Magnesium is in fourth place in abundance in the human body after potassium, iron and calcium and takes part in many vital metabolic processes. It is one of the main regulators of the central nervous system, participates in the processes of phosphorus and carbohydrate metabolism, and is found in teeth and bones. Reduces neuromuscular excitability, has a vasodilator and antiseptic effect, enhances bile secretion and intestinal motor function, and promotes the removal of harmful cholesterol from the body.
Magnesium affects protein synthesis, carbohydrate-phosphorus metabolism, participates as an activator or cofactor of many enzymes (hexokinase, enolase, alkaline phosphatase, carboxylase, etc.), and is in an antagonistic relationship with calcium ions.
You need to be careful when taking medications containing this microelement; despite its non-toxicity for the human body, its excess can cause no less unpleasant and severe symptoms in the body than its deficiency.
Element action
Magnesium in the body is involved in vital processes. With sufficient supply of the element, the heart and kidneys work without failures or disturbances - the rhythm is maintained at the proper level, providing the body with the necessary substances through the bloodstream. Sources of ions are food products containing the substance and synthetic vitamins. Useful properties have a beneficial effect on the general condition and well-being of a person.
Beneficial effects of magnesium in the human body:
- Required for the synthesis of proteins and enzymes.
- Synthetic vitamins are absorbed faster and more efficiently when taken together with magnesium.
- The cardiac system requires a constant supply of magnesium and potassium to maintain the desired rhythm of functioning.
- Heart contractions are maintained in the correct rhythm, and the formation of thrombosis is prevented.
- Relieves the excited state of the nervous system, providing a calming effect.
- Required for women to function in an active form of the reproductive system.
- The production of beneficial enzymes in the digestive tract is stimulated.
- The genitourinary system is maintained in working condition.
- It is part of teeth and bones, promoting growth and strength.
Lack of the element in the body provokes calcium deficiency, which leads to fragility and fragility of the bone structure and teeth, causing gradual destruction.
Signs of magnesium deficiency:
- Painful spasms in the head area, accompanied by dizziness.
- Muscle cramps in the calves.
- Irritated, aggressive emotional state or pronounced apathy.
- Insomnia.
- Temporary loss of sensation in the limbs.
- General weakness in the body.
If the doctor diagnoses symptoms of a substance deficiency, a course of special vitamins with nutritional adjustments is prescribed. The dosage and duration of taking the drug are calculated individually, according to the person’s medical tests. Self-consumption increases the risk of overdose, which has a negative impact on well-being.
Symptoms of hypermagnesemia
Symptoms of hypermagnesemia indicate that treatment may be required soon . The deviation is not as harmless as it might seem at first glance. A person may suspect hypermagnesemia by the presence of the following symptoms:
- Apathy and decreased performance;
- Abnormal stool;
- Signs of dehydration;
- Muscle weakness and cramps;
- Loss of coordination;
- Dryness of the skin surface and mucous membranes;
- The appearance of drowsiness;
- Increased body temperature;
- Decreased heart rate;
The intensity of the manifestation of signs of deviation depends on the degree of excess of the mineral. In the initial stages, only a few symptoms may appear .
But over time, it will be much easier to determine hypermagnesemia by indirect signs, as they become more pronounced. Interesting: Magnesium is a calcium antagonist. Taking these elements at the same time is not recommended.
Dosage
In adults, the daily dose should not exceed 480 mg. Every day a person should receive at least 240 mg of the substance. In children, the dose varies from 140 to 400 mg. Only half of the required dose of vitamin comes from food. It is recommended to make up the rest with synthetic products.
During pregnancy, women are supposed to double the dosage of the substance. The body performs normal functions with increased load.
There are many synthetic drugs containing magnesium in pharmacology. The most effective and popular are Magne B6 and Magne B6 Forte, Cardiomagnyl, Magnerot, Magnelis and Magnesium Sulfate. The element in the products is contained in different compounds: Magne B6 contains lactate, Magvit - citrate, and Cardiomagnyl - hydroxide.
It is recommended to take the prescribed drug only on the recommendation of a doctor and in compliance with the dosage. Magnesia is often used to relieve alcohol intoxication, which helps quickly restore the body.
