Magnesium citrate sources, health risks

Magnesium citrate is the citrate salt of the element magnesium. Sometimes it is said to be the magnesium salt of citric acid. The cathartic action of magnesium stems from osmotically mediated water retention, which then in turn induces peristalsis, or the muscle contractions that move food particles to different stations of the digestive tract.

Magnesium ions also encourage the activity of nitric oxide synthase and enhance the biosynthesis of the phospholipid proinflammatory mediator platelet activating factor (PAF) factor in the gut. Nitric oxide stimulates intestinal secretion via prostaglandin while PAF stimulates colonic secretion and gastrointestinal motility.

Magnesium citrate intake, when done with the proper supervision of a reputable physician, can bring about a number of health benefits – like bone and tooth strength, blood vessel relaxation to prevent constriction, nervous system enhancement, and the proper functioning of the heart and the cells. Nonetheless, it can also cause a plethora of negative side effects.

Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative; people can use it to treat chronic constipation, but doctors warn against using this drug frequently because it has the potential to cause some seriously dangerous side effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Doctors also prescribe magnesium citrate prior to colon procedures.

The use of magnesium citrate interferes with medications such as those for bone maintenance like etidronate, ibandronate, risedronate; sodium polystyrene sulfonate; antibiotics like gatifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, and tetracycline; and vitamin D.

Harmful effects that can be caused by magnesium citrate

Magnesium citrate can be taken as a depressant; however, in excessive amounts it not merely relaxes the nervous system, it causes an inability to wake up or stay awake in people, most particularly in people who have kidney disorders.

Taking magnesium citrate supplements can cause you to have fluid retention, which can become especially bad when you already have heart ailments, kidney diseases, or are pregnant.

Body systems that are harmed by magnesium citrate

Magnesium citrate is bad for the respiratory system. It can induce heavy labored breathing in people.

Magnesium citrate is bad for the cardiovascular system. It can cause fast and irregular heartbeats, which can often lead to arrhythmia, and often invokes chest pains. In extremely excessive amounts (blood serum levels above 10 milliequivalents of solute per liter of solvent (mEq/L), magnesium citrate can cause breathing suppression, which can lead to death.

Magnesium citrate is bad for the muscular system. It causes muscle weakening.

Magnesium citrate is bad for the digestive system. It can upset the stomach, which can sometimes lead to intestinal blockage, and trigger nausea and vomiting. Also, because of its laxative properties, too much intake of magnesium citrate can cause diarrhea.

Where to learn more

• Magnesium citrate reviewed: Is this a good form to take?
• The best and worst forms of magnesium to take as a supplement
• MSG.news
• Poison.news
• Chemicals.news

Summary

Magnesium citrate is bad for the respiratory, cardiovascular, muscular, and digestive systems.

Magnesium citrate can be taken as a depressant and a laxative.

Taking magnesium citrate supplements can cause you to have fluid retention.

Sources include:

PubChem.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

HealthLine.com

Vitamins.LoveToKnow.com