How does magnesium citrate affect blood pressure. What are the recommended dosages for magnesium supplementation. Can magnesium overdose occur from dietary sources. Which foods are rich in magnesium. Who is at risk for magnesium deficiency. What types of magnesium supplements are available. How does magnesium interact with medications.

The Role of Magnesium in Blood Pressure Regulation

Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. This essential mineral contributes to various bodily functions that directly impact cardiovascular health. But how exactly does magnesium help lower blood pressure?

• Relaxes blood vessels
• Acts as a natural calcium channel blocker
• Increases nitric oxide levels
• Reduces endothelial dysfunction

These mechanisms work together to promote better blood flow and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system. For individuals with hypertension, ensuring adequate magnesium intake may be an important part of their treatment plan.

Recommended Magnesium Intake and Supplementation

How much magnesium do you need to potentially see benefits for blood pressure? Studies suggest that supplementing with 300 mg of magnesium per day can significantly impact blood pressure levels. However, it’s important to note that increasing magnesium intake above normal levels is not always advisable.

The positive effects of magnesium supplementation are primarily observed when correcting a deficiency. If you already have adequate magnesium levels, additional supplementation may not provide further benefits. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any magnesium supplement regimen.

Daily Recommended Intake

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium varies based on age and gender:

• Adult men: 400-420 mg
• Adult women: 310-320 mg
• Pregnant women: 350-360 mg

These values serve as a general guideline, but individual needs may vary based on health conditions and lifestyle factors.

Understanding Magnesium Overdose and Toxicity

Is it possible to overdose on magnesium? While the body naturally eliminates excess magnesium, taking supplements can potentially lead to an overdose if not monitored carefully. Excess magnesium can cause unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea.

The maximum tolerable upper intake level for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg per day for adults. Exceeding this amount can lead to magnesium toxicity, which may have severe complications including hypotension, respiratory paralysis, and cardiac arrest.

It’s worth noting that it’s nearly impossible to overdose on magnesium from natural food sources alone. The risk primarily comes from excessive supplementation or the use of magnesium-containing medications like antacids or laxatives.

Magnesium-Rich Foods for Natural Blood Pressure Support

What foods can you incorporate into your diet to boost magnesium intake naturally? Here’s a comprehensive list of magnesium-rich foods:

• Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat bread)
• Tap, mineral, and bottled water (amounts vary)
• Seeds (pumpkin, chia)
• Nuts (almonds, cashews)
• Peanuts and peanut butter
• Soy milk
• Potato skins
• Plain yogurt
• Beans (especially black and kidney beans)
• Green vegetables (spinach, broccoli)
• Chicken and beef
• Apples
• Bananas
• Avocados
• Carrots
• Oatmeal

Incorporating a variety of these foods into your diet can help ensure you’re meeting your daily magnesium needs. Foods that are high in both magnesium and potassium, such as bananas, can be particularly beneficial for blood pressure management.

Identifying Populations at Risk for Magnesium Deficiency

Certain groups of people are more likely to experience magnesium deficiency. Identifying these at-risk populations is crucial for targeted interventions and potential supplementation. Who is particularly susceptible to magnesium deficiency?

• Older adults
• People with chronic alcoholism
• Individuals with gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, celiac disease)
• Those with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
• People with type 2 diabetes

For these groups, magnesium supplementation may be necessary to maintain adequate levels. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially for those with underlying health conditions.

Choosing the Right Magnesium Supplement

If dietary changes alone aren’t sufficient to address a magnesium deficiency, supplementation may be recommended. But with various forms of magnesium supplements available, how do you choose the right one?

Types of Magnesium Supplements

• Magnesium citrate: Highly absorbable and may have a mild laxative effect
• Magnesium glycinate: Well-absorbed and less likely to cause digestive issues
• Magnesium oxide: Less bioavailable but often used for its laxative properties
• Magnesium chloride: Well-absorbed and often used in topical applications
• Magnesium sulfate: Commonly known as Epsom salt, used for soaking

The best type of magnesium supplement depends on individual needs and any specific health concerns. Magnesium citrate and glycinate are often recommended for their high bioavailability and minimal side effects.

Magnesium Interactions with Medications

While magnesium supplementation can be beneficial, it’s crucial to be aware of potential interactions with medications. How does magnesium interact with common medications?

