Health Experts Issue New Warning About Magnesium Supplements — Especially for These Two High-Risk Groups

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Headlines like “Health Experts Issue New Warning About Magnesium Supplements — Especially for These Two High-Risk Groups” are often written to grab attention. While there are legitimate safety concerns, they usually apply to specific people, not everyone.

The two groups most commonly considered at higher risk are:

  1. People with kidney disease
    • Healthy kidneys remove excess magnesium.
    • If kidney function is impaired, magnesium can build up in the blood (hypermagnesemia), which in severe cases can cause low blood pressure, muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, and breathing problems. (Office of Dietary Supplements)
  2. People taking certain medications
    • Magnesium supplements can interact with several medicines, including:
      • Some antibiotics (reducing their absorption)
      • Bisphosphonates used for osteoporosis
      • Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone)
      • Some diuretics
    • Timing doses apart or avoiding supplements may be necessary, depending on the medication. (Office of Dietary Supplements)

Other people who should be cautious

  • Older adults with reduced kidney function
  • Anyone taking high doses of magnesium-containing laxatives or antacids
  • People with certain heart or neuromuscular conditions

Common side effects

Too much magnesium from supplements often causes:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal cramping

Very high levels are uncommon in healthy people but can become a medical emergency. (Verywell Health)

Should everyone avoid magnesium supplements?

No. Magnesium is an essential mineral, and supplements can be appropriate for people with a documented deficiency or certain medical conditions. However, they’re not necessary for everyone, and getting magnesium from foods such as nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables is generally preferred. (health.harvard.edu)

If you’re considering a magnesium supplement, it’s worth discussing it with a healthcare professional, especially if you have kidney disease, take prescription medications, or are unsure whether you actually need one.

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