Ailments & ConditionsFood & Nutrition

Side Effects of Magnesium

Magnesium is the 4th most abundant minerals in the body. It plays a key role in many basic functions, such as biochemical reactions, brain responses, blood pressure, and more. Since your body cannot produce it, diet and supplements are the only ways to take in this substance. Ideally, it is recommended that women and men get around 320 mg and 420 mg daily, respectively. However, the exact dosage can vary, depending on your age and health condition. Taking more than this amount would actually do more harm than good. Here are some possible side effects of taking too much magnesium.

Low Blood Pressure

An important benefit of magnesium supplements is to reduce levels of blood pressure. However, when you overdose and take more than the daily recommended amount, it would lead to a sudden drop in your blood pressure. This eventually triggers some health issues such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or even fainting. If you have a history of some heart diseases, overconsumption of magnesium would be especially harmful as it would cause some problems with your cardiovascular system. Therefore, consult your doctor carefully to get the right amount of intake. [1]