Latest news with #magnesium
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
5 Medications You Shouldn't Mix with Magnesium, According to Health Experts
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD Key Points Magnesium can block absorption or alter effects of certain drugs, like antibiotics and amphetamines. Timing magnesium away from meds can help prevent issues or dangerous side effects. Always consult a healthcare provider before mixing magnesium with prescriptions Does your daily routine include a handful of supplements? If magnesium is in the mix, you're not alone. This essential mineral seems to be becoming part of many people's routines, promising to ease muscle cramps, help you sleep better and even support your bone health. "Some research suggests that magnesium can be useful for the prevention of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, migraine headaches and to help improve sleep," says Cathryn Williamson, Pharm.D. But before you take that next capsule, there's something you might not know: Magnesium can have an impact on certain medications in ways that aren't always obvious. Mixing the wrong combo could mean your medicine won't work as well, or you might end up with some unpleasant side effects. Curious which medications clash with magnesium? You're in the right place. We'll break down five you should definitely avoid mixing, plus offer simple tips to keep your supplement routine smart and safe. 1. Antibiotics "One of the main class of medications that ranks highest in terms of clinically significant interactions with magnesium is antibiotics, specifically the fluoroquinolones (like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) and tetracyclines (like doxycycline, minocycline)," shares Raksha Shah, M.A., RDN. "This interaction is considered highly important because magnesium binds to these antibiotics in the gut, forming insoluble complexes and dramatically reducing their absorption and effectiveness." If you're prescribed antibiotics, it's best to take magnesium supplements at least two to six hours before or after taking the medication. Spacing doses out like this helps ensure the drug has enough time to be absorbed properly. Always talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions or need individualized advice. 2. Osteoporosis Medications "While magnesium deficiency is associated with osteoporosis, oral magnesium can decrease the absorption of some medications designed to treat the condition, such as alendronate," explains Daniel Atkinson, M.D. Similar to antibiotics, magnesium may interfere with the absorption of these medications in the digestive tract. This could reduce the efficacy of the treatment and potentially compromise bone health in the long term. It is generally recommended to take bisphosphonates like alendronate on an empty stomach with water, and avoid magnesium-containing supplements or antacids for at least 30 to 60 minutes after taking the medication. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your prescription for best results. 3. Blood Pressure Medications Some blood pressure medications, particularly calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine), can have interactions with magnesium. "Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, and magnesium can also work in this way," says Atkinson. "So taking both at the same time can potentially amplify this effect and cause your blood pressure to drop too low." This has the potential to lead to excessively low blood pressure. This may result in symptoms like dizziness, fainting or even more serious cardiovascular complications. If you're taking blood pressure medication, consult a healthcare provider before starting a magnesium supplement. They may recommend monitoring your blood pressure more closely or adjusting your magnesium intake so that it aligns safely with your treatment plan. 4. Diuretics Diuretics—sometimes called "water pills"—are often prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney issues. There are two primary types of diuretics that interact differently with magnesium: Loop and thiazide diuretics (e.g., furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide) can cause magnesium depletion in your body. Taking a magnesium supplement may be beneficial in such cases, but should still be monitored closely by a physician. Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) "can increase magnesium levels dangerously when combined with magnesium supplements," per Shah. Adding a magnesium supplement on top of this could lead to hypermagnesemia (too much magnesium in the body), with symptoms ranging from nausea to slowed heart rate. Work with a healthcare provider to track your magnesium levels if you're on a diuretic. Depending on your specific prescription and health needs, they can advise whether magnesium supplements are safe or necessary for you. 5. Amphetamines Magnesium can impact the absorption and effectiveness of amphetamines, such as those prescribed for ADHD (e.g., Adderall) or narcolepsy. "Magnesium can change the pH of the stomach and cause a more basic environment (higher pH)," says Williamson. "Some drugs like amphetamines require an acidic environment for proper absorption. In the case of amphetamines, higher pH can cause the drug to be