• Antibiotics: Magnesium can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics
• Bisphosphonates: Magnesium may reduce the absorption of these osteoporosis medications
• Diuretics: Some diuretics can increase magnesium excretion, while others may cause magnesium retention
• Proton pump inhibitors: Long-term use may lead to magnesium deficiency

Given these potential interactions, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any magnesium supplements you’re taking or planning to take. They can advise on proper timing and dosage to avoid adverse effects.

Contraindications for Magnesium Supplementation

While magnesium can be beneficial for many, there are certain situations where supplementation may be contraindicated. Who should avoid taking magnesium supplements?

• People with chronic kidney disease
• Individuals with heart block
• Those with myasthenia gravis
• People taking certain medications (as mentioned in the previous section)

For individuals with chronic kidney disease, magnesium supplementation can be particularly risky as the kidneys may not be able to excrete excess magnesium effectively, leading to buildup in the body. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Monitoring Magnesium Levels

How can you determine if you have a magnesium deficiency? Blood tests can measure serum magnesium levels, but these may not always accurately reflect total body magnesium stores. Your healthcare provider may consider factors such as your diet, symptoms, and overall health to assess your magnesium status.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Magnesium Status

Beyond diet and supplementation, various lifestyle factors can impact magnesium levels in the body. What everyday habits might be affecting your magnesium status?

• Stress: Chronic stress can deplete magnesium stores
• Exercise: Intense physical activity may increase magnesium requirements
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can lead to magnesium loss
• Caffeine intake: High caffeine consumption may increase magnesium excretion
• Smoking: Tobacco use can affect magnesium absorption and utilization

Addressing these lifestyle factors alongside dietary changes or supplementation can help optimize magnesium levels and potentially improve blood pressure management.

The Role of Magnesium in Overall Cardiovascular Health

While we’ve focused on magnesium’s effects on blood pressure, it’s important to understand its broader role in cardiovascular health. How does magnesium contribute to heart health beyond blood pressure regulation?

• Reduces inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for heart disease
• Improves insulin sensitivity: May help prevent type 2 diabetes, a risk factor for heart disease
• Supports heart rhythm: Helps maintain normal heart rhythm and prevents arrhythmias
• Reduces platelet aggregation: May help prevent blood clot formation

These multiple cardiovascular benefits highlight the importance of maintaining adequate magnesium levels for overall heart health, not just blood pressure management.

Magnesium and Exercise Performance

Interestingly, magnesium also plays a role in exercise performance, which can indirectly impact cardiovascular health. How does magnesium affect physical activity?

• Supports energy production: Magnesium is involved in ATP synthesis
• Aids in muscle contraction and relaxation: Important for proper muscle function during exercise
• Helps with electrolyte balance: Crucial for maintaining hydration during physical activity

By supporting exercise performance, adequate magnesium levels can contribute to improved cardiovascular fitness and potentially better blood pressure control.

Magnesium’s Relationship with Other Nutrients

Magnesium doesn’t work in isolation in the body. Its effects are often intertwined with other nutrients. What key nutrient interactions should you be aware of when considering magnesium for blood pressure management?

• Calcium: Magnesium helps regulate calcium levels and transport
• Vitamin D: Magnesium is necessary for vitamin D activation and metabolism
• Potassium: Works synergistically with magnesium for blood pressure regulation
• Vitamin B6: Enhances magnesium absorption

Understanding these nutrient interactions can help in developing a more comprehensive approach to blood pressure management and overall health. It’s often beneficial to consider these nutrients together rather than in isolation.

The Magnesium-Potassium Connection

The relationship between magnesium and potassium is particularly noteworthy for blood pressure management. How do these two minerals work together?

• Both help regulate blood pressure
• Magnesium aids in potassium uptake by cells
• Deficiency in one can affect the status of the other

This synergistic relationship underscores the importance of a balanced diet that includes sources of both magnesium and potassium for optimal blood pressure control.

Magnesium and Stress Management

Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure, and magnesium plays a role in the body’s stress response. How does magnesium help manage stress and potentially impact blood pressure?

• Regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
• Helps balance neurotransmitters that affect mood and stress
• Supports sleep quality, which is crucial for stress management
• May help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms

By addressing stress through magnesium supplementation or dietary changes, individuals may indirectly support better blood pressure management. However, it’s important to combine this with other stress-reduction techniques for optimal results.

Magnesium and Sleep Quality

The relationship between magnesium and sleep is particularly interesting in the context of blood pressure management. How does magnesium affect sleep, and why is this important for blood pressure?

• Regulates melatonin production
• Helps relax muscles and calm the nervous system
• May improve sleep duration and quality

Given that poor sleep is associated with increased blood pressure, ensuring adequate magnesium intake may support better sleep and, consequently, better blood pressure control.

Future Directions in Magnesium Research

While the current body of research supports the role of magnesium in blood pressure management, ongoing studies continue to explore its potential. What are some areas of future research in magnesium and cardiovascular health?

• Optimal dosing strategies for different populations
• Long-term effects of magnesium supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes
• Genetic factors influencing magnesium metabolism and its effects on blood pressure
• Novel magnesium formulations for improved bioavailability

As research progresses, we may gain more nuanced understanding of how to best utilize magnesium for blood pressure management and overall cardiovascular health.

Personalized Approaches to Magnesium Supplementation

The future of magnesium supplementation may lie in more personalized approaches. How might individualized magnesium strategies be developed?

• Genetic testing to identify individuals more likely to benefit from supplementation
• Consideration of lifestyle factors and other nutrient levels
• Tailored dosing based on individual magnesium status and health goals

These personalized approaches could potentially improve the efficacy of magnesium supplementation for blood pressure management and reduce the risk of adverse effects.

Can Magnesium Help With High Blood Pressure?

Content

• Overview
• How does magnesium lower blood pressure?
• How much magnesium do you need?
• Can you overdose on magnesium?
• What foods contain magnesium?
• Who is at particular risk for magnesium deficiency?
• What kind of magnesium supplement should you take?
• Can magnesium interact with medications?
• Who should not take a magnesium supplement?
• The lowdown

If you have high blood pressure, you may be put on various medications to help control it. You will certainly be advised to change your lifestyle by eating healthier and exercising more, among other changes.

One thing that is often mentioned is getting enough magnesium. Magnesium is a key mineral for regulating blood pressure¹, and it also helps regulate blood sugar and supports proper muscle and nerve function.

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Magnesium helps lower blood pressure² in several ways. Among other things, it helps:

• Relax blood vessels

• Act as a natural calcium channel blocker

• Increase nitric oxide levels

• Reduce endothelial dysfunction³, which is an imbalance between relaxing and contracting factors in blood vessels

Many older adults are at least slightly deficient in magnesium⁴. Since age is a risk factor for high blood pressure, magnesium deficiency is likely involved in worsening blood pressure issues as we get older.

Studies on supplementing magnesium levels indicate that 300 mg/day is enough to impact blood pressure significantly. However, there are also indications that increasing magnesium above normal levels is not advisable.

The positive impact of magnesium supplementation is primarily because you are correcting a deficiency⁵. If you already have adequate magnesium levels, supplementing with magnesium is not helpful.

Talk to your doctor or your nutritionist before taking a magnesium supplement.

Yes and no. Your body will naturally get rid of excess magnesium, but your body might not be able to keep up if you take a supplement. Excess magnesium can cause nausea, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea.

The maximum amount of supplemental magnesium our bodies can tolerate is 350 mg/day for adults⁶. You should, therefore, check with your doctor first before taking a supplement. This is especially true if you take antacids or laxatives for stomach issues. These medicines often contain magnesium, so adding a supplement on top can quickly put you into the overdose zone.

Consistently taking in too much magnesium can lead to magnesium toxicity⁷, which may have fatal complications such as hypotension, respiratory paralysis, and cardiac arrest. However, it is nearly impossible to overdose on magnesium from natural food sources.

You should also avoid magnesium supplements if you have chronic kidney disease, as this can affect magnesium excretion and cause it to build up in your body.

Rather than taking a supplement, the best way to make sure you are getting enough magnesium is to increase your intake of certain foods. Talk with your nutritionist first if your magnesium levels are low.

