Magnesium intoxication or poisoning occurs when there is an overdose of magnesium in the blood. Too much magnesium in the body is also called hypermagnesemia. A magnesium deficiency is called hypomagnesemia. Magnesium is necessary for a well-functioning body. In some cases it is necessary to supplement a magnesium deficiency through supplements, but these supplements must be used responsibly. A magnesium supplement is not ‘just’ a vitamin supplement but can cause complaints if overconsumed. Severe hypermagnesemia or magnesium intoxication can even be fatal if not recognized and treated in time. This is especially the case for people who already have a condition of the heart and/or kidneys, for example.
- What is magnesium?
- Functions of magnesium in the body
- The recommended daily amount of Magnesium (RDA Mg)
- Magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia
- Symptoms of magnesium deficiency
- Treatment of magnesium deficiency
- When does too much magnesium occur?
- Hypermagnesemia
- Causes of hypermagnesemia
- Symptoms of hypermagnesemia
- Prevent
- Treatment of hypermagnesemia and intoxication
What is magnesium?
Magnesium (abbreviation is Mg) is an indispensable essential mineral that must be consumed through the diet. Our body cannot produce it itself. Magnesium occurs in the body mainly in the form of magnesium salts. An adult body contains approximately 25 g of Mg, of which 15 g is found in the bones and a quarter in the skeletal muscles. The rest is distributed throughout the nervous system, blood and other organs.
Functions of magnesium in the body
- Magnesium releases energy
- It is necessary for proper heart muscle function
- It ensures the proper functioning of the nervous system and muscles
- It is necessary for the activity of many enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that aid in the digestion of nutrients.
- Mg is also involved in the formation of bones and teeth
- It counteracts mental fatigue
- When Mg binds to phosphate, it gives strength to the skeleton. In addition, in combination with calcium and phosphate, it forms a reserve to compensate for any deficiencies.
- Mg increases resistance to depression and stress
- It helps maintain osmotic balance and acidity in the blood and tissue fluid
- Mg strengthens concentration and memory
- It is an important nutrient for the brain
- It influences the irritability in the motor muscle cells and helps to maintain blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
The recommended daily amount of Magnesium (RDA Mg)
- An average adult woman needs an RDA of Mg of 250 mg to 300 mg.
- An average adult man needs an RDA of Mg of 300 mg to 350 mg.
- A pregnant woman needs an RDA of Mg of 300 mg to 350 mg.
- A breastfeeding woman needs an RDA of Mg of 300 mg to 400 mg.
Magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia
When the magnesium level in the blood is too low, we speak of hypomagnesemia. Under normal circumstances, sufficient magnesium is absorbed from the daily diet. This means that magnesium deficiencies rarely occur with a balanced diet. But in a number of cases a shortage can arise, namely in the following situations:
- in absorption disorders
- in chronic alcoholism
- in diabetes mellitus
- in hyperthyroidism
- in case of inflammation of the pancreas
- with unilateral food intake
- when using medication
- during pregnancy
- in Crohn’s disease
- in hypoparathyroidism
- after surgery
- in case of a serious burn
- in case of pre-eclampsia
- in case of prolonged diarrhea
Athletes, stressed people, adolescents, the elderly and regular alcohol users can also often exhibit a magnesium deficiency.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency
- General lethargy or fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Tremors
- Vomit
- Decreased appetite
- Muscle cramps and muscle fatigue
- Tetany, i.e. a higher sensitivity of the muscles to stimuli
- Irregular heartbeat
Treatment of magnesium deficiency
To supplement the magnesium deficiency, magnesium supplements with 200 mg to 450 mg can be taken depending on the health and needs of the person.
When does too much magnesium occur?
30% to 40% of magnesium is reabsorbed from food. After absorption, the magnesium is transported to the tissues with the blood. Excess magnesium is excreted via the kidneys. The rest that was absorbed from food is lost through the stool. We lose a small part through sweating. The regulation of the absorption of magnesium in our body is done by adjusting the absorption through the intestines on the one hand and through the kidneys through excretion of the urine on the other. When too little magnesium is excreted by the body and too much magnesium remains in the blood, too much magnesium is created in the body.
Hypermagnesemia
We speak of hypermagnesemia when there is too high a magnesium level in the blood.
Causes of hypermagnesemia
- renal insufficiency and/or renal failure
- overactive parathyroid gland
- poorly functioning thyroid gland
- acidification of the blood (too low pH) in diabetes
- Addison’s disease
- use of Mg-containing laxatives
- Too much Mg supplements: more than 250 mg/day can lead to hypermagnesemia
Symptoms of hypermagnesemia
- Nausea
- Vomit
- Stomach complaints
- Intestinal problems
- Weakness
- Disturbed breathing
Depending on the person, the severity of the symptoms can vary from mild abdominal pain to severe diarrhea. If too much magnesium is short-lived, it does not have to be immediately serious, but with a long-term overdose of magnesium, serious complaints of magnesium intoxication can occur. occur namely:
- To sweat
- Low bloodpressure
- Thirst
- Hot flashes
- Hypothermia
- Loss of reflexes
- Cardiac arrest
Severe hypermagnesemia or intoxication can be fatal.
Prevent
Severe hypermagnesemia or intoxication is rare but is often diagnosed in patients with already serious conditions such as renal failure. The intoxication is often overlooked because the symptoms of the original condition mask the vitamin intoxication. Yet it is very dangerous for people with kidney disease and heart disorders.
Fetal bone damage is also linked to magnesium intoxication. This is a skeletal disorder in newborns. In addition, magnesium intoxication sometimes occurs in fetuses and newborns, resulting in weakened bones and fractures in the first months of life. The treatment consists of administering phosphorus and calcium so that the infants do not suffer any long-term consequences.
Treatment of hypermagnesemia and intoxication
It is necessary to administer intravenous calcium gluconate. Intravenous diuretics can increase renal excretion of magnesium. If the kidneys do not function properly, dialysis will usually be necessary.
