SVT never had heart problems until I started taking blood pressure meds, The doctor put me on a 24hr holter monitor the monitor showed my heart was pausing now I have a pacemaker inside me, but I still have pvc’s & rapid heart beats so I started taking magnesium & I don’t have the pvc’s & rapid heart beats any more….
catherine
having used the epsom salt in a bath never realized the dose or how it helped me, I only used it for pain, until a few weeks not using it my anxiety was back and awful. I never measured it just poured it in. Well went I went back on it i felt better, stopped using it then I was very sick for about 2 months and well from problems with low heart rate, bad panic attacks and such.
I ran off to the doctors for test nothing was found. My other doctor thought it was withdrawal from caffeine and nicotine but I had been drinking caffeine and still using cigarettes. I even thought it was pre menopause but gyno said he did not think so. I had episodes of uncontrollable shaking one day lasting 3 hours and other days small amount of time 20 minutes a hour. My blood pressure also through the roof heart rate was low.
I almost had to go to the hospital, it scared me to death, still had the shakes for days till I recalled in my head I have not bathed with epsom salt in a long time. I used only a little bit I scared myself reading the label high magnesium at least 435 mg in a teaspoon here a few months ago I put in a cup full. So I used a little bit and the shakes were less, is this a problem did my doctor test this probably not, I sit and wonder.
There is a reason and solution, to my problem epsom salt may be helping will consult doctors soon. I do not want to over do it or cause myself harm. I post this because maybe someone else has this problem too. Maybe this can help you, The comments seem to help me know that i am not crazy,
Lynn
I have been told that magnesium and vitamin d taken in the proper quantity can do wonders for a person’s well being. What I would like to know is are there any supplements available that can be taken daily and what would the dosage be. Any feedback would be appreciated, thank you.
Lynn
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: We think that wintertime vitamin D supplementation should range between 1,000 and 4,000 IU daily, which could be guided by a test your doctor could conduct of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D. That should be at least 30 ng/ml.
Magnesium supplementation between 200 and 500 mg/day should be safe except for those with impaired kidney function. (They should avoid magnesium supplements altogether.) Diarrhea is a signal that the dose of magnesium is too high. The dose can be adjusted downward.
Mike
I have been on Xanax for years for anxiety. I started taking magnesium & it is actually better. I found that all magnesium hurts my stomach except for Chelated Magnesium. I get it at the national chain store…Vitamin Shoppe. Solgar & Country Pride both make Chelated magnesium. Both are good, country pride is cheaper. I found magnesium to help my whole body & mind
Janet
Try taking Omega 3 and see if it helps with depression. Just take less magnesium and add Omega 3.
Robert
I am 63, have bi-polar type 2 with PTSD, take Effexor XR 150mg. Lately I tried adding magnesium to my meds and noticed an increase in my depression. This increase ended when I stopped the magnesium. I waited and then tried the magnesium again with the same increase in depression. Has anyone had this happen? I have read all the articles stating that magnesium has helped many depressives, and I can’t find anything about magnesium increasing a person’s depression.
Burma
Doctors know nothing about prevention and healing. I have always been offered anti-biotics for everything. This ruins the immune system which we rely on for our whole lives. I will no longer take them or any drug. Mag has stopped my restless leg syndrome and tingling in the hands. I used to get them when I ate sugar but magnesium stops it now that I take Mag every day. Strangely… my sugar craving went away after taking Mag.
400 mgs magnesium once a day……still have constipation so will try 400 2X daily.
I always take fish oil, D, 2000 mgs C, CoQ, (and Lysene if I eat nuts because I break out.) less thyroid because a Doctor was trying to get me off it. Better have him re-check.
I am grateful for a forum like this. Wish the doctors would read it. We the People can also help. Get this info to the States so they can lower the cost of Medicare and Medicaid. We must take the power we have to educate all citizens that there are OTHER WAYS TO HEAL…..especially at this time of great financial crisis for our country.
MissH
Doc said I was low on Mag. So about a week ago I started taking 400mg 2-3 times a day and Fish oil 2 a day, Vit D 2 a day, and B complex! I have never felt better!!!
Bill G.
Nobody mentioned a proper PH Balance, yes, we are not so different than other living organs! Try drinking lemon juice (green out of the bottle is best) with water a couple of times a day, this will give you a lot of grace for not eating enough vegetables and fruits. This is a good source for alkaline (after it’s absorbed) You will feel and look healthier, and will absorb nutrients better. Keep up the Mag. And Zinc supplements, they are greatly lacking within our (American) diets. At 62 I have no symptoms, of which I say Thank God! But I intend to always take necessary supplements, occasional colon cleansing, and keeping a proper PH. And yes exercise, I can still drop and do 50!
To your good health.
Bilal C.
Hey guys I suffer from premature ventricular contractions (its not that severe) however I get bad bouts sometimes and I have been told to take magnesium citrate however I take multivitamins 1 tab a day which contains 100mg of magnesium carbonate which is a small amount I really would like to try some more magnesium but I am worried about the different forms of the magnesium in the vitamins and the magnesium supplement is it safe to have different forms of it?