Foods that contain magnesium include:

• Whole grains, including brown rice and whole wheat bread, among others

• Tap, mineral, and bottled water, although the amounts are variable

• Certain seeds like pumpkin and chia seeds are an excellent source

• Almonds, cashews, and other nuts

• Peanuts and peanut butter

• Soy milk

• Potato skins, so not peeling your potatoes is an easy way to add magnesium to your diet.

• Plain yogurt

• Beans, especially black and kidney beans

• Green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli

• Chicken and beef

• Apples

• Bananas

• Avocados

• Carrots

• Oatmeal

It’s an especially good idea to look for foods high in both magnesium and potassium, such as bananas.

Again, the best way to get enough magnesium is from food. The variety of magnesium-containing food is high enough to make it easy to reach the daily recommended dose unless you have food intake problems.

Certain people are likely to be at risk for magnesium deficiency. For people in these groups, magnesium supplementation may be necessary:

1. Older adults, since there is a decrease in magnesium absorption as we age

2. People with chronic alcoholism

3. People with gastrointestinal diseases that reduce the intake of nutrients, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and regional enteritis

4. People with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, which is sometimes associated with autism 

5. People with type 2 diabetes

Alcoholism results in poor dietary intake, gastrointestinal problems, and renal dysfunction, among other issues that can decrease magnesium absorption or increase excretion. So, if you are struggling with alcoholism, it is recommended that you take magnesium supplements.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder is when a person consumes only a few select foods, and it leads to several nutritional deficiencies, depending on the foods being avoided.

People with type 2 diabetes can develop high blood pressure and, if you have both high blood pressure and diabetes, you are more likely to need a magnesium supplement.

It is sometimes impossible for people in these groups to consume enough magnesium from eating the right foods, at which point a supplement is recommended. However, improving your diet is still better as a first approach than taking supplements.

There are eight main types of magnesium supplements. These are categorized according to what the magnesium is combined with, and these supplements can vary considerably.

Here are the eight common types of magnesium and their uses:

Magnesium glycinate

This is the most common source of magnesium as a dietary supplement. Magnesium glycinate⁸, in the form of magnesium glycinate salt, is commonly recommended to people with a deficiency they can’t fix with diet changes.

Like all supplements, it is possible to overdose on magnesium. If you can increase dietary magnesium, you should talk to your doctor about discontinuing the supplement.

Magnesium taurate

Many doctors consider magnesium taurate⁹ the best supplement for people with hypertension (high blood pressure). Studies in rats show that it can help lower high blood pressure and protect your heart.

One theory is that taurine, the protein the magnesium is combined with, may positively affect blood pressure¹⁰.

Magnesium citrate

Magnesium citrate is used as a laxative, and it works by adding water to your stool so it will leave the body more easily. It’s also used for cleansing before a colonoscopy.

Magnesium citrate is a medicine, not a dietary supplement. It can sometimes have a more lingering laxative effect, cause blood in the stool, or lead to difficulty in having bowel movements.

Magnesium chloride

Also not a dietary supplement, magnesium chloride is used to treat severe magnesium deficiency and is given as an infusion into the vein in a healthcare setting.

Your doctor will only recommend this drug if you really need it, as it is difficult to administer and more expensive than oral alternatives.

Magnesium lactate

Magnesium lactate is another oral magnesium supplement. You should not take it with high-fat foods, which can interfere with how it’s absorbed in your body.

Magnesium malate

Magnesium malate is sometimes prescribed to help improve chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia symptoms, but studies have shown little benefit¹¹. 

Magnesium sulfate

Like magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, commonly called Epsom salt, is used as a laxative and, when used as bath salts, to help relieve muscle pain. It is not recommended for people with diabetes or kidney disease.

If you have rectal bleeding after taking magnesium sulfate, you should call your doctor at once. 

Magnesium oxide

This is used as both a supplement and, in higher doses, a laxative for one-off uses, such as before surgery. Magnesium oxide is also used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and stomach upsets for short periods. Because of this, it’s crucial not to take more than your doctor recommends, as it can affect your digestive system.

Any of these dietary supplement forms of magnesium will help lower your blood pressure. Which one your doctor recommends may depend on other medications you are taking.

