Hi all,

Hope you are all as well as can be...

Following a full GST blood screen (outside of the NHS needless today) I have been advised to supplement with Magnesium citrate. Does anyone have any experience of this. I am quite concerned re side effects as already loosing weight (I do eat . . despite what my family think) and often feels like I suffer from low blood pressure at times too, and that before I take any supplement.

Any experiences would be appreciated.

Regards

Sarah

Hi Sarah, I take Mag Citrate 400mg/day...

Magnesium is the most common mineral deficiency in humans, and this can cause problems as magnesium is very important for so many physiological processes. Any shortage of this vital mineral can cause problems, and this is why I take it.

Most all mineral supplements can make your tummy feel punky for an hour or so after you take them (calcium, yuk!), and I tried several forms before I found mag citrate. I take 200mg at a time with meals instead of the larger doses, and this form (mag citrate) and this dose (200mg, 2x/day) causes me very little trouble. If your doc recommends a higher dosage per day, I'd take several smaller doses rather than one or two large doses. If it bothers your tummy, cut them (the pills) in half and take smaller doses more often.

Mag is quite safe... I work in a woman's center, and we give IV mag to pregnant women to stall out labor at doses of several grams at a time.

Mag can make you sleepy... I take mine about an hour or so after dinner, about an hour or so before I plan to go to bed. I actually enjoy the effect. Rather like the cocktail or beer I used to have after dinner to send me off to sleep.

Mag is also used in many laxatives... I haven't noticed too much of an effect at the doses I take, but if you take more, or notice an effect, this may be the cause.<br /><br />Post edited by: bolam56, at: 2009/10/19 01:58

Hi Sarah,

Bill is spot on as always and I'd just add that the laxative effect of magnesium is much more pronounced with insoluble forms/inorganic salts (chloride, carbonate, oxide) rather than magnesium citrate. Makes sense when you think about it as the idea of supplements is that as much of the magnesium is absorbed as possible. It is when the magnesium is unabsorbed that it has a laxative effect.

Has your blood pressure actually been measured as being low? There are other conditions that may have similar symptoms.

Magnesium has been shown to have a small but significant effect in helping to lower high blood pressure since it relaxes muscles....including those in blood vessel walls. However, it would be unlikely to lower blood pressure at common dosages in someone without high blood pressure. The best thing to do with any supplement is start with a low dose and build up gradually to see how you tolerate it. And of course, always report any side-effects or changes in symptoms to your health care practitioner.

Here is an article about a study finding magnesium helps lower high blood pressure: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/08/980824071607.htm

Hi Sarah, I'm new to this forum but wanted to share with you that I take magnesium citrate.

After reading this thread today, I increased my intake to 400 mg (from a little under 350 mg).

I've got MCS and several other conditions...and find that if I take magnesium in small portions throughout the day it keeps my otherwise pounding heartbeat quiet and calm.

Sarah, I hope you feel better soon.

Thanks so much everyone for being on this forum! I read you for hours today, and appreciate every one so much! I hope to be back reall soon...

Take care!
gr8tful4life*

I should have mentioned that in my personal experience a good way to get magnesium into the body is through the skin by adding a cupful of epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) to a bath or half a cup to a footbath.

I really notice a calming effect with epsom salts that I haven't noticed when using any form of oral magnesium supplementation. They really reduce anxiety/stress and help me with sleep. Obviously it is harder to control dosage if you think this is an issue but if you keep the baths/footbaths to 3-4 times a week there should be no problem at all. Magnesium is easily depleted during chronic stresses (including illness) and most people with environmental illnesses seem to be deficient to some degree.

In the US I know epsom salts are very cheap and widely available at pharmacies and dollar stores etc. Elsewhere the easiest and cheapest sources may be online.

Just thought I'd mention it for anyone taking magnesium for it's calming properties.