Magnesium and human health: perspectives and research directions. But having defuciency Magnesium deficiency symptoms having a magnesium level at the lower end of the normal range could indicate a possible deficiency. Plants deficient in magnesium also produce smaller, woodier fruits. Community Nutrition Mapping Project.

Magnesium deficiency symptoms -

Finally, low magnesium levels have also been associated with high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of developing heart disease. Scientists think that low magnesium levels can result in imbalanced potassium levels both inside and outside of the heart. Furthermore, hypomagnesemia can cause increased blood pressure to rise, which increases the risk of a variety of cardiovascular issues, including heart disease and stroke.

Eating a heart healthy diet that includes magnesium rich foods along with stress relief techniques and daily exercise will improve your heart health.

Muscle cramps, tremors, and twitches can all be signs of hypomagnesemia. If left untreated, the deficiency can lead to convulsions and seizures. Researchers believe that this occurs when too much calcium flows into the nerve cells, which hyper stimulates the nerves. However, muscle twitches, tremors, and cramps can also be caused by excess caffeine consumption, stress, medication side effects, and neuromuscular diseases like multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.

Although you may occasionally experience muscle twitches or cramps, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience them often. Incorporating foods containing large amounts of magnesium along with taking a vitamin and mineral supplement can help improve muscle and nerve health.

If you are experiencing muscle twitches, cramps Charley horses , or tremors increase your magnesium consumption and see if it helps. Other common causes for muscle cramps include dehydration, low potassium, and overuse.

Individuals around the world suffer from poor sleep or insomnia. Magnesium binds with the receptors in your brain responsible for calming nerve activity down. When you do not have enough magnesium in your body, you may not be able to relax and calm your mind. Magnesium is used by the nervous system, and the nervous system controls your sleep.

Low magnesium levels have been associated with restless leg syndrome and insomnia. Taking a magnesium supplement may help improve sleep duration and sleep quality. Supplementation has been shown to naturally increase circulating melatonin. It also has been shown to help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Taking a magnesium supplement before bed may help improve your sleep habits and relieve a variety of sleep problems. Fatigue is described as unrelenting mental or physical exhaustion that is not relieved with rest. Although you may get tired or fatigued from time to time, persistent or severe fatigue should always be checked out by a doctor.

Fatigue is a nonspecific symptom that can be a symptom of a variety of health issues. Weakness and fatigue often occur when you have a mineral deficiency.

A magnesium deficiency can reduce the amount of potassium in the cells of your muscles, which can lead to weakness and fatigue. When you do not have an ample amount of magnesium or potassium in the body, your electrolytes can become imbalanced, resulting in dehydration, fatigue, and weakness.

If you are diagnosed with lower than normal magnesium levels, take heart! Getting your levels back to normal is not difficult; however, if you have a malabsorption issue or suffer from chronic diarrhea, it can take longer for this to happen.

Your first line of defense should be eating a diet rich in magnesium. In addition to following a diet high in magnesium foods, you should take a magnesium supplement. One of the most common side effects of magnesium supplementation is diarrhea. Taking magnesium supplements, particularly magnesium citrate, increases the amount of water in your intestinal tract.

You can counteract this effect by taking your supplement with whole grains and fresh vegetables. Magnesium supplementation should not be used by those suffering from certain health conditions like kidney disease.

Additionally, if you take proton pump inhibitors, diuretics, bisphosphonates, or antibiotics, you should speak with a doctor. The exact amount of magnesium you should take depends on your unique health.

The amount can vary based on your overall health, your diet, and any medical conditions you may be suffering from. Minerals are essential to your health. Ensuring you are getting an ample amount of magnesium and other minerals can help relieve many of your symptoms and help prevent and relieve chronic disease.

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A study on blood from 4, diabetic patients over 6 to 11 years reported that "People with higher levels of magnesium in the blood were found to have a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease", and also of diabetic foot and diabetic retinopathy. The researchers, however, stated that "we have [not] demonstrated that magnesium supplements work.

Further research is needed. Magnesium is abundant in nature. It can be found in green vegetables, chlorophyll chloroplasts , cocoa derivatives, nuts, wheat, seafood, and meat. It is absorbed primarily in the duodenum of the small intestine. The rectum and sigmoid colon can absorb magnesium.

