Dr. Mikhail Khvostov, deputy director of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies at Novosibirsk State University in Russia, warned that taking magnesium supplements indiscriminately could lead to serious health consequences.
The doctor said: "In recent years, magnesium has become one of the most popular over-the-counter supplements sold to help relieve stress and improve sleep, but indiscriminate use or excessive intake can lead to serious health problems."
He added: "The maximum safe daily dose of magnesium supplements is 350 mg (excluding magnesium obtained from food). Exceeding this dose, especially in people with kidney failure, can have serious consequences. The first signs of overdose include loss of tendon reflexes and drowsiness, which may be followed by a sharp drop in blood pressure and respiratory depression. Some people may also experience diarrhea, and a blood magnesium concentration of more than 5 mmol/L can lead to cardiac arrest."
The expert emphasized that the severity of symptoms depends directly on kidney function; the less efficient the kidneys are, the greater the risk of poisoning. He added that a healthy person usually does not experience toxic effects from a single large dose, such as 3000 mg, but regular use of magnesium supplements at a daily dose of 350 mg can cause poisoning in patients with kidney failure.
Health experts advise immediately stopping the supplement and drinking plenty of water if you experience mild nausea from excess magnesium, as healthy kidneys can usually eliminate the excess within 24 hours. However, if serious symptoms appear, such as confusion or a significant drop in blood pressure, urgent medical attention should be sought. This may include intravenous calcium gluconate as an antidote. In cases of kidney failure, even minor overdoses may require medical monitoring, while severe cases may necessitate dialysis.
