What exactly is magnesium?
The mineral magnesium is essential for physical and mental health. Magnesium falls under the category of mineral salts that the body cannot produce itself. Therefore, it's important to get enough magnesium from food or supplements. This mineral influences:
- The maintenance of bones
- The cell division process
- Building body protein
- A good electrolyte balance
- Activating the natural energy in the body
- A strong set of teeth
- Mood, learning performance and concentration ability
- The functioning of the muscles
- Reducing tiredness and fatigue
- The functioning of the nervous system
Too much magnesium
Despite its many health benefits, an excess of magnesium can be detrimental to your health. However, this excess is very rare, and the symptoms are not considered serious. The body is capable of eliminating the excess through perspiration or feces.
Symptoms of too much magnesium
The most common symptoms of magnesium excess are:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Thirst
- Low blood pressure
Causes of excess magnesium
The causes of excess magnesium can always be traced back to systematically consuming too much of the mineral. This includes exceeding the recommended dosage of a magnesium supplement or taking a supplement with a dosage higher than 250 mg per day for extended periods.
Is too much magnesium harmful?
At the first signs of a magnesium overdose, it's important to stop taking a supplement immediately. Symptoms will disappear after a few days. Taking too much magnesium for a short period of time is generally not dangerous if you're otherwise healthy.