Is there an allergy to magnesium?
Yes, it happens, however, according to medical scientists, this is observed quite rarely and is almost impossible. Because:
- You cannot cause an allergy to magnesium with food products, because you need to eat many kilograms of the same halva, greens, and bran at a time.
- In any more or less normally functioning body, excess magnesium, like other elements, is excreted by the kidneys.
The only thing that can provoke an allergic reaction is the use of magnesium-containing drugs. And here it is not necessary to accuse the victim of initiative. It’s just that the concentration of Mg in tablets and injections is very high, so the body of some may incorrectly perceive such a powerful “infusion”, causing an allergic reaction.
Sometimes a person is addicted to dietary supplements and at the same time takes Mg, which may be incompatible with them. But here we return to the beginning of the article, which talked about overdose due to uncontrolled use of the drug. An allergic reaction also occurs when you take long breaks from taking magnesium, and then take it in too large dosages.
Well, the last option is obvious allergies. Everything is clear here: if your body rejects cocoa, nuts, sesame seeds, chocolate, you cannot take Mg without serious tests and a doctor’s recommendation.
Causes of overdose
The main reason for overdose is systematically exceeding the daily norm. There are a number of other factors that can provoke poisoning:
- There is chronic kidney failure - a slow removal of minerals from the body with a constant supply of elements.
- Consuming large amounts of hard water means a high concentration of magnesium salts and other trace elements.
- Independent increase in the permissible daily dose.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands.
- A malignant neoplasm in organs that causes the accumulation of a substance.
- In a child's body, an excess is formed due to frequent consumption of mineral water or modified milk.
Overdose is sometimes caused by several reasons, which are not always related to the person’s intentional actions.
Daily norm
To know that there is excess magnesium, you need to have an idea of the normal indicator from which you can build. For an adult to feel normal, you need from 350 to 500 mg of magnesium per day. Half of this amount can come with cereals and cereals. During pregnancy, the above amount in the body is not enough and it should be increased to 1000 mg per day.
Magnesium is absorbed better with calcium. With constant stress, pregnancy, physical or mental work, the dose increases. This also applies to those who regularly consume alcohol or medications.
Signs of intoxication
In case of magnesium poisoning, signs of acute and chronic phases are distinguished. Chronic intoxication occurs due to prolonged use of high concentrations of the substance. The mineral accumulates in tissues, hence a certain symptom:
- The hair on the head becomes dry and brittle;
- The mood is complete apathy;
- There is a constant sleepy state;
- Nausea occurs periodically;
- Disorders in the digestive process are observed.
A single high dose of the drug can lead to acute poisoning of the body. Often this form is provoked by a failure of the organs of the excretory system.
Symptoms of magnesium overdose:
- A sharp attack of nausea with a gag reflex;
- Failure of the digestive organs;
- The intestinal mucosa is irritated, resulting in diarrhea;
- Blood pressure drops to critical levels;
- Slowness or complete absence of reflexes;
- Uncontrolled muscle and facial movements;
- Heart rate increases to 100-130 beats per minute;
- Sometimes coma and death occur.
Excess of the compound has a negative effect on all body systems. Signs appear depending on the damage to a specific organ or system.
Reaction of the nervous system to mineral surplus
The nervous system reacts acutely to an excess of the drug:
- Unconditioned reflexes appear slowly or are absent;
- The skin and limbs lose sensitivity;
- Disturbances in the respiratory system - difficulty breathing, suffocation;
- Prolonged deep fainting;
- Muscle paralysis;
- Sometimes a coma and a state of lethargic sleep may occur.
Muscle activity in magnesium overdose
When poisoned by a substance, impulses from the nerve centers travel to muscle tissues with disturbances. This provokes a decrease in overall tone, the contraction function is absent or appears late, which leads to paralysis. Often the situation manifests itself in a disorder of intestinal motility - intense diarrhea, lack of tone and reflexes.
Cardiovascular system with an overdose of the element
Excess magnesium causes a relaxed state of the heart muscle, causing a decrease in heart rate.
Signs of heart damage:
- Blood vessels begin to rapidly expand;
- Heart rate is reduced to a minimum;
- Blood pressure drops to the limit;
- Nerve impulses from the atria do not reach the ventricles of the heart;
- Possible cardiac arrest.
