The doctor warned about the danger of uncontrolled intake of magnesium

Magnesium is considered one of the most popular dietary supplements. It is often taken for fatigue, sleep disorders, muscle cramps and increased physical exertion. However, the attitude towards this trace element as an absolutely safe remedy may be erroneous. Lyubov Stankevich, Director of Laboratory Medicine and Manufacturing at the LabQuest medical company, Candidate of Medical Sciences, told Izvestia on June 17.

According to the expert, the widespread opinion about magnesium as a remedy for "nerves" or a universal way of recovery does not always correspond to reality. Symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, insomnia, or seizures do not in themselves indicate a lack of magnesium. The cause may be anemia, thyroid disorders, chronic diseases, deficiency of other trace elements, the effects of overwork or the effects of medications. In such cases, self-administration of the supplement will not only not solve the problem, but may also delay the identification of the real cause of ill health.

"Magnesium belongs to electrolytes and is involved in the work of the cardiovascular system, muscles and nervous tissue. Its deficiency can affect not only the heart rate and muscle function, but also the state of the respiratory system. For example, low magnesium levels can affect recovery from severe respiratory diseases, the course of bronchial asthma, and lung ventilation processes. In addition, magnesium is closely related to the metabolism of potassium and calcium, which also play an important role in the work of the heart and muscles," explained Stankevich.

At the same time, the danger is not only a deficiency, but also an excess of magnesium. Its accumulation in the body can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, a slowing of the heart rate, respiratory disorders and increased bleeding. Special care should be taken for people with kidney disease, because when their function decreases, magnesium is excreted worse, which increases the risk of its accumulation.

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Stankevich noted that patients with cardiovascular diseases, cardiac arrhythmias, a tendency to hypotension, liver and intestinal diseases require increased attention. The risk group also includes athletes who experience intense physical activity, people taking diuretics and heart medications, women with complicated pregnancies, as well as patients who have suffered severe infections or diseases affecting the respiratory and muscular systems.

The expert emphasized that taking magnesium solely on the basis of subjective feelings is not worth it. Insomnia, weakness, irritability, and seizures can be associated with a variety of causes, so prescribing supplements without diagnosis is not always justified.

Laboratory diagnostics deserves special attention. In most cases, the total level of magnesium in the blood is estimated, but this indicator does not always reflect the real situation. Magnesium is present in the body in several forms: some of it is bound to proteins, and some is in a free, ionized state. It is ionized magnesium that is considered biologically active and is directly involved in the work of cells, muscles, nervous system and heart. In diseases of the liver, kidneys, intestines and a number of chronic conditions, the overall indicator may not reflect the true balance of the trace element, so in some cases it is important for the doctor to take into account the level of ionized magnesium.

According to the expert, the main mistake of patients is the perception of magnesium as a universal supplement that can be taken "for prevention" without additional examinations. If a healthy person's short-term intake usually does not cause serious consequences, then the situation may be different in the presence of chronic diseases, cardiovascular risks, impaired kidney function or drug therapy.

"If sleep disorders, seizures, weakness or other symptoms occur regularly, it is important not to select supplements yourself, but to look for their true cause together with a specialist," Stankevich concluded.

Olga Chistik, a therapist at the Scandinavian Health Center, told Izvestia in February that vitamin D supports the health of the neuromuscular system, and B vitamins help convert proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into energy that the body uses throughout the day. Vitamin E also strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves reproductive function in men, and coenzyme Q10 is beneficial for heart health.