You can also be allergic to a specific type of magnesium. Many, but not all doctors, will first recommend magnesium taurate because it may have a stronger effect on blood pressure. Studies are still being done, but it is unlikely to cause problems unless you have issues with taurine.

Your doctor may also not specify which magnesium supplement you should take. In that case, you can take whichever supplement is convenient for you. You may find that some supplements upset your stomach, so feel free to switch to another.

Talk to your doctor if you want to switch from the one they specifically suggested. It is still better to get your magnesium from your diet as much as possible.

Yes, magnesium can interact with some medications. You should take care if you are taking the following:

Antibiotics

If you are put on antibiotics, make sure to take them at least two hours before or four to six hours after your supplement. Magnesium can decrease the effectiveness of some antibiotics if they are in your stomach at the same time.

Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet)

This is a medication used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. People taking this medication should not take magnesium oxide or other supplements.

Muscle relaxants

Magnesium can relax muscles, increasing the effects of the muscle relaxant and thus the risk of side effects.

Potassium-sparing diuretics

These are also sometimes prescribed for high blood pressure. They can increase the amount of magnesium retained in your body, and this can result in an overdose if you take a supplement.

Digoxin

This drug is used to strengthen the heart. Magnesium can decrease the absorption of digoxin.

Anticoagulants

Magnesium can slow blood clotting.

Sulfonylurea

This is a medication used to treat diabetes, and it can interfere with some forms of magnesium. If you are on sulfonylurea, talk to your doctor about what kind of magnesium you can take.

Gabapentin

Gabapentin is an anti-seizure drug. Do not take gabapentin less than two hours before or four to six hours after your supplement.

Ketamine

Ketamine is used to treat severe pain and depression, and magnesium can increase its side effects.

High-dose zinc supplements

These supplements can prevent magnesium absorption.

As you can see, some of these interactions are with medication your doctor might give you for your blood pressure. Therefore, it is vital to tell your doctor if you are taking (or planning to take) magnesium and what form you are taking it in.

Your doctor may recommend a specific type. With some of these medications, you simply have to take them at different times daily.

You should not take magnesium if you have kidney problems, which are a common complication of diabetes. If your kidneys are weak, they may not be able to clear magnesium from your body, letting it build up to toxic levels.

Talk to your doctor first if you have diabetes or any condition treated with medications that interact with magnesium. You should not take a magnesium supplement for your blood pressure without checking first with your healthcare provider.

If you are already getting enough magnesium, you don’t need to take a supplement. Supplementing will have no added benefit and could result in you overdosing. While it is hard to test magnesium levels as much of it is held in our bones, a blood test can give you a sense of whether your magnesium levels are adequate. 

There is evidence that not getting enough magnesium can worsen your high blood pressure. However, magnesium supplementation is unnecessary and potentially dangerous if you are not deficient, and magnesium supplements can interact with some blood pressure medication.

Your best option is to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of foods rich in magnesium. Note that supplementation may be necessary if you have certain health conditions.

Always talk to your doctor before starting with a magnesium supplement. Ask their advice on which of the several types you should take for your specific condition.

The role of magnesium in hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Review

. 2011 Nov;13(11):843-7.

doi: 10.1111/j.1751-7176.2011.00538.x.

Epub 2011 Sep 26.

Mark Houston 
¹

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ Division of Human Nutrition, Saint Thomas Medical Group and Hospital, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Hypertension Institute, Nashville, TN, USA. [email protected]

• PMID:

  22051430

• PMCID:

  PMC8108907

• DOI:

  10.1111/j.1751-7176.2011.00538.x

Free PMC article

Review

Mark Houston.

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich).

2011 Nov.

Free PMC article

. 2011 Nov;13(11):843-7.

doi: 10.1111/j.1751-7176.2011.00538.x.

Epub 2011 Sep 26.

