What is Magnesium Citrate?

Magnesium is an essential mineral for numerous biochemical reactions in our body. It participates in mediation of more than three hundred enzymatic reactions that includes energy production, nerve function, protein synthesis, regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar control. Magnesium Citrate is a useful supplement that combines magnesium with citric acid. It is a popular form of magnesium that is known for its high bioavailability and a list of health benefits.

Forms of Magnesium Citrate supplements include capsules, tablets, powdered and liquid solutions. These supplements are often consumed in the form of capsules and tablets for their ease of use and convenience. Powdered form of magnesium citrate is mixed with water or juice for use. Liquid solutions are available and used for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills.

Despite its importance for health functions, most of the people do not consume sufficient magnesium from its natural sources such as legumes, avocado, green leafy vegetables, dairy and seafood. This has led to increased use of magnesium citrate supplements. In this article, we will discuss the use of magnesium citrate, potential side effects and important warnings for its users.

Uses of Magnesium Citrate:

Magnesium citrate is of common use in routine due to its diverse benefits. The following are common uses of magnesium citrate.

1. Relief from Constipation:

Relief from constipation is the most common use of magnesium citrate. It works as a laxative to relieve constipation. The mechanism of action involves influx of water from the local blood vessels into the intestine that softens the stool and stimulates the bowel for peristalsis. It is effective in short term cases of constipation to grant alleviation from it when other methods have proven failed.

2. Relief from Migraine:

Magnesium citrate is a common employment in the treatment plans for individuals with migraine. Magnesium supplements help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. A recent study in 2021 found magnesium citrate to be equally effective as sodium valproate in relief from migraine. Research suggests that magnesium supplements provide relief from migraine by hindering the visual and sensory aura in the brain. Aura is a cortical signal depression pathway that occurs prior to migraine attack.

Magnesium citrate lowers the release of pain transmitting chemicals such as Substance P. It also prevents the serotonin-induced blood vessel narrowing and vasospasm in the brain. These mechanisms of action contribute at length to lowering the frequency and severity of migraine.

3. Bowel Preparation:

Magnesium citrate empties the bowel by enhancing the bowel motility. This health benefit makes it of a popular agent for use in bowel preparation before medical procedures such as colonoscopy or bowel surgery. It completely empties the bowel for clearer visualization of the gastrointestinal tract before any kind of procedure.

4. Heart- Friendly:

Magnesium is beneficial for cardiovascular health as it plays a significant role in maintaining normal heart rhythm and controls blood pressure. Lower levels of magnesium were often detected on laboratory investigations in patients with cardiovascular compromise.

5. Magnesium Deficiency:

Individuals experiencing magnesium deficiency benefit the most from magnesium citrate supplements due to their high bioavailability. High bioavailability is when a substance is easily absorbed and then effectively utilized by the body. Deficiency of magnesium occurs due to inadequate dietary intake, certain medical disorders such as increased urinary excretion of magnesium in diabetics or certain medications that interfere with absorption of magnesium. 

Magnesium citrate plays potential role in mental health and mood regulation. The role of magnesium citrate in neurotransmitter function and balancing stress response makes it suitable for use in selective patients with anxiety. Low magnesium levels are often associated with mood disorders. However, it must not be recommended or used for everyone with anxiety since medications for mood disorders are often used for a long-term that is rarely recommended for magnesium citrate.

Side Effects of Magnesium Citrate:

Misuse, overuse or contraindicated use of any medication has always led to lethal or fatal health complications. Magnesium citrate is considered safe but only when used just as directed. The following are common side effects of magnesium citrate that occur in some individuals.

1. Diarrhoea:

Magnesium citrate works as a laxative that promotes active influx of water into the bowel and promote gut motility. Excessive use of magnesium citrate led to diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. For use as a laxative, the usual recommended dosage of magnesium citrate ranges from 200 to 800mg of elemental magnesium. It is crucial to follow the recommended dosage instructions by the healthcare expert to minimise the risk of lethal outcomes.

