10 Symptoms of Too Much Magnesium
Article Sources
- 1. Ajib, Fayez A. 'Magnesium Toxicity.', U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Jan. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554593/.
- 2. Katherine Zeratsky, R.D. 'Pros and Cons of Taking a Magnesium Supplement.' _Mayo Clinic_, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Dec. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/magnesium-supplements/faq-20466270.
- 3. Crippa, G et al. 'Magnesium and cardiovascular drugs: interactions and therapeutic role.' _Annali italiani di medicina interna : organo ufficiale della Societa italiana di medicina interna_ vol. 14,1 (1999): 40-5.
- 4. 'Magnesium Blood Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test.' _MedlinePlus_, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 31 July 2020, medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/magnesium-blood-test/.
- 5. Milanowski, Ann. 'Feeling Fatigued? Could It Be Magnesium Deficiency? (And If So, What to Do About It!).' _Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic_, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 1 Sept. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/feeling-fatigued-could-it-be-magnesium-deficiency-and-if-so-what-to-do-about-it/.
- 6. Cancer, Cleveland Clinic. 'Hypomagnesemia (Low Magnesium).' _Chemocare_, chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/hypomagnesemia-low-magnesium.aspx.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that the body uses to help regulate a number of internal processes. However, it can be difficult for a person to incorporate enough magnesium into their diet, which can result in hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels, and lead to a wide range of symptoms.
Many people take magnesium supplements to help bolster their daily intake of the mineral. Taking too much can have adverse effects, as well, because magnesium is toxic in high quantities. It’s difficult to overdose on magnesium. However, it’s relatively easy for someone to take too much of a magnesium supplement, especially women.1Ajib, Fayez A. ‘Magnesium Toxicity.’, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Jan. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554593/.
1. Nausea & Abdominal Problems
Nausea and cramping and pain in the abdomen are low-level symptoms of consuming too much magnesium and often the first signs of an overdose of the mineral. Nausea and painful cramping in the abdomen may occur on their own, or these symptoms may be accompanied by diarrhea.2Katherine Zeratsky, R.D. ‘Pros and Cons of Taking a Magnesium Supplement.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Dec. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/magnesium-supplements/faq-20466270.
Nausea can vary in intensity depending on the individual and how high of a magnesium dosage was taken. Vomiting may also occur. If left untreated, nausea, abdominal cramping and the related symptoms may worsen until the cause is determined and treatment is administered.
2. Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure is a very common symptom in many types of illnesses and medical issues, making it a poor identifier for a magnesium overdose. It’s usually experienced in conjunction with other symptoms.
Low blood pressure may cause general weakness, lightheadedness, dizziness, and fatigue. When it’s related to a magnesium overdose, the usual remedies won’t alleviate these symptoms. The only effective treatments need to be administered by medical professionals.1Ajib, Fayez A. ‘Magnesium Toxicity.’, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Jan. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554593/.
3. Trouble Breathing
Breathing issues can be a sign of too high an intake of magnesium. This can occur due to exercise or stress and can be quite frightening, especially when experienced along with other symptoms. Breathing issues can last for several minutes, or they may last longer if stress remains high, or physical activity is resumed.
If a person is experiencing symptoms, a medical professional may recommend a blood test to check their magnesium level. This typically requires preparation including stopping taking supplements containing the mineral.4‘Magnesium Blood Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 31 July 2020, medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/magnesium-blood-test/.
4. Cardiac Arrest
Too much magnesium may result in cardiac arrest or heart failure. Other symptoms can include lung issues and the shutting down of respiratory functions. Since a magnesium overdose can be fatal if left untreated, it’s recommended that a person seek out emergency medical care if an overdose is suspected.
Those at risk for magnesium overdoses include pregnant women, and in fact, magnesium toxicity interferes with 3 percent of all pregnancies.1Ajib, Fayez A. ‘Magnesium Toxicity.’, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Jan. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554593/. This is because pregnant women often take supplements that magnesium can interact with.
5. Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness can be a symptom of both magnesium toxicity and deficiency. When experienced by an individual, it may be accompanied by other muscular issues, including spasms, tightness, and jerky, rigid movements. Weakness may come on slowly over several hours or rapidly and accompanied by pain, especially when performing difficult physical tasks.2Katherine Zeratsky, R.D. ‘Pros and Cons of Taking a Magnesium Supplement.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Dec. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/magnesium-supplements/faq-20466270.
Muscle weakness can last for days or weeks until treatment is administered. It can be particularly severe in some cases and may affect the whole body.
6. Irregular Heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat is another sign of low magnesium levels in the blood. It can be characterized as a fluttering, pounding, or beat-skipping. This symptom can be caused by low blood pressure, which is another sign of magnesium deficiency.4‘Magnesium Blood Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 31 July 2020, medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/magnesium-blood-test/.
Irregular heartbeats can be a frightening occurrence. Since magnesium is a type of electrolyte, it’s a key component of many bodily processes, including blood pressure and heart function. As a result, it can also interact with various cardiovascular medications.3Crippa, G et al. ‘Magnesium and cardiovascular drugs: interactions and therapeutic role.’ Annali italiani di medicina interna : organo ufficiale della Societa italiana di medicina interna vol. 14,1 (1999): 40-5.
7. Seizures
Seizures are another serious symptom related to magnesium intake.4‘Magnesium Blood Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 31 July 2020, medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/magnesium-blood-test/. Seizures are serious whenever they occur, as they may cause permanent damage to a person’s nervous system, cognitive abilities, and basic bodily functions. Particularly severe seizures may even result in death if treatment isn’t sought out immediately.
Seizures caused by low levels of magnesium are very rare. However, if a person experiences a seizure, it should be reported to a medical professional immediately, even if there are no other noticeable symptoms or obvious lingering damage.
8. Confusion
Another symptom of magnesium deficiency is confusion. Magnesium helps control blood pressure and keeps blood flowing through the circulatory system. When this flow is interrupted it can cause confusion.
Usually, this symptom is temporary and will be reversed once magnesium supplements are taken. An alternative to supplements is to bolster the diet with foods high in magnesium, which include whole grains, mangos, black beans, and avocados.5Milanowski, Ann. ‘Feeling Fatigued? Could It Be Magnesium Deficiency? (And If So, What to Do About It!).’ Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 1 Sept. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/feeling-fatigued-could-it-be-magnesium-deficiency-and-if-so-what-to-do-about-it/. Once a diet is improved, symptoms of magnesium deficiency usually disappear within days.
9. Muscle Cramps and Fatigue
Muscle cramps can be experienced in the abdomen and or anywhere else in the body. Usually, these cramps aren’t long-lasting, but they can occur multiple times a day in cases that aren’t being actively treated. Usually, cramps are resolved once proper magnesium levels are restored.6Cancer, Cleveland Clinic. ‘Hypomagnesemia (Low Magnesium).’ Chemocare, chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/hypomagnesemia-low-magnesium.aspx.
Cramps can lead to fatigue, and these two symptoms are usually experienced together. Fatigue can be severe in some cases and may result in an individual’s inability to perform basic tasks.
10. Loss of Reflexes
A symptom that can result from hypermagnesemia is the loss or delay of reflexes, which may affect a person’s ability to drive and operate machinery.1Ajib, Fayez A. ‘Magnesium Toxicity.’, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Jan. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554593/. This symptom usually only occurs when extremely high levels of magnesium are present in a person’s body.
When high levels of magnesium are the cause, slowed reflexes typically occur in the tendons. This is often one of the last symptoms to appear in a person before respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest occurs.