Author

Mark Houston 
¹

Affiliation

• ¹ Division of Human Nutrition, Saint Thomas Medical Group and Hospital, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Hypertension Institute, Nashville, TN, USA. [email protected]

• PMID:

  22051430

• PMCID:

  PMC8108907

• DOI:

  10.1111/j.1751-7176.2011.00538.x

Abstract

Magnesium intake of 500 mg/d to 1000 mg/d may reduce blood pressure (BP) as much as 5.6/2.8 mm Hg. However, clinical studies have a wide range of BP reduction, with some showing no change in BP. The combination of increased intake of magnesium and potassium coupled with reduced sodium intake is more effective in reducing BP than single mineral intake and is often as effective as one antihypertensive drug in treating hypertension. Reducing intracellular sodium and calcium while increasing intracellular magnesium and potassium improves BP response. Magnesium also increases the effectiveness of all antihypertensive drug classes. It remains to be conclusively proven that cardiovascular disease such as coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and cardiac arrhythmias can be prevented or treated with magnesium intake. Preliminary evidence suggests that insulin sensitivity, hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular hypertrophy, and dyslipidemia may be improved with increased magnesium intake. Various genetic defects in magnesium transport are associated with hypertension and possibly with cardiovascular disease. Oral magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, increases nitric oxide, improves endothelial dysfunction, and induces direct and indirect vasodilation.

© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Arterial hypertension: what is the role of potassium and magnesium?

The prevalence of arterial hypertension in Ukraine and the world is constantly increasing. Recently, electrolyte imbalances, in particular magnesium and potassium, have been assigned an important role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (Shilov A.M. et al., 2010). It has been proven that the duet of potassium and magnesium is relevant for both prevention and effective control of blood pressure in patients with arterial hypertension who take these macronutrients in complex treatment (Tkachenko V.I., Bagro T.O., 2016). Moreover, it is the “duet” that is important for the body, and not the “solo” of one of them. In this regard, PANANGIN, containing potassium and magnesium in an active, easily digestible form, from the Gedeon Richter company, has acquired particular relevance.

Potassium and magnesium are among the most abundant cations in the body. Potassium ions are involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, contraction of cardiomyocytes, skeletal and smooth muscle fibers, regulate and maintain the functions of the urinary system. Magnesium is a regulator of vascular tone, blood pressure and peripheral circulation. It is an important cofactor for both absorption and maintenance of optimal levels of intracellular potassium. Magnesium itself can have a positive effect on lowering blood pressure, acting as a natural calcium channel blocker (Ukholkina G.B., 2011; Kosarev V.V., Babanov S.A., 2012).

The consequence of potassium-magnesium deficiency is often a violation of the rhythm of cardiac activity (atrial fibrillation). Arterial hypertension is detected in 60% of such persons. Among other things, neurological (fatigue, depression, sleep disturbance, migraine) and muscle (calf muscle cramps) symptoms are also considered a manifestation of magnesium and potassium deficiency (Shilov A.M. et al., 2010; Yankovskaya L.V., 2015).

Due to the available evidence of the effect of potassium intake on lowering blood pressure, the clinical recommendations of WHO, the American Heart Association, the Canadian, European and International Society of Hypertension, along with the use of traditional antihypertensive drugs, recommendations for reducing salt intake and other non-drug methods, have included a prescription to increase potassium intake to reduce the incidence of arterial hypertension and prevent cardiovascular complications. These recommendations are especially important to consider when taking diuretics (Tkachenko V.I., Bagro T.O., 2016).

A common misconception is the position of doctors, according to which the use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers eliminates the need for potassium supplements due to their potassium-sparing properties. In most cases, the doses of ACE inhibitors prescribed by doctors in the treatment of patients with heart failure are insufficient to compensate for the loss of potassium (Berezin A.E., 2015).

To correct the imbalance of potassium and magnesium in the body under the power of PANANGIN. The drug is able to provide a whole range of effects that favorably affect the state of the cardiovascular system:

• help lower blood pressure in patients with arterial hypertension;
• maintain the elasticity of vessel walls;
• reduce the risk of developing arrhythmias;
• improve myocardial contractility and prevent the development of heart failure;
• improve vascular endothelial function, reduce the risk and rate of development of atherosclerosis;
• to reduce blood viscosity and thrombosis (Lyashenko E. A., 2012).

The use of potassium and magnesium preparations (PANANGIN) in the complex treatment of arterial hypertension can enhance the effect of antihypertensive therapy, reduce the risk of its side effects, as well as cardiovascular events. Sufficient intake of potassium and magnesium is a measure for the prevention of arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, PANANGIN can be recommended as a supplement to the diet of healthy individuals in order to increase the levels of potassium and magnesium in the body (Tkachenko V.I., Bagro T.O., 2016).

