Supplements in practice - Magnesium

Question 1

Magnesium

Answer 1

Magnesium absorption requires: Selenium, vitamin B6 and D.
* Magnesium absorption is inhibited by: Phytates, fibre, alcohol, excess saturated fat. High levels of zinc, calcium and phosphorus taken concurrently or within two hours of each other.
* The different forms of magnesium supplements have varying clinical applications.
Adverse reactions:
* Diarrhoea. Possible gastric irritation. Less common side effects with the organic form.:

Question 2

Magnesium Forms: Magnesium aspartate:

Answer 2

Bound to an amino acid; high absorption.

Question 3

Magnesium Forms: Magnesium chloride:

Answer 3

Transdermal form; higher absorption than oral.

Question 4

Magnesium Forms: Magnesium citrate:

Answer 4

Excellent absorption and utilisation.

Question 5

Magnesium Forms: Magnesium gluconate:

Answer 5

Good absorption: avoids laxative effects.

Question 6

Magnesium Forms: Magnesium malate:

Answer 6

Malic acid is an intermediary in the Krebs cycle. Support for use of this form to facilitate malate dehydrogenase activity and magnesium for energy production, particularly in fibromyalgia.

Question 7

Magnesium Forms: Magnesium glycinate:

Answer 7

An amino acid chelate, glycine may also be useful for sleeplessness. Good choice for insomnia.

Question 8

Magnesium Forms: Magnesium sulphate
(Epsom salts):

Answer 8

Osmotic laxative; great in the bath, both magnesium chloride and sulphate can be absorbed through the skin.

Question 9

Magnesium Forms: Magnesium orotate:

Answer 9

Cardiovascular support; orotic acid enhances energy production in the heart.

Question 10

Magnesium Forms: Magnesium oxide:

Answer 10

Cheapest form available / commonly used. An osmotic laxative.

Question 11

Magnesium drug interactions: Antibiotics:

Answer 11

Taking magnesium supplements may reduce the absorption of quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolones and nitrofurantoin. Supplements should be taken one hr before, or two hrs after these.

Question 12

Magnesium drug interactions: Blood pressure medications, calcium channel blockers:

Answer 12

Magnesium may increase the risk of negative adverse effects.

Question 13

Magnesium drug interactions: HRT, OCP, diuretics and penicillamine:

Answer 13

May decrease magnesium levels; concomitant supplementation may be beneficial.

Question 14

Magnesium drug interactions: Contraindications:

Answer 14

Contraindications:
* Heart block (unless there is a pacemaker present).
* Renal failure.