Health experts recently warned that magnesium supplements—while generally safe—can pose risks for certain people, especially two high-risk groups.
⚠️ The Two High-Risk Groups
According to health experts and recent reports:
1. People with kidney disease
- Your kidneys normally remove excess magnesium from the body.
- If kidney function is reduced, magnesium can build up in the blood (hypermagnesemia).
- This can lead to serious complications like low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, breathing problems, or even cardiac arrest in severe cases. (Healthline)
2. Older adults
- Older people often have reduced kidney function and may take medications that interact with magnesium.
- This increases the risk that magnesium from supplements can accumulate in the body and cause toxicity. (Verywell Health)
Possible Side Effects of Too Much Magnesium
High doses from supplements (especially above ~350 mg/day unless prescribed) can cause:
- Diarrhea and stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Breathing problems in severe cases (WebMD)
Important Note
Magnesium itself is essential for the body and supports hundreds of processes like nerve function, heart rhythm, and blood pressure control. (PubMed Central)
However, experts say most people should get it from food first, such as:
- spinach
- almonds
- beans
- whole grains
Bottom line
Magnesium supplements can be helpful, but people with kidney disease and older adults should talk to a doctor before taking them, since their bodies may not eliminate excess magnesium effectively.
✅ If you want, I can also tell you:
- Signs you might be magnesium deficient
- Which type of magnesium supplement is safest (glycinate, citrate, etc.).