released faster into the body and possibly cause more side effects." This can potentially reduce the intended stimulant effects or, in some cases, make the medication act unpredictably. If you take amphetamines, consult a healthcare provider before starting magnesium supplements. They may recommend spacing out the timing of your medication and magnesium by at least a couple of hours to avoid interference. Always follow the provider's advice to ensure your medication continues to work as intended. Potential Symptoms of a Reaction When medications interact with magnesium in a harmful way, your body often gives off warning signs. If you notice any of the following symptoms, consult a health care professional as soon as possible: Vomiting: Persistent nausea or vomiting could suggest an adverse reaction to a magnesium-medication combination. Fatigue: Excessive tiredness or weakness might indicate that magnesium is amplifying the effects of a medication, such as lowering blood pressure too much. Heart rate irregularities: Symptoms like a slow or irregular heartbeat could point to elevated magnesium levels in your bloodstream, especially if you're taking medications that already affect heart function. And generally, if your medication is not working in the way you expect—like if you still have a bacterial infection after taking your course of antibiotics—it may be a sign that you're taking your magnesium too close to your antibiotic administration. Always pay close attention to how your body responds when starting or changing a supplement or medication regimen. Our Expert Take Magnesium is undoubtedly important for overall health and can provide numerous benefits when taken appropriately. However, it's equally crucial to understand its potential interactions with other medications. If you take any of the drugs mentioned above, or any other prescription, discuss magnesium supplementation with a healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice tailored to your health needs, including timing recommendations or alternative approaches to achieve your wellness goals. By staying informed and proactive, you can maximize the benefits of both your medications and your magnesium supplement while minimizing the risks. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Is Magnesium in Skin Care Really Worth It? Dermatologists Weigh In
Magnesium is having a bit of a moment. Like vitamin C before it, magnesium has managed to be both an essential mineral that we all need to live and a trendy ingredient popping up in viral TikTok recipes. Now, it's in skin care. "I never really thought of magnesium as something specific for skin because it's not just for skin," dermatologist Dr. Shasa Hu, cosmetic director of the skin of color division at the University of Miami Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, tells While magnesium can help maintain the function of your skin's protective barrier, Hu says, it's also necessary for many bodily functions, including muscular function, brain health, glucose metabolism and energy processing in your cells. These days, you might see magnesium marketed in products alongside other skin-care ingredients including peptides and antioxidants. It's been included in products with supposed anti-aging benefits as well as "calming" moisturizers. "It's not like we haven't recognized magnesium as being important," Hu adds, "it's just surprising that we're all talking about it now." So, how much of magnesium's potential skin benefits are hype versus the real deal? Here's what the experts say. Magnesium Benefits in Skin Care "There's not a ton of really high-quality studies on magnesium (in skin care), but it certainly has some data to support its use," Dr. Shari Lipner, associate professor of clinical dermatology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, tells Primarily, magnesium is thought to support the functions of the skin barrier, Lipner says. When it's working properly, the skin barrier both keeps water in the skin, ensuring it stays hydrated, as well as protecting the skin by keeping potential pathogens out. These functions in combination with magnesium's possible anti-inflammatory properties "could be beneficial in diseases like eczema and psoriasis," Lipner explains. Conditions like these are characterized by a damaged or dysfunctional skin barrier, which leads to dry skin and scaling. In fact, there is research to suggest that Dead Sea soaking can be helpful for people with psoriasis, Hu says. "They have compromised skin barrier, so they have (much) higher absorption," she explains, which can even increase the magnesium levels in their blood. However, don't expect to get the same level of relief at home. The skin-care products you see with magnesium don't have anywhere near the same amount of the mineral, and those with an intact skin barrier aren't likely to get much penetration, Hu says. Additionally, magnesium may confer some anti-aging benefits by assisting with the synthesis of collagen and elastin, Lipner says. "It can also help regulate oil production from the sebaceous glands," she adds, which could be helpful for those with oil, acne-prone skin. Do Magnesium Lotions Actually Work? Some magnesium creams, lotions and sprays are advertised as being "transdermal," meaning they're