The kidneys are efficient at excreting excess magnesium and it is unlikely that the mineral will accumulate to toxic levels. A high intake of magnesium might impair absorption and use of calcium.
Though difficult to achieve through dietary means alone, symptoms of magnesium overload include diarrhea, difficulty breathing and depression of the central nervous system, causing muscle weakness, lethargy, sleepiness, or even hyperexcitability. In extreme states, magnesium overload can cause death. Old age is often associatted with reduced kidney function. This increases the likelihood of magnesium overload in the aged.
Conditions that suggest Magnesium Toxicity
Hypersomnolence
The symptoms of magnesium toxicity include central nervous system depression, muscle weakness, fatigue and sleepiness.
Calcium Requirement
Calcium and magnesium levels need to be maintained in balance since they have an antagonistic relationship. An excess of one implies a need for the other to maintain balance.
Risk factors for Magnesium Toxicity
Kidney Failure
High levels of magnesium can develop in patients with kidney failure and in elderly people whose kidney functions are reduced. This is especially true with magnesium supplementation.
Magnesium Toxicity can lead to
Magnesium Toxicity could instead be
Recommendations for Magnesium Toxicity
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| Strong or generally accepted link |
| Proven definite or direct link |
| Avoid absolutely |
Glossary
Magnesium
An essential mineral. The chief function of magnesium is to activate certain enzymes, especially those related to carbohydrate metabolism. Another role is to maintain the electrical potential across nerve and muscle membranes. It is essential for proper heartbeat and nerve transmission. Magnesium controls many cellular functions. It is involved in protein formation, DNA production and function and in the storage and release of energy in ATP. Magnesium is closely related to calcium and phosphorus in body function. The average adult body contains approximately one ounce of magnesium. It is the fifth mineral in abundance within the body--behind calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Although about 70 percent of the body's magnesium is contained in the teeth and bones, its most important functions are carried out by the remainder which is present in the cells of the soft tissues and in the fluid surrounding those cells.
Mineral
Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. Calcium is also important to heart health, nerves, muscles and skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Nervous System
A system in the body that is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia and parts of the receptor organs that receive and interpret stimuli and transmit impulses to effector organs.
Chronic Renal Failure
(CRF) Irreversible, progressive impaired kidney function. The early stage, when the kidneys no longer function properly but do not yet require dialysis, is known as Chronic Renal Insufficiency (CRI). CRI can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms are not usually apparent until kidney disease has progressed significantly. Common symptoms include a frequent need to urinate and swelling, as well as possible anemia, fatigue, weakness, headaches and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bad breath and itchy skin may develop as toxic metabolites, normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, build up to harmful levels. Over time (up to 10 or 20 years), CRF generally progresses from CRI to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD, also known as Kidney Failure). Patients with ESRD no longer have kidney function adequate to sustain life and require dialysis or kidney transplantation. Without proper treatment, ESRD is fatal.