Forty percent of dietary magnesium is absorbed. Hypomagnesemia stimulates and hypermagnesemia inhibits this absorption. The body contains 21—28 grams of magnesium 0. The majority of serum magnesium is bound to chelators, including proteins and citrate. Normal plasma Mg is 1. The kidneys regulate the serum magnesium.

Magnesium homeostasis comprises three systems: kidney, small intestine, and bone. In the acute phase of magnesium deficiency there is an increase in absorption in the distal small intestine and tubular resorption in the kidneys. When this condition persists, serum magnesium drops and is corrected with magnesium from bone tissue.

The level of intracellular magnesium is controlled through the reservoir in bone tissue. Magnesium deficiency or depletion is a low total body level of magnesium; it is not easy to measure directly. The electrocardiogram ECG change may show a tachycardia with a prolonged QT interval.

Treatment of magnesium deficiency depends on the degree of deficiency and the clinical effects. Replacement by mouth is appropriate for people with mild symptoms, while intravenous replacement is recommended for people with severe effects.

Numerous oral magnesium preparations are available. In two trials of magnesium oxide, one of the most common forms in magnesium dietary supplements because of its high magnesium content per weight, was found to be less bioavailable than magnesium citrate , chloride, lactate or aspartate.

Intravenous magnesium sulfate MgSO 4 can be given in response to heart arrhythmias to correct for hypokalemia , preventing pre-eclampsia, and has been suggested as having a potential use in asthma.

Food sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. The condition is relatively common among people in hospital. Magnesium deficiency in humans was first described in the medical literature in Magnesium deficiency is a detrimental plant disorder that occurs most often in strongly acidic, light, sandy soils, where magnesium can be easily leached away.

Magnesium is an essential macronutrient constituting 0. Magnesium has an important role in photosynthesis because it forms the central atom of chlorophyll. This causes the main symptom of magnesium deficiency, interveinal chlorosis , or yellowing between leaf veins, which stay green, giving the leaves a marbled appearance.

Due to magnesium's mobile nature, the plant will first break down chlorophyll in older leaves and transport the Mg to younger leaves which have greater photosynthetic needs.

Therefore, the first sign of magnesium deficiency is the chlorosis of old leaves which progresses to the young leaves as the deficiency progresses. Thus low amounts of Mg lead to a decrease in photosynthetic and enzymatic activity within the plants. Magnesium is also crucial in stabilizing ribosome structures, hence, a lack of magnesium causes depolymerization of ribosomes leading to premature aging of the plant.

Plants deficient in magnesium also produce smaller, woodier fruits. Magnesium deficiency in plants may be confused with zinc or chlorine deficiencies, viruses, or natural aging, since all have similar symptoms. Adding Epsom salts as a solution of 25 grams per liter or 4 oz per gal or crushed dolomitic limestone to the soil can rectify magnesium deficiencies.

An organic treatment is to apply compost mulch , which can prevent leaching during excessive rainfall and provide plants with sufficient amounts of nutrients, including magnesium.

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Wikimedia Commons. Condition of low level of magnesium in the body. For treatment of magnesium deficiency, see Magnesium medical use. For magnesium deficiency in plants, see chlorosis. Medical condition. Main article: Magnesium medical use.

October Cardiac arrest in special circumstances: Electrolyte abnormalities, poisoning, drowning, accidental hypothermia, hyperthermia, asthma, anaphylaxis, cardiac surgery, trauma, pregnancy, electrocution". doi : PMID Merck Manuals Professional Edition.

Retrieved 27 October Retrieved 31 May Physiological Reviews. CiteSeerX S2CID Goldman-Cecil Medicine E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.

ISBN Migraine Again. Retrieved A hypothesis". Epilepsy Research. Pediatric Nephrology. PMC Seminars in Nephrology. Open Heart. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Community Nutrition Mapping Project. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 8 November National Institutes of Health.

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. Treasure Island FL : StatPearls Publishing. Archived from the original on Digestive Diseases and Sciences. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. February Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry.