designed to penetrate the skin into the bloodstream. But does that mean you can use magnesium lotion instead of an oral supplement? Not really, integrative pharmacist Emlah Tubuo, owner of Powell Pharmacy and member of the American Pharmacists Association, tells "If you're looking for magnesium to actually rectify a deficiency, the go-to will not be topical magnesium," Tubuo explains, so it's not a replacement for an oral magnesium supplement. But, for something like muscle soreness, she may steer folks towards a mineral soak or epsom salt bath, both of which are typically forms of magnesium. "There's some research that shows that it will penetrate through the hair follicle and through sweat glands," she says, "but it's not significant enough to make a change in the serum levels of magnesium." That's because it's actually quite a challenge to get magnesium into the bloodstream. For one thing, the formulation needs to be lipophilic, meaning it's fat-soluble, to get through the top layer of skin, Hu explains. And it also needs to be a small enough molecule to make it through, she added. So far, research shows that topical magnesium just isn't absorbed effectively enough to make a major difference, Hu says. Magnesium Risks Magnesium is an essential mineral, and topical magnesium products are generally safe for most people. But, the experts say, there are some who should take caution with any magnesium product — including skin care. The balance of magnesium in your body is regulated by your kidneys, Tubuo says. "So, if your provider has ever told you that there's something wrong with your kidneys, or they are watching your kidneys, don't go near magnesium supplementation," she warns. If you have any kidney issues, it's going to be much harder for your body to properly excrete excess magnesium, Tubuo explains. That's true for oral magnesium supplements, and you should also err on the side of caution and skip topical magnesium, too, Lipner says. This article was originally published on
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a 66-year-old doctor and wish I knew what I do now in my 30s and 40s
A middle-aged American medical professional has revealed the one simple habit that he wished he'd started doing years earlier. Dr Mark Burhenne, a family dentist and creator of the online series Ask the Dentist, recently shared that taking magnesium was his essential daily health tip. The medical expert, who specialises in functional dentistry and preventative healthcare, made his magnesium declaration on Instagram, sharing the message to his 849,000 followers. According to Australian government health website HealthDirect, 'magnesium is a mineral that is essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels'. 'Magnesium is needed for many processes in the body,' the Australian national health advice service explains. 'Magnesium is important for muscles and nerves to work properly, to keep blood sugar and blood pressure at the right level [and] to make proteins, bone and DNA (genetic material).' 'I am 66 years old. Something I wish I knew in my 30s and 40s… daily magnesium is one of your highest ROI habits for your brain, heart, muscles, sleep, and yes… even your smile,' Dr Burhenne said. The dentist's championing of magnesium was further explained in an extended caption accompanying the video. In the caption, the doctor offered five key explanations for why our bodies required additional magnesium - starting with the claim that 'modern life is basically a magnesium thief'. To this point, Dr Burhenne explained that processed food, stress, coffee, alcohol and even particular workouts deplete our bodies magnesium levels. 'Translation: most of us are walking around subclinically deficient, even if we're eating 'well',' he wrote. The next argument offered by The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox author was that 'your sleep depends on it'. 'Magnesium helps your brain make melatonin and keeps your nervous system from staying in 'fight-or-flight' mode,' he said. As a dentist, Dr Burhenne added that this was something that he'd noticed in the oral health of his patients. 'I've seen patients go from restless, jaw-clenching, grinding-insomniacs to 'I slept through the night for the first time in years' - just from getting magnesium right,' he claimed. Dr Burhenne's next point related to the potential benefits of the mineral for the 'heart and blood vessels'. 'Magnesium keeps blood pressure in check and prevents arterial stiffness,' he wrote. 'The heart is a muscle, and magnesium is the mineral that makes muscles relax after they contract. If calcium is the 'gas pedal', magnesium is the "brake". You need both - but most people are way over on the calcium side.' His fourth argument in favour of magnesium saw the dentist once again return to the potential benefits for 'teeth and gums'. 'Magnesium helps regulate calcium placement - which means it helps keep calcium in your bones and teeth and out of soft tissues like arteries,' he wrote. 'It's also essential for activating vitamin D (which in turn affects enamel remineralisation and immune defence in the mouth).' Dr Burhenne's final point was that 'magnesium is basically the body's 'calm-down' mineral.' 