10 Symptoms of Too Much Magnesium

By somerset

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

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.

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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.