I plan to take no more than 250mg-300mg for a trial period in fact I will only take the supplement when I have irregular heartbeats so overdose will not be possible in my case and I am aware of tolerable intake levels just nervous about the types of magnesium interacting and forming some toxic metallic goo in the body and put me in a coma. Any advice is much appreciated :)
NL
I frequently get eye twitches. They will last anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months and they drive me crazy. After ruling out stress, caffeine, and sleep, a friend (also an EMT) suggested I take magnesium. I took 500 mg the following day, and NO EYE TWITCH!!!
joy
I just started taking Mag 250 mg 2 x a day for Restless leg Syndrome. I have not had it since I started the mag! Its been about a week and a half. Nothing else ever worked so I’m so grateful!
Sheila
Take Black Walnut from the health food store. It will help you to not be constipated.
Bill from CT
Magnesium as well as Potassium is great for the irregular heartbeat. I also take 300 MG of CoQ10 and Fishoil (3 grams twice a day). All of these have helped.
Bill
After 30 years of Afib, at 67, I take 600mg Magnesium daily along with fish oil and Vit D (5000 IU). I think the Mg keeps my Afib spells down to once every few months, usually triggered by caffeine, but your mileage may vary.
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE:
Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) really requires medical management from a physician. We do NOT want anyone experiencing a stroke because of home treatment. A-fib is not always detectable. Please discuss all alternative options with your MD.
EVT
I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism disease in 1999 at the age of 41. I had fibromylgia which in my case resulted from using steroidal nasal medications. After reading about magnesium and talking with many nutritionists, I started taking magnesium, along with other supplements like zinc and B complex. I also stopped using prescription allergy meds like the nasal spray. I take 500 mg of magnesium, which can give me loose stools, but no fibromyalgia and no constipation, which often occurs with Hypothyroidism.
My advice to all the posters with questions about magnesium or other supplements is to learn human physiology and to become well-read in terms of scientifically reviewed literature. Anecdotal stories alone, even mine, cannot be completely trusted. Every one of us is slightly different and what works for one may not work for others.
Having said that, don’t give up. Many medications do more damage than good but some are life-saving. If your docs don’t help you feel 100% better or don’t listen to your issues, find one who will. Perhaps try an alternative practitioner, like a naturopath.
Richard Woods, DDS
When you speak of correct dosage for minerals is it the compound dosage or the ionic dosage. Older people do not not digestively split off the electrolyte in compounds which is the only way I know a mineral can be absorbed.
Ionic minerals are found in vegetables but in that case Biology teaches us that plants that form our vegies have done the work for us.
What of do you speak?
Richard Woods
Jenny
Hi,
Magnesium helped me several times during asthma episodes – it was given to me in the Emergency Room, and saved me a couples of times from being intubated – it is a muscle relaxant, at least for me.
MP
try the 250 mg magnesium twice a day, with meals (one with breakfast/lunch, the other with supper). It’s helped me too.
LN
I had palpitations and searched for an answer as they were getting harder. I read about the benefits of magnesium. I take 1800 mg. of Calcium per day and 250 mg. of magnesium with each calcium tablet. So far I haven`t had any palpitations. I was taking Actonil and had to have dental surgery and because of an ingredient in Actonil the oral surgeon told me of the danger of complications after tooth extraction, I stopped taking the Actonil and am now taking more calcium and magnesium and pray I`m doing the right thing.
Anonymous
I have started to take magnesium 250mg for shaking and found that it has almost stopped now, so would like to know if I could take a higher dose to help me with palpitations as well, would like some advice please from other users of magnesium thank you.
Jason
500mg of mg oxide per day for me throughout the last 5 days had the following affects:
Occasional heart beat skips (previously diagnosed with loan afib)-cured
Possible coronary spasms while yawning-cured
Muscle twitches, vibrations,and tics throughout the body-cured
Depression, fear, apathy, anxiety-cured
Premature ejaculation and unreliable erections-cured
I might be able to go on, but as you can see, I was obviously mg deficient and I feel like I have a new lease on life (I’m 31.) Mg requirements and evaluation of it in our modern diets and lifestyles is not being taken seriously by doctors. Of course, I stopped taking most doctors seriously long ago. They are paid to prescribe and run tests. It’s difficult for doctors, pharmaceutical, and drug companies to get rich if docs are handing out mg supplements or actually investigating individual diets and lifestyles and their affects on vitamin and mineral status in the body. On the other hand, they study and practice medicine. They didn’t go to school to be a nutritionist, I suppose.
ejmm
Hi there, your case touched me very much. I would suggest you start going on the Zone Diet, this is by Dr. Barry Sears, plenty of books out there. Also I would probably take it more extreme, avoiding all grains and cereals and replacing with favorable carbohydrates that are green vegetables and green leafy vegetables, and favorable fruits like the more purple local organic for you like all berries, and include the others but mainly the berries, and good organic protein (animals that besides no chemical have been fed out of grains and cereals), avoid all diary please, and you´ll see when you take out the poisons how you´ll feel!!!!
I really wish for you to get much better if you follow this that you might call paleolithic diet (vegetables, fruits, good quality protein) plenty of rest, water, avoid stress at all costs. A hug from Mexico.
