My boyfriend takes 4 pills of 250mg every other day. I don't think this is good for him, but he tells me its the only way to keep his bowls flowing right. Is there something else out there he can take that will do the same thing, but without pumping tons of magnesium in his body? Shouln't cause any problems as long as he is getting plenty of calcium as well.
Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) interact so that if you consume a large excess of one then you may end up deficient in the other one due to preferential absorption.
If you consume too much Mg then it will be preferentially absorbed at the expense of Ca and you could end up deficient in Ca.
Too much of one mineral can easily create an imbalance in the system due to preferential absorption.
The same scenario applies to sodium (Na) and potassium (K). Too much table salt (Na) can lead to a deficiency of K. Magnesium is good for you.This is not too much. Magnesium
What It Is
Magnesium is one of the minerals that we require in relatively large amounts. It is particularly abundant in green vegetables, and is also available in natural supplements--some of which require a physician's prescription.
What It Does
Magnesium plays many roles in the body. It promotes absorption and use of other minerals such as calcium, helps move sodium and potassium across the cell membranes; is involved in the metabolism of proteins, and turns on essential enzymes.
Why You Need It
Magnesium helps bones grow and teeth remain strong. It enables nerve impulses to travel through the body, keeps the body's metabolism in balance, and helps the muscles--including the heart--work properly. Small amounts of magnesium work as an antacid; large amounts of magnesium work as a laxative.
Can You Take Too Much?
Although magnesium toxicity is rare, it can lead to serious problems, including severe nausea and vomiting, extreme muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing. The blood pressure can drop to an extremely low level, and the heartbeat may become irregular.
If your heartbeat seems irregular, seek emergency medical treatment immediately. Stop taking magnesium supplements and call your doctor if you notice any of the other signs of potential magnesium toxicity. You should also tell your physician if you lose your appetite, develop diarrhea, abdominal pain, mood changes, fatigue, or weakness; or if you experience discomfort when you urinate.
Recommended Daily Allowances
ADULTS
Males 11 to 14 years: 350 milligrams
Males 15 to 18 years: 400 milligrams
Males 18 and older: 350 milligrams
Females 11 and older: 300 milligrams
Women require an additional 150 milligrams of magnesium each day during pregnancy and while breastfeeding an infant. However, it is best to get the extra amount through your diet. Experts advise against taking magnesium supplements during pregnancy--the risk to the developing baby outweighs any benefits of supplementation.
You should also avoid taking large quantities of magnesium while you are breastfeeding. If magnesium supplements are necessary, your physician will recommend that you stop breastfeeding.
CHILDREN
Infants up to 6 months: 50 milligrams
Ages 6 to 12 months: 70 milligrams
Ages 1 to 3 years: 150 milligrams
Ages 4 to 6 years: 200 milligrams
Ages 7 to 10 years: 250 milligrams
Best Dietary Sources
Many foods are rich in magnesium. Good sources include fish and seafood, including bluefish, carp, cod, flounder, halibut, herring, mackerel, ocean perch, shrimp, and swordfish; fruits and fruit juice; leafy green vegetables; dairy products; nuts, including almonds; molasses; soybeans; sunflower seeds; wheat germ; and snails.
One-half cup of dry soybeans contains 278 milligrams of magnesium; 1/2 pound of spinach provides 200 milligrams. One-half of a medium avocado contains 51 milligrams; 1 cup of bottled grape juice has 30 milligrams, a cup of skim milk or buttermilk 34 milligrams, a cup of ice cream 19 milligrams. |