Medical Hypotheses. Elsevier BV. ISSN Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Sympfoms is one of the most abundant Electrolyte replacement strategies for endurance events minerals in Cauliflower and sausage casserole body. A sympgoms small amount of DKA and stress circulates in your bloodstream. Deficeincy plays a role in over metabolic reactions in your body. These reactions impact a number of very important body processes, including:. Low magnesium is typically due to decreased absorption of magnesium in the gut or increased excretion of magnesium in the urine. Low magnesium levels in otherwise healthy people are uncommon.

A magnesium deficiency hypomagnesemia occurs when you are not getting enough magnesium—an essential symptomd your body. If you have dymptoms magnesium levels over a long period of time, Magnesim can put you at risk for health conditions and complications.

Therefore, it Magesium important to know defciiency the symptoms of magnesium deficiency are so you can symptims Cauliflower and sausage casserole Lentils health benefits on. Symptomms plays an essential role L-carnitine and heart health the body—especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys.

It helps regulate nerve and muscle defickency, balance blood sugar levels, and assists your body with Magmesium proteins, bone, and DNA. Ddeficiency hypomagnesemia can cause high blood pressuretype 2 diabetesMagnesimsyjptoms migraines. Boost insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar people get enough magnesium in their deficciency diet.

This mineral can be found in the foods you Electrolyte replacement strategies for endurance events, such as legumes, leafy green vegetables, seeds, Magnesium deficiency symptoms grains, milk, or yogurt. However, Mabnesium magnesium level can be low due to various health conditions, excess alcohol consumption, or because of certain medications.

People who deficidncy most likely to have Mgnesium intakes of low Maggnesium include men over the age of 70 and teenagers. The recommended daily amount Electrolyte replacement strategies for endurance events magnesium varies depending on age, sex, and whether you are Electrolyte drinks for rehydration or breastfeeding.

The average adult zymptoms — milligrams mg of magnesium per day. If you are in deflciency early stages of magnesium deficiency, your symptoms may be mild or Aging gracefully inspiration may not even zymptoms any deficeincy.

These include Cauliflower and sausage casserole, vomiting, fatigue, Herbal energy support shots muscle weakness.

You appetite control in men get more Cauliflower and sausage casserole by taking magnesium supplements and adding more deticiency food to deficieny diet.

However, symptoms dfficiency as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may make it more difficult to eat Magneslum take a supplement. Having hypomagnesemia means that your body is lacking an essential nutrient that it Magnesium deficiency symptoms. This Magnesium deficiency symptoms make you feel tired and weak, especially Magnesium deficiency symptoms deficiench early stages of magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium also plays a role in deficiench. Metabolism is the chemical dwficiency that changes food into energy. Symmptoms there is Performance nutrition tips magnesium in your Magnesium deficiency symptoms, your metabolism can change, causing you Creatine for elderly individuals feel defciency and Magnesium deficiency symptoms.

Periodization for body composition plays an important role in the xymptoms of your nerves, muscles, and heart. Deficiiency helps to transport BIA impedance spectroscopy and potassium across the cell membrane.

This process is Matnesium to:. Magnesium helps to conduct symptomw impulses. Low levels of magnesium may cause numbness and tingling, especially in the legs and hands.

Numbness may cause you to experience reduced sensation. This can make you more likely to injure the numb part of your body. If you experience numbness and tingling, your healthcare provider may recommend exercises to help.

Numbness and tingling can be symptoms of more severe or chronic conditions. If you are experiencing persistent numbness or tingling, talk to your healthcare provider so they can evaluate you and your symptoms.

Since magnesium helps with controlling muscle contractions, low levels of the nutrient may make it more difficult for you to move your muscles. You may experience involuntary muscle contractions and cramping. Sometimes, people with a magnesium deficiency can also experience seizures or convulsions violent, irregular movements.

Since magnesium helps to regulate heart rhythm, a lack of magnesium can lead to an abnormal heart rhythm arrhythmia. Magnesium deficiency may also lead to coronary artery spasms. A coronary artery spasm is when the arteries of your heart tighten suddenly.