2. Gastrointestinal Discomfort:

Mild abdominal discomfort, bloating or gas is experienced by some people on magnesium citrate supplements. These symptoms are often transient but bothersome for these individuals.

3. Electrolyte Imbalance:

Prolonged use of magnesium citrate use is associated with disruption in electrolyte balance. This imbalance results in low levels of potassium and calcium in the blood that are essential for the vital organs in the body. This side effect has serious consequences including muscle weakness and tremors, irregular heart rate and seizures.

4. Allergy and Sensitivity:

Allergy and sensitivity to magnesium citrate is a rare occurrence. Individuals sensitive to magnesium citrate experience symptoms such as rash, swelling, dizziness or breathlessness. Patch test before starting on magnesium citrate medication is a recommended measure.

Warnings and Precautions

Before starting on magnesium citrate medication, make sure to understand and follow the warnings and precautions enlisted below.

1. Health Conditions:

Individuals with health conditions must consult their healthcare provider before consuming any sort of medication for both short and long term. Patients with kidney, heart or gastrointestinal disorders are given magnesium citrate after careful evaluation of risk benefit ratio and dosage adjustments made according to the need. Magnesium citrate supplementation is not recommended for everyone and must not be consumed without consultation for appropriate dosage.

2. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Magnesium citrate is safe for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women when used as per direction from a healthcare professional. It is used in the usual dosages for short term relief. Excessive use result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort in pregnant women along with foetal bone thinning in rare cases. It is crucial to consult healthcare provider before consuming the medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

3. Appropriate Dosage:

Risk of side effects and complications due to use of magnesium citrate increases only when the recommended dosage is not followed properly. Always follow the directions of use by the healthcare professional and read the product label for dosage and possible sensitivity.

4. Use in Children:

Consult a child healthcare expert before giving magnesium citrate to children for any health reason. Magnesium citrate is safe for use in children only when recommended by their paediatrician.

5. Drug Interactions:

Magnesium citrate interacts with certain medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and steroids. Tetracyclines and aminoglycosides (antibiotics) chelates the magnesium and reduces its absorption. Furosemide (loop diuretic) and prednisone (corticosteroid) increases the urinary excretion of magnesium. Healthcare experts often ask about other medications that an individual is using currently to rule out the possibility of drug interactions. Dosage is adjusted according to these drug interactions, for example, dosage from a higher normal range of magnesium citrate must be used for patients on long term use of furosemide to compensate for its urinary loss.

People Also Ask

What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency?

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle tremors and cramps, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

Are there any natural sources of magnesium citrate?

Magnesium citrate is primarily obtained from its supplement form. The components of magnesium citrate that is magnesium and citric acid occur naturally in certain foods. Rich sources of magnesium include nuts, seeds, legumes, and green leafy vegetables. Citric acid is abundant in citrus food group which include lemons and oranges.

Can magnesium citrate help with weight loss?

Magnesium citrate does cause temporary weight loss that is likely to be due to fluid loss and not due to fat burn. Using magnesium citrate for weight loss purposes is not recommended. It has harmful complications when misused.

Can magnesium citrate be used to treat anxiety or depression?

Magnesium deficiency is associated with exacerbated symptoms of anxiety and depression. Use of magnesium citrate in such cases prove to be successful in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety by aiding in neurotransmitter function. It is not a direct or primary treatment of anxiety or depression and must only be used upon direction from a healthcare expert for any mental health condition.

Conclusion

Magnesium is a valuable supplement with diverse applications. It is commonly used to seek relief from constipation as it causes rapid influx into the bowel and propel its contents in the forward direction. It is generally safe when used according to the prescription, however, it is important to be careful and mindful of health before taking any sort of medication. Children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers must consult their physician before incorporating magnesium citrate supplements into their routine or using it for any health reason.