Magnesium is essential for our body to function normally. It is involved in numerous critical functions. Each cell of our body need it for optimal performance. Generally, only 30% to 40% of the dietary magnesium consumed is absorbed by the body. Also due to picky eat habits, eating high protein diet, avoiding vegetables, legumes, fibres, and certain medication can cause deficiency of magnesium. In such cases, to replenish the lost magnesium level, one need to take its supplementation.
The best way to get required essential vitamins and mineral is through natural health diet only. Supplementation is a need and should be taken in special conditions only.
Magnesium Supplements Available In Market
Magnesium is available for supplement in following forms.
Magnesium Oxide
MgO or Magnesium Oxide is the most common available form. This is prescribed for hyperacidity, indigestion and to relieve heartburn. It is also used as a laxative for short-term, rapid emptying of the bowel. This supplementation is available OTC.
MgO requires more acid in stomach to work, so if a person is low in stomach acidity, like elderly people, he/she may not be able to digest this form of supplementation. They should opt for other form of Mg supplementation.
Magnesium chloride
MgCl2 or Magnesium chloride is used to treat and prevent deficiency of magnesium. It is easy to digest.
This form of supplementation should not be used in kidney disease, ulcers, dehydration and any type of an allergy.
Magnesium citrate
Magnesium citrate is generally used for treating constipation. It is a saline laxative which increases fluid in small intestine and thus helps bowel within half an hour to three hour.
It is a habit forming laxative. You may develop a dependency on this form of supplement for bowel. There can be loss of normal bowel function and an inability to have a bowel movement without this product.
Magnesium Sulphate
Its common name is Epsom salt. MgSO4 or Magnesium Sulfate is generally given intravenously to treat preeclampsia during pregnancy and to slow uterine contractions or to help protect the baby’s brain during preterm labor.
It is need to be remembered that, magnesium supplementation is not suitable for everyone. If a person is taking any other medicine to treat certain condition, then he must know how magnesium can interact with those drugs. One should not take antibiotics and magnesium together. For example, antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Chibroxin, Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan), grepafloxacin (Raxar) and Tetracycline interacts with magnesium, which causes lower absorption and effectiveness of antibiotics. This interaction can be avoided by taking antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after having magnesium supplements.
Medicines taken for controlling high blood pressure also interacts with magnesium. A person, who is suffering from kidney disease shouldn’t take magnesium supplements.