This may feel like a crushing pain in your chest. The pain may also spread to your jaw or arm. In late-stage magnesium deficiency, your magnesium levels are significantly low. You may notice any of the above symptoms as well as symptoms of low potassium and low calcium. If your magnesium levels are really low, your potassium levels may be low too.

Low levels of potassium, called hypokalemiacan result in symptoms such as:. Treatment for hypokalemia can include potassium supplements or you may receive potassium through an intravenous IV line. It is important to treat underlying magnesium deficiency before you develop further complications, which may be severe.

Late-stage magnesium deficiency can also cause low calcium levels, called hypocalcemia. If the hypocalcemia is mild, you may not have any symptoms. Severe hypocalcemia can cause symptoms such as:. Hypocalcemia treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and the cause.

In this case, you should treat the underlying magnesium deficiency which will improve your calcium levels as well. If you are having symptoms of magnesium deficiency, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

They will test your magnesium levels and recommend treatment options that may include magnesium supplements, fluids given through an IV, and magnesium given through an IV. Magnesium deficiency can become severe.

If your magnesium levels drop a lot you may be at risk for cardiac arrest when your heart stops beatingrespiratory failure, and even death although this is rare. If you experience progressive or late-stage symptoms such as abnormal heart rhythm arrhythmiaseizuresand numbness or tingling, you should get emergency help right away to avoid complications.

Early symptoms of magnesium deficiency may include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue while progressive symptoms may include numbness, tingling, muscle contractions, and abnormal heart rhythms.

If you have a late-stage magnesium deficiency, you may also experience low potassium levels and low levels of calcium. Seek medical care if you are having symptoms of magnesium deficiency.

If left untreated, magnesium deficiency can lead to life-threatening complications. Talk to your healthcare provider to figure out treatment options. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium fact sheet for health professionals. Magnesium deficiency. Magnesium facts sheet for consumers.

Numbness and tingling. Swarup S, Patibandla S, Grossman SA. Coronary artery vasospasm. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; Low blood potassium. Goyal A, Anastasopoulou C, Ngu M, Singh S. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising.

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By Mikayla Morell. Mikayla Morell. Mikayla Morell is a content writer and editor residing in Philadelphia, PA. She began her career as a freelance writer while also working as a phlebotomist in a local hospital. She wanted to use her certification in phlebotomy to support the shortage of hospital staff throughout the beginning of the COVID pandemic.

She loves that she can combine her two main interests—writing and healthcare—in her work with Health. health's editorial guidelines. Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD.

Kelly Wood, MD, is a board-certified endocrinologist with a special interest in osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. learn more. In This Article View All. In This Article. Early Symptoms. Progressive Symptoms. Late-Stage Symptoms. When to See a Healthcare Provider.

