Magnesium carbonate sources, health risks
Saturday, October 28, 2017 by Frances Bloomfield
http://www.naturalpedia.com/magnesium-carbonate-sources-health-risks.html
Magnesium carbonate is a powdery white compound that comes in numerous hydrated, basic, and mineral forms. One of the most common ways to obtain magnesium carbonate is to mine the mineral magnesite. Synthetically preparing magnesium carbonate is also possible and can be achieved by combining a soluble magnesium salt with sodium bicarbonate.
As a form of magnesium, this compound is often used as a supplement to raise a person’s magnesium levels or increase the magnesium content of some foods. In addition, magnesium carbonate can serve as a good additive, specifically as an acidity regulator or color enhancer.
Harmful effects that can be caused by magnesium carbonate
Magnesium carbonate supplements aren’t dangerous for the majority of people. However, there have been reports of undesirable side effects from supplementing with magnesium carbonate. These side effects have included diarrhea, flatulence, and nausea.
Furthermore, magnesium carbonate supplements have been known to interact and interfere with diuretics, antibiotics, and osteoporosis medications. As such, individuals who are taking any of these medications should first consult with their physician before using magnesium carbonate supplements.
Although an essential nutrient for human health, using too many magnesium carbonate supplements may result in magnesium toxicity or overdose. Also known as hypermagnesemia, magnesium overdose typically occurs when the kidneys are unable to rid the body of excess magnesium. According to Healthline.com, the symptoms of this health condition include:
- Diarrhea
- Irregular heartbeat
- Lethargy
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Respiratory distress
- Urine retention
- Vomiting
Magnesium overdose is a relatively uncommon illness among healthy people, however. Those who are most at risk of hypermagnesemia are individuals whose kidneys are unable to function properly. The maximum amount of magnesium carbonate supplements a person should take on a daily basis is 350 mg.
As a powder, magnesium carbonate can seriously irritate the eyes and skin on direct contact.
Body systems harmed by magnesium carbonate
Magnesium carbonate supplements have the potential to harm the digestive system. In addition, they can be dangerous for people whose kidneys are unable to function properly.
Where to learn more
Summary
Magnesium carbonate supplements have been linked to gastrointestinal issues and have been known to negatively interact with certain medications.
People who suffer from impaired kidney function are susceptible to developing magnesium overdose from taking magnesium carbonate.
Magnesium carbonate has been known to irritate the skin and eyes.
Sources include:
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