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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- PubMedHealth: Magnesium Oxide
- PubMedHealth: Magnesium Oxide
- "Nephron";The Use of Magnesium-Containing Phosphate Binders in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease on Maintenance Hemodialysis; A.P. Guillot, et al.; 1982
- "Nephron";The Use of Magnesium-Containing Phosphate Binders in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease on Maintenance Hemodialysis; A.P. Guillot, et al.; 1982
- "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand"; The Effects of Potassium and Magnesium Supplementations on Urinary Risk Factors of Renal Stone Patients.; S. Jaipakdee; March 2004
- "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand"; The Effects of Potassium and Magnesium Supplementations on Urinary Risk Factors of Renal Stone Patients.; S. Jaipakdee; March 2004
- The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Magnesium; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; April 2003
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Magnesium Oxide & Kidneys
Magnesium is a mineral your body needs. Because it is involved in more than 300 metabolic reactions, getting your daily requirements is a must. The typical American’s diet is sorely lacking in the whole grains and leafy greens that provide this element. Therefore, taking a daily supplement may be required. However, precaution is necessary when you take this supplement, especially if you have kidney problems. As always, consult your physician before you start taking anything new.
Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium oxide, also known as magnesia, is found naturally as periclase, a white solid rock material. When added to water, it is known as milk of magnesia. It can be used for several reasons. According to PubMed Health, in addition to being a dietary supplement, people may use magnesium oxide as an antacid to relieve heartburn and a sour stomach or as a short-term laxative to cleanse the bowels before surgery. It can also be topically applied to canker sores to provide relief. Magnesium oxide can be found in tablet, capsule, or liquid forms.
- Magnesium oxide, also known as magnesia, is found naturally as periclase, a white solid rock material.
- According to PubMed Health, in addition to being a dietary supplement, people may use magnesium oxide as an antacid to relieve heartburn and a sour stomach or as a short-term laxative to cleanse the bowels before surgery.
Magnesium and Kidney Failure
Can Magnesium Make You Sick?
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For individuals with impaired kidney function, magnesium toxicity is a very real possibility. Reduced kidney function can result in the loss of the kidney’s ability to remove excess magnesium. This can lead to toxic levels of magnesium or severe hypermagnesmia. Hypermagnesmia can be a problem in individuals who have chronic kidney disease. They often take magnesium containing phosphate binders to manage high phosphorous levels that can occur in patients who regularly receive dialysis 1. A1982 study reported in the journal "Nephron" showed that uncontrolled hypermagnesmia did not occur in dialysis patients taking magnesium containing binders 1. However, having increased levels of magnesium is a common occurrence in kidney patients and should always be monitored.
- For individuals with impaired kidney function, magnesium toxicity is a very real possibility.
- Hypermagnesmia can be a problem in individuals who have chronic kidney disease.
Magnesium and Kidney Stone Formation
In individuals with healthy kidneys, magnesium is reported to reduce the formation of kidney stones by creating an alkaline environment in the body thus inhibiting the formation of calcium-oxalate crystals in the urine. A 2004 study published in the “Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand,” reported a significant reduction in the factors that contribute to kidney stone formation 2. The researchers recommended that individuals at risk for stone formation should be supplemented with both magnesium and potassium together to provide the alkaline environment necessary to reduce stone formation.
Symptoms of Hypermagnesmia
The Recommended Dose of Magnesium
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When too much magnesium collects in the body, hypermagnesmia occurs. Symptoms of this condition are low blood pressure, fatigue, confusion, and arrhythmia. As the condition worsens, a person can experience difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, and possible cardiac arrest. If you experience any of these symptoms, or suspect hypermagnesmia, contact your physician immediately.
- When too much magnesium collects in the body, hypermagnesmia occurs.
- As the condition worsens, a person can experience difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, and possible cardiac arrest.
Related Articles
References
- "Nephron";The Use of Magnesium-Containing Phosphate Binders in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease on Maintenance Hemodialysis; A.P. Guillot, et al.; 1982
- "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand"; The Effects of Potassium and Magnesium Supplementations on Urinary Risk Factors of Renal Stone Patients.; S. Jaipakdee; March 2004
- The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Magnesium; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; April 2003
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated October 11, 2019.
- Coffin B, Bortolloti C, Bourgeois O, Denicourt L. Efficacy of a simethicone, activated charcoal and magnesium oxide combination (Carbosymag®) in functional dyspepsia: Results of a general practice-based randomized trial. Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology. 2011;35(6-7):494-499. doi:10.1016/j.clinre.2011.02.009
- Tarleton EK, Littenberg B. Magnesium intake and depression in adults. J Am Board Fam Med. 2015 Mar-Apr; 28(2):249-56. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2015.02.140176
- Larsson SC, Orsini N, Wolk A. Dietary magnesium intake and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Feb; 95(2):362-6. doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.022376
- Mauskop A, Varughese J. Why all migraine patients should be treated with magnesium. J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2012 May;119(5):575-9. doi:10.1007/s00702-012-0790-2
- American Migraine Foundation. Magnesium. Published October 15, 2013.
- Wark PA, Lau R, Norat, et al. Magnesium intake and colorectal tumor risk: a case-control study and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2012; 96:622–31. doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.030924
- Medline Plus. Magnesium Oxide. Updated October 15, 2015.
- Firoz M, Graber M. Bioavailability of US commercial magnesium preparations. Magnes Res. 2001;14(4):257-62.
- Lee S, Park HK, Son SP, Lee CW, Kim IJ, Kim HJ. Effects of oral magnesium supplementation on insulin sensitivity and blood pressure in normo-magnesemic nondiabetic overweight Korean adults. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2009;19(11):781-8. doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2009.01.002
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database. Magnesium Oxide.
Writer Bio
Rose Haney received her joint doctoral degree in clinical psychology from San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego. Her clinical and research specialties are neuropsychology and neuroimaging. She has been published in several scientific journals and has presented her work at numerous national conferences. She has been freelance writing since 2008.