'You need it for over 300 enzymatic reactions - and many of those are about relaxation: relaxing muscles, calming nerves, stabilizing mood, even helping your heart maintain a steady rhythm,' he wrote. 'If you're low on it, you're more prone to anxiety, poor sleep, muscle cramps, and stress overload. 'I never rely on food for getting optimal amounts of magnesium - not with depleted soil, modern environment and modern lifestyle,' the doctor concluded. HealthDirect explains that the amount of magnesium your body needs depends on your age, sex and stage of life. A table on their website suggests 31 to 50-year-old men require 420 milligrams, while women in the same age group require 320 milligrams. Foods that are naturally high in magnesium include green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds and wholegrains. Dr Burhenne's thoughts on magnesium echoed those of another American doctor, Dr Myro Figura. In June 2025, the California-based anaesthesiologist espoused the anxiety-busting and sleep-inducing benefits of a special type of magnesium called magnesium glycinate, heralding it as the possible answer to sleepless nights. In an Instagram video viewed over 942,000 times, Dr Figura claimed that not only does magnesium glycinate improve sleep, but it could enhance vitamin D absorption, which is beneficial for bone health.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
5 Medications You Shouldn't Mix with Magnesium, According to Experts
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RDKey Points Magnesium can block absorption or alter effects of certain drugs like antibiotics and amphetamines. Timing magnesium away from meds can help prevent issues or dangerous side effects. Always consult a healthcare provider before mixing magnesium with prescriptionsDoes your daily routine include a handful of supplements? If magnesium is in the mix, you're not alone. This essential mineral seems to be becoming part of many peoples' routines, promising to ease muscle cramps, help you sleep better and even support your bone health. 'Some research suggests that magnesium can be useful for the prevention of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, migraine headaches and to help improve sleep,' per Cathryn Williamson, PharmD. But before you take that next capsule, there's something you might not know: magnesium can have an impact on certain medications in ways that aren't always obvious. Mixing the wrong combo could mean your medicine won't work as well, or you might end up with some unpleasant side effects. Curious which medications clash with magnesium? You're in the right place. We'll break down five you should definitely avoid mixing, plus offer simple tips to keep your supplement routine smart and safe. 1. Antibiotics 'One of the main class of medications that ranks highest in terms of clinically significant interactions with magnesium is antibiotics, specifically the fluoroquinolones (like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) and tetracyclines (like doxycycline, minocycline). This interaction is considered highly important because magnesium binds to these antibiotics in the gut, forming insoluble complexes and dramatically reducing their absorption and effectiveness,' shares Raksha Shah, M.A., RDN. If you're prescribed antibiotics, it's best to take magnesium supplements at least two to six hours before or after taking the medication. Spacing doses out like this helps ensure the drug has enough time to be absorbed properly. Always talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions or need individualized advice. 2. Osteoporosis Medications 'While magnesium deficiency is associated with osteoporosis, oral magnesium can decrease the absorption of some medications designed to treat the condition, such as alendronate,' explaines Daniel Atkinson, MD. Similar to antibiotics, magnesium may interfere with the absorption of these medications in the digestive tract. This could reduce the efficacy of the treatment and potentially compromise bone health in the long term. It is generally recommended to take bisphosphonates like alendronate on an empty stomach with water and avoid magnesium-containing supplements or antacids for at least 30 to 60 minutes after taking the medication. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your prescription for best results. 3. Blood Pressure Medications Some blood pressure medications, particularly calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine), can have interactions with magnesium. 'Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, and magnesium can also work in this way. So taking both at the same time can potentially amplify this effect and cause your blood pressure to drop too low,' per Atkinson. This has the potential to lead to excessively low blood pressure. This may result in symptoms like dizziness, fainting or even more serious cardiovascular complications. If you're taking blood pressure medication, consult a healthcare provider before starting a magnesium supplement. They may recommend monitoring your blood pressure more closely or adjusting your magnesium intake so that it aligns safely with your treatment plan. 4. Diuretics Diuretics—sometimes called 'water pills'—are often prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney issues. There are two primary types of diuretics that interact differently with magnesium: Loop and thiazide diuretics (e.g., furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide) can cause magnesium depletion in your body. Taking a magnesium supplement may be beneficial in such cases but should still be monitored closely by a physician. Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) 'can increase magnesium levels dangerously when combined with magnesium supplements,' per Shah. Adding a magnesium supplement on top of this could lead to hypermagnesemia (too much magnesium in the body), with symptoms ranging from nausea to slowed heart rate. Work with a healthcare provider to track your magnesium levels if you're on a diuretic. Depending on your specific prescription and health needs, they can advise whether magnesium supplements are safe or necessary for you. 5. Amphetamines Magnesium can impact the absorption and effectiveness of amphetamines, such as those prescribed for ADHD (e.g., Adderall) or narcolepsy. 'Magnesium can change the pH of the stomach and cause a more basic environment (higher pH). Some drugs like amphetamines require an acidic environment for proper absorption. In the case of amphetamines, higher pH can cause the drug to be released faster into the body and possibly cause more side effects,' per Williamson. This can potentially reduce the intended stimulant effects or, in some cases, make the medication act unpredictably. If you take amphetamines, consult a healthcare provider before starting magnesium supplements. They may recommend spacing out the timing of your medication and magnesium by at least a couple of hours to avoid interference. Always follow the provider's advice to ensure your medication continues to work as intended. Potential Symptoms of a Reaction When medications interact with magnesium in a harmful way, your body often gives off warning signs. If you notice any of the following symptoms, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible: Vomiting: Persistent nausea or vomiting could suggest an adverse reaction to a magnesium-medication combination. Fatigue: Excessive tiredness or weakness might indicate that magnesium is amplifying the effects of a medication, such as lowering blood pressure too much. Heart rate irregularities: Symptoms like a slow or irregular heartbeat could point to elevated magnesium levels in your bloodstream, especially if you're taking medications that already affect heart function. And generally, if your medication is not working in the way you expect, like if you still have a bacterial infection after taking your course of antibiotics, it may be a sign that you were taking your magnesium too close to your antibiotic administration. Always pay close attention to how your body responds when starting or changing a supplement or medication regimen. Our Expert Take Magnesium is undoubtedly important for overall health and can provide numerous benefits when taken appropriately. However, it's equally crucial to understand its potential interactions with other medications. If you take any of the drugs mentioned above, or any other prescription, discuss magnesium supplementation with a healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice tailored to your health needs, including timing recommendations or alternative approaches to achieve your wellness goals. By staying informed and proactive, you can maximize the benefits of both your medications and your magnesium supplement while minimizing the risks. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
CNA
11-08-2025
- Health
- CNA
Can magnesium really help you sleep better – or just give you weird dreams?
In the world of supplements, magnesium is hogging the spotlight for one very coveted but still-unproven benefit: Better sleep. Even if you haven't seen it on social media (yet), your group chats may be buzzing with seemingly convincing anecdotes. From the sleep-deprived executive ('My colleague swears by it.') to the converted senior ('I don't get leg cramps now, which used to wake me up.') to the confused millennial ('I don't know why but I get weird dreams and nightmares when I take magnesium.'), this essential mineral has caught the wellness wave and is surfing its way into many people's medicine cabinets. 'Overall, there is a noticeable rise in the use of supplements, including magnesium, over the past few years,' said Rachel Wong, a dietitian from National University Hospital's Department of Dietetics. The Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore (PSS) has also 'noticed an increase in demand of magnesium supplements in recent years', said its spokesperson, primarily for sleep support and managing muscle cramps. 'There has been notable interest in magnesium glycinate specifically as patients seek natural sleep aids.' But does magnesium really help? And with so many magnesium forms out there, which one should you take? We find out. WHAT IS MAGNESIUM NEEDED FOR? Magnesium is an important mineral, said Wong, that has more than 300 functions in the body's cardiovascular, nervous, muscular and skeletal systems. 