AKA
I take Cal/Mag/Zinc, three tablets a day, comes from your local Wal-Mart in the Vit. dept. For years my heart would seem to skip a beat, scary. Thinking one day I am not going to wake up after skipping a beat. I discovered by taking the above mention, it resolved the issue, but if you take too many, you could have loose stools.
By using Epsom salt, melted down over low heat (turns to a liquid) and mixing in your favorite hand or body lotion and bottling this, when you have a hard day or just can’t go to sleep, rub a little of the mixture on the thin parts of your body (shins, inside of your legs, back of your hands)you will enjoy a restful sleep. The best part, no medical side effect.
Lisa Maddox
Is it all right to take 500 mg of magnesium twice a day for depression until I feel better? Can I take too much of the mineral?
Carol
I have had arrhythmia for over a year, including scary episodes at night. I recently started taking 250 mg Magnesium twice per day and I haven’t had significant arrhythmia or palpitations in 8 days. I would also like to know the relation between magnesium supplement and the near cessation of irregular, fast heartbeat.
E.M.
I had been plagued with Wolfe Parkinson White Syndrome for years and had a cardiac ablation 10 years ago which cured the problem for a long time. But eventually I developed some Supra Ventricular Tachycardia which didn’t respond well to medication… side effects of the meds were terrible. So I’ve just been “dealing with it” for quite awhile… which means I wake up at night with this rapid heartbeat and I feel like I’m having a panic attack.
Recently I started taking 500 Mg Magnesium Oxide along with my regular calcium supplement. Within a week I realized I wasn’t waking up at night with the rapid heartbeat problem. Can anyone confirm that there is a relationship between the magnesium supplement and the cessation of the irregular, fast heartbeat issue?
Patrick
JW,
You indicated that 400 MG of Magnesium Oxide eliminated your irregular heartbeat. I have recently been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat (Premature ventricular Contractions) that is a benign condition. However, each time I have these PVS’s it scares the heck out of me.
My Cardiologist recently suggested that I consider taking a Magnesium supplement since Blood test showed a Magnesium level of border line 1.5. He also increased my BP medicine as well. I would love to hear more about your symptoms and why Magnesium was advised to improve you condition.
Thank you so much for your consideration of my request,
Patrick
Andrea
I have had horrible cramping on both feet and calfs since March 2009.
4 months prior I was drinking nothing but distiledl water since Dec 2008 after I had surgery Hystorectemic. I stopped because I realized that distilled water has no minerals which we need. The cramping began in March in my feet and my calfs get really tight to the point of cramping.
When not fully cramping the sensation of cramping is always there on both feet, all day long. I can no longer wear normal shoes only running shoes and have much trouble walking. I was only taking 100mg of Mag. per day but as off today I will be talking up to 500mg per day. could use any advice you have. I am under medical attention and do have some issues in my back that could be the cause of why my feet are doing what there doing.
thanks.
Andrea
DB
I have fibromyalgia and neuropathy. I’m obviously taking pain meds, I’ve had a horrible constipation problem and I have elephant legs from swelling. Drs. have me on Rx Miralax 2-3x daily and I STILL have to camp in the bathroom before anything happens.
Also, I am taking 60mg Lasix 2xdaily, hydrochlorathiazide 50mg per day, and sometimes another one that zaps potassium so I can take it only every few months, these are all for swelling. I found out today that my vit D is low as well as my thiamine (B1). An uncle by marriage told me to take B6 three times daily for swelling and magnesium for constipation even though NOTHING WORKS. Can you help?? I think the last time I tried magnesium I got severely sick to my stomach.
Suzy
I was so depressed and seriously looking into medications which I try so hard to avoid. The same week, it was discovered that my body was extremely low in magnesium.
I immediately started taking 4oo mg of magnesium 3 times a day, and literally within 2-4 days I was feeling better. I haven’t had the depression again. I only take 1 400mg tablet 1 or twice a day now.
Dot Freeman
After having a pace maker implanted I also had an irregular heart beat. 400 mg of Magnesium Oxide per day solved the problem. I also found all magnesium oxide is not the same. Only Blaine’s MagOx did the job.
MJ
I take medication for colestrol and triglycerides. I finally told the doctor that I could not have a bowel movement and what would he prescribe. He told me to take magnesium. I can not believe that this worked. Everyday and no problem. My daughter had an operation and she could not go. I told her about magnesium (she usually had a bowel movement only once a week.
She now goes everyday. This is the best medication on the market today.
ASM
Is there any problem with the absorption of Vit D if taking magnesium? I have taken 500 mg. or more of magnesium daily for several years to help with constipation.
My dr. said my Vit D level was low and prescribed some that included directions not to take it with any antacid containing magnesium. Was it due to the magnesium or something else in the antacid? Am wondering if my low level of Vit D was related to all that magnesium I took despite having Vit D in my calcium supplelment.
Michael Rutkaus
I have noticed for over 40 years that magnesium supplements helps greatly for depression and bad moods!
JW
Taking Magnesium Oxide 400 mg daily has corrected an irregular heart beat for me.