The cardiac system usually suffers in elderly people when receiving a high dose of the substance.
First aid
Acute poisoning requires the help of doctors; it is recommended to immediately call an ambulance. Before the brigade arrives, measures must be taken to reduce toxic exposure:
- Gastric lavage will reduce the amount of poison and its effect on the mucous membrane. The victim should drink 2-3 liters of warm water, which will provoke a gag reflex. It is permissible to induce it yourself by pressing your fingers on the root of the tongue.
- It is advisable to administer an antidote at home - calcium gluconate or calcium chloride.
- If mouth and diarrhea are present, the process cannot be stopped artificially. The body gets rid of toxic compounds on its own.
- To prevent dehydration, the patient should drink a lot of mineral water or Regidron solution.
- A person who has fainted should lie on their side. Until the doctors arrive, vigilantly monitor his condition.
First aid provided before doctors arrive often saves lives and prevents the development of complications.
Treatment
Ambulance doctors will provide the necessary assistance and transport the patient to the hospital. The patient is admitted to the toxicology department.
Doctors will continue to lavage the stomach with a special medical probe. Taking rehydration solutions will replenish the water and electrolyte balance. If the antidote was not administered at home, this will be done in the hospital.
To stimulate the activity of kidney cells, a course of medications with a diuretic effect is prescribed. Diuretics cannot be taken on your own. The dosage is carefully calculated by the attending physician. The appointment takes place under strict medical supervision. It is also necessary to observe the regime of fluid intake into the body.
Children, pregnant women and people of retirement age require hospitalization.
Diagnostics
A magnesium blood test measures the amount of magnesium in the blood. Magnesium is a type of electrolyte.
Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that are responsible for many important functions and processes in the body. The body needs magnesium for proper functioning of muscles, nerves and heart. Magnesium also helps control blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Most magnesium is found in bones and soft tissue cells. Magnesium serum is used for testing when donating blood.
If the results show that your blood levels are higher than normal, this may be a sign of:
- Addison's disease;
- adrenal disorders;
- kidney diseases;
- dehydration;
- loss of large amounts of fluid;
- diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening complication of diabetes).
Your doctor may recommend intravenous therapy, which can remove excess magnesium. Normal serum magnesium levels range from 1.7 to 2.3 ml/dL for people 17 years of age and older.
Another method for determining the level of magnesium in the blood is the xylydyl blue colorimetry method based on blood serum. It can be carried out in a clinic or private laboratory for 350-400 rubles. The result of the study is available on the day the material is submitted. The essence of the method is to color the reagents and identify the level of magnesium by color.
The measurement must include three-color colorimetry obtained by spectrophotometric or colorimetric methods. Further consideration will be given to object-light interactions and how they affect not only the measurement but also the perception of the sample, since manipulation of physical parameters can affect the overall appearance and hue.
If elevated values are confirmed, the results can be interpreted as follows:
- renal failure;
- iatrogenic hypermagnesemia;
- hypothyroidism;
- dehydration;
- adrenal insufficiency.
Additional studies may also be prescribed:
- potassium (K+), sodium + and chlorides;
- ionized calcium++;
- cortisol;
- creatinine;
- urea;
- parathyroid hormone (TSH, phosphorus, 25-OH vitamin D).
In medical practice, methods of visual diagnostic tests, tomography, radionuclide technology and ultrasound methods are used. If plasma cations are low, an exercise test (water, magnesium tolerance, or oral) may be ordered. Non-invasive testing involves taking Per Os 1/3 of the daily dose of magnesium for a repeat outpatient test.
Consequences of overdose and prevention
The consequence of an overdose is a depressant effect on the nervous system and the functioning of the heart and kidneys. Dangerous pathologies develop that require long-term treatment. Sometimes the consequences are no longer amenable to any measures.
To prevent poisoning, it is recommended to follow a number of simple rules:
- Use synthetic drugs only as prescribed by a doctor;
- Do not arbitrarily increase the single dose;
- The package of tablets is stored out of the reach of children;
- If you notice any discomfort, immediately consult a doctor for advice.