'The main role of magnesium is its involvement in the metabolism of food (fats, protein and carbohydrates), muscle contraction and bone development,' she said. PSS added that it builds protein in your body as well as controls your blood glucose and blood pressure. HOW DOES IT HELP WITH SLEEP? AND WHAT ABOUT WEIRD DREAMS? Experts haven't quite pinpointed how magnesium helps with sleep, according to Sleep Foundation, but studies of older adults have found that magnesium 'helped with falling asleep faster and protected against waking up earlier than intended'. Even so, Wong noted that 'there is mixed and weak scientific evidence behind the relationship between magnesium and sleep'. 'Most of the randomised control trials have small sample size, short study duration and reliance on self-reported data which poses bias.' As for the weird dreams, Wong has a theory: 'Magnesium plays a role in the regulation of neurotransmitters, such as the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a chemical messenger that serves as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter to reduce neuronal activity. GABA can promote deeper sleep, that is, REM sleep.' And because most dreams occur in this stage of sleep, Wong said, 'the increased frequency of dreams, which may be vivid or intense, may then be more easily remembered by the individual'. 'However, most evidence linking magnesium and nightmares is not strong as they are commonly anecdotal.' HOW DOES MAGNESIUM HELP WITH RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME AND MUSCLE CRAMPS? First, some context: Calcium isn't only used by your body to maintain bone health; it also activates your nerves and causes muscle contractions. It's all good when you're exercising or getting about your day; bad when you're trying to sleep but your leg muscles won't stop contracting. Enter magnesium. It helps with 'calcium channel regulation and muscle physiology', which in turn, said PSS, minimises recurrent leg cramps and restless leg syndrome. The mineral does that by blocking calcium from reaching and activating the nerves that contract the muscles. The result: No more nerve-y sensation and muscle cramps when you're trying to sleep. HOW DO YOU TELL WHETHER YOU'RE DEFICIENT OR NOT? 'Most people can get enough magnesium from their diet,' said PSS, otherwise you'd notice symptoms of deficiency such as 'a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness and weakness'. A severe lack of magnesium 'may result in numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, seizures or an abnormal heartbeat', according to PSS. 'However, these signs and symptoms are not unique to magnesium deficiency and may be caused by other health conditions." 'Some people may benefit more from magnesium supplements if they already have a deficiency, which might improve sleep quality,' Wong explained. 'Others who already have sufficient magnesium levels may not feel any difference." Have yourself assessed by a doctor if you think you're deficient, said PSS, and also have type 2 diabetes or a gastrointestinal disease such as Crohn's disease; consume significant amounts of alcohol; or on medications such as proton pump inhibitors and diuretics. Magnesium levels can be measured using a blood test, said Wong. 'Most patients who are magnesium-deficient are often malnourished or suffer from conditions resulting in excessive losses or poor absorption via the gastrointestinal system.' HOW MUCH MAGNESIUM DO YOU NEED? 'There is no locally specific recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium,' said Wong. Referencing the US Institute of Medicine, she recommended 310mg for women and 400mg for men per day for those aged 19 to 30. For those aged 31 years old and above, aim for 320mg for women and 420mg for men daily, she said. Very likely, you're already getting your magnesium covered through foods such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, spinach, almonds, peanut butter, banana and brown rice, said Wong. Moreover, too much of a good thing is bad, including magnesium. Limit it to 350mg from supplements daily, said Wong, as there may be adverse effects if consumed in high doses. These adverse effects, said PSS, include diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramps. 'The symptoms are more frequently associated with specific forms of magnesium, such as magnesium carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium gluconate and magnesium oxide. 'Consuming excessive amounts of magnesium (greater than 5,000 mg per day) can result in toxicity,' continued PSS. 'Potential symptoms include low blood pressure, lethargy, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.' WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE NOTE OF WHEN SUPPLEMENTING? It's prudent for you to check with your doctor before supplementing, especially if you have a pre-existing condition such as kidney problems. 'This is because your kidneys may not be able to remove the extra magnesium properly, which increases the risk of magnesium buildup or toxicity in the body,' cautioned PSS. Put on certain medications by your doctor? "It is advisable to take magnesium supplements at least two hours apart to prevent interference with the effectiveness of the medications," advised PSS. Medications that can potentially interact with magnesium include oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis (alendronate and risedronate) and certain antibiotics such as doxycycline, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin.