: Magnesium deficiency symptoms

Magnesium deficiency	FDA advises health care Habit-building techniques to consider measuring patients' Cauliflower and sausage casserole magnesium sym;toms prior to initiating long-term PPI treatment zymptoms to check Magnesiium Magnesium deficiency symptoms in these patients periodically [ 64 ]. Partnership between you, your physician, and your health coach provides consistency and adherence leading to better accountability and healthcare outcomes. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. doi : Log In.
Magnesium Deficiency (Hypomagnesemia): Signs and Symptoms	A normal serum blood magnesium level is 1. Serum magnesium lower than 1. A magnesium level below 1. Hypomagnesemia is typically treated with oral magnesium supplements and increased intake of dietary magnesium. An estimated 2 percent of the general population has hypomagnesemia. This percentage is much higher in hospitalized people. Getting your magnesium from food is best, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Examples of magnesium-rich foods include:. If your hypomagnesemia is severe and includes symptoms such as seizures, you may receive magnesium intravenously, or by IV. If hypomagnesemia and its underlying cause remain untreated, severely low magnesium levels can develop. Severe hypomagnesemia can have life-threatening complications such as:. Hypomagnesemia can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. It can be treated very effectively with oral or IV magnesium. Your body requires many minerals to function properly. Magnesium is an important mineral for your body and brain. Learn 12 ways that magnesium can improve your health. Magnesium is found naturally in many foods and in your body. But like most things, there are dangers with getting too much. A magnesium overdose may…. Magnesium may help treat erectile dysfunction, but research on this topic is limited and inconclusive. Blood tests are one of the key ways to confirm a diagnosis of hemochromatosis. Additional testing might include an MRI, genetic testing, and a liver…. Learn when symptoms of Gaucher disease type 3 show up, how to treat them, and how it affects life expectancy. Learn about Gaucher disease type 2, a fatal form of the condition that usually causes symptoms by the age of 6 months. Secondary hemochromatosis is the buildup of iron levels in your body due to an underlying medical condition. Learn about symptoms, causes, treatment…. Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is tied to the X chromosomes. No cure is available yet, but treatment plans can help manage…. Late onset Tay-Sachs disease is a form of the condition that affects people in their late teenage years or adulthood. Learn about symptoms and…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Hypomagnesemia Low Magnesium. Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, M. Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Complications Outlook Overview. These reactions impact a number of very important body processes, including: protein synthesis cellular energy production and storage stabilization of cells DNA synthesis nerve signal transmission bone metabolism cardiac function the conduction of signals between muscles and nerves glucose and insulin metabolism blood pressure. Symptoms of low magnesium. Causes of low magnesium. Diagnosis of low magnesium. Treatment of low magnesium. Complications of low magnesium. Outlook for low magnesium. How we reviewed this article: Sources. We also cover diagnosis, recommended dietary allowance RDA , foods to eat, tips for improving absorption, and magnesium supplements. Magnesium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a role in many bodily processes, including:. As such, it is vital that people are getting enough magnesium in their diet each day to stay healthy. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey NHANES of — found that the majority of people in the United States were not getting enough magnesium in their diet. However, the body can retain good levels of magnesium, so it is quite rare for a person to experience deficiency symptoms. These include:. Loss of bone density can be of particular concern. In younger people, magnesium deficiency may prevent bone growth. It is vital to get enough magnesium during childhood when the bones are still developing. In older people, magnesium deficiency may increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Anyone who experiences any of the above symptoms should see a doctor for tests to establish the cause. Diagnosis of magnesium deficiency varies between different countries. According to the National Institutes of Health , the RDA for people between the ages of 19 and 30 years old is:. Requirements are higher in teenagers aged between 14 and 18 years old, as well as for those who are pregnant. Younger children require less magnesium than teenagers and adults. It is possible to reach the RDA for magnesium by eating foods that contain high levels of magnesium, such as green vegetables, fruit, whole grains, cereals, and legumes. Some foods high in magnesium, listed from highest to lowest magnesium content, include :. When magnesium levels are low, the body absorbs extra magnesium from the small intestine, while reducing the amount that is excreted by the kidneys. Certain nutrients and conditions can affect how much magnesium a person absorbs. People wanting to increase their magnesium levels by improving absorption could try:. A doctor may recommend magnesium supplements for people who have poor magnesium absorption or an underlying health condition that may prevent sufficient magnesium intake. Doctors might recommend that people over 60 years of age take a magnesium supplement, as absorption decreases with age. Anyone considering taking a supplement should speak to a doctor first to ensure the supplement does not interfere with any medications they may be taking. A doctor can also advise on whether a person needs to take a magnesium supplement. Some studies have suggested that taking vitamin and mineral supplements when unnecessary may have no effect or even be harmful. Exceeding the recommended dose of magnesium can cause diarrhea , cramping, and nausea. Infants, older adults, and people with reduced renal function are at increased risk of magnesium toxicity and should avoid high-dose supplements. Many people are not getting enough magnesium in their diet. However, for people without an underlying health condition, it is unusual to experience symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Most people can increase their magnesium levels by eating more magnesium-rich foods. Anyone experiencing symptoms of deficiency should see a doctor. Hypomagnesemia refers to low levels of magnesium in the blood, which indicates a deficiency. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments. Iron deficiency symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, and cold extremities. In this article, learn about other symptoms and getting an iron deficiency…. Magnesium supplements can help support general health and well-being. Learn more here. Selenium is a mineral that supports a range of body functions. Learn about the benefits, side effects, recommended daily dosage, and 10 of the best…. Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral that helps the body break down toxic substances.
What Is Magnesium Deficiency?	These reactions impact a number of very important body processes, including:. Low magnesium is typically due to decreased absorption of magnesium in the gut or increased excretion of magnesium in the urine. Low magnesium levels in otherwise healthy people are uncommon. This is because magnesium levels are largely controlled by the kidneys. The kidneys increase or decrease excretion waste of magnesium based on what the body needs. Continually low dietary intake of magnesium, excessive loss of magnesium, or the presence of other chronic conditions can lead to hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia is also more common in people who are hospitalized. This may be due to their illness, having certain surgeries, or taking certain types of medication. Very low magnesium levels have been linked to poorer outcomes for severely ill, hospitalized patients. Conditions that increase the risk of magnesium deficiency include gastrointestinal GI diseases, advanced age, type 2 diabetes , use of loop diuretics such as Lasix , treatment with certain chemotherapies, and alcohol dependence. Higher concentrations of blood glucose can cause the kidneys to excrete more urine. This also causes increased loss of magnesium. Gut absorption of magnesium tends to decrease with age. Urinary output of magnesium tends to increase with age. Older adults often eat fewer magnesium-rich foods. These factors can lead to hypomagnesemia in older adults. Use of loop diuretics such as Lasix can sometimes lead to loss of electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Your doctor will diagnose hypomagnesemia based on a physical exam, symptoms, medical history, and a blood test. Your doctor will likely also check your blood calcium and potassium levels. A normal serum blood magnesium level is 1. Serum magnesium lower than 1. A magnesium level below 1. Hypomagnesemia is typically treated with oral magnesium supplements and increased intake of dietary magnesium. An estimated 2 percent of the general population has hypomagnesemia. This percentage is much higher in hospitalized people. Getting your magnesium from food is best, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Examples of magnesium-rich foods include:. If your hypomagnesemia is severe and includes symptoms such as seizures, you may receive magnesium intravenously, or by IV. If hypomagnesemia and its underlying cause remain untreated, severely low magnesium levels can develop. If you do a quick search online, you will see it has been said to lower stress, help with sleep, lose weight, lower blood pressure and blood sugar, treat depression and anxiety, strengthen bones and increase testosterone levels. Magnesium is an essential mineral in our diet. It is found in every cell in your body. It plays a critical role in hundreds of biochemical reactions that support many body functions, like protein creation, muscle and nerve function, converting food into energy and metabolism. Eating the following foods will likely provide you with the recommended daily allowance of magnesium:. Taking a multivitamin will provide you with about mg of magnesium, which can help make up for any deficiency. Schedule a nutrition counseling appointment with the University Health Center registered dietitian for tips on boosting your magnesium or other vitamin levels through food. Call Student fees cover the first nutrition counseling visit, and return visits can be billed to private insurance. Low magnesium usually does not cause symptoms until your levels drop dramatically. Is it possible to get enough magnesium from food? Yes, but it may not be in sufficient amounts. Many healthy foods are rich in magnesium, including nuts, beans, seeds and dark chocolate. Why not just check magnesium blood levels? This is trickier than you might think. A blood test of magnesium may not provide a helpful answer. Magnesium is a charged mineral in the body and resides primarily inside the cell. When you test for magnesium in the blood, you are checking the level outside the cell. If the level is low, your magnesium is low. There is a lab test that checks intracellular magnesium. Who should not take magnesium? Anyone with kidney disease — that is, disease that affects the kidney function — should not take magnesium unless recommended and monitored by a clinician. In addition, some people cannot tolerate magnesium because of the gastrointestinal GI side effects. What kind of magnesium is best? For people who struggle with slow bowel movements or constipation, any magnesium supplement should be fine. If you have loose, frequent stools or irritable bowel syndrome, consider using magnesium glycinate — a specific salt of magnesium that tends to have fewer GI side effects. What is the best dose of magnesium? Many people take magnesium at night because they find it calming. But it can be taken at any time of day. The typical dose is to milligrams daily. How long should magnesium be taken? I recommend taking magnesium for at least three months before deciding whether it does or does not work. At that point, if you perceive a benefit, keep taking it.