APTEKA Weekly Press Service

Magnesium through the eyes of a neurologist

Science

A.S. Kadykov
professor
S.N. Busheneva
doctor

The name “magnesia” is already found in the Leiden Papyrus X (3rd century AD). It probably comes from the name of the city of Magnesia in the mountainous region of Thessaly. Magnesian stone in ancient times was called magnetic iron oxide, and magnes – a magnet. It is interesting that the original name “magnesium” was preserved only in Russian thanks to Hess’s textbook, and at the beginning of the 19th century, other names were proposed in a number of manuals – magnesia, magnesia, bitter earth.

The total content of magnesium in the human body is about 25 grams. It plays an important role in the formation of more than three hundred enzymes. Magnesium takes part in energy and electrolyte metabolism, acts as a regulator of cell growth, and is necessary at all stages of the synthesis of protein molecules. The role of magnesium in the processes of membrane transport is especially important. Magnesium helps to relax muscle fibers (musculature of blood vessels and internal organs). The most important value of magnesium is that it serves as a natural anti-stress factor, inhibits the processes of excitation in the central nervous system and reduces the body’s sensitivity to external influences.

It is believed that 25-30% of the population does not get enough magnesium from food. This may be due to modern processing technologies and the use of mineral fertilizers in growing vegetables, leading to a deficiency of magnesium in the soil.

Chronic magnesium deficiency is often observed in patients with diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, epilepsy, osteoporosis, etc. A number of physiological conditions are known that are accompanied by an increased need for magnesium: pregnancy, breastfeeding, a period of intensive growth and maturation, elderly and senile age, heavy physical labor and physical activity in athletes, emotional stress, frequent and prolonged (more than 30-40 minutes per day). session) stay in the sauna, insufficient sleep, air travel and crossing time zones. Magnesium deficiency occurs when taking caffeine, alcohol, drugs, and certain drugs, such as diuretics, which help remove magnesium in the urine.

Our nervous system is sensitive to the level of magnesium in the body. Its reduced content can cause anxiety, nervousness, fear, as well as insomnia and fatigue, decreased attention and memory, in some cases, seizures, tremors and other symptoms. Often people complain of “causeless” headaches.

Magnesium (especially in combination with vitamin B6) has a normalizing effect on the state of the higher parts of the nervous system during emotional stress, depression, neurosis. This is no coincidence. Stress (physical, mental) increases the need for magnesium, which causes intracellular magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium deficiency worsens with age, reaching a maximum in people over 70 years of age. According to the European Epidemiological Study of Cardiovascular Diseases, plasma magnesium levels below 0.76 mmol / l are considered as an additional (for example, arterial hypertension) risk factor for stroke and heart attack. Imbalance of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions is one of the serious reasons for the formation of blood clots in the vessels. The use of magnesium preparations helps to reduce the tendency to form a blood clot. Magnesium, for example, enhances the antithrombotic effect of aspirin.

Magnesium is believed to play a positive role by inhibiting the process of atherosclerosis.
Taking into account the latest data on the prevalence of magnesium deficiency in residents of large cities, its content in the blood is determined in neurological patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, vegetative-vascular dystonia, as well as depression and asthenia. Normally, the content of magnesium in the blood serum in children varies from 0.66 to 1.03 mmol / l, in adults from 0.7 to 1.05 mmol / l.

In healthy people, the daily requirement for magnesium is 350-800 mg. With magnesium deficiency, its additional administration is required at the rate of 10-30 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. In addition to dietary correction, medicinal preparations are also used. The saturation time of tissue depots during magnesium therapy is 2 months or more. The choice of preparations for correction is well known – these are inorganic and organic magnesium salts. The first generation of magnesium preparations included inorganic salts. However, in this form, magnesium is absorbed by no more than 5%, stimulates intestinal motility, which often leads to diarrhea. Magnesium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract is increased by lactic, pidolic and orotic acids, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and some amino acids.

The second generation of magnesium-containing preparations is much better absorbed and does not cause dyspepsia and diarrhea. Modern combined preparations include Magne-B6.

The anti-anxiety effect of Magne-B6 allows it to be included in the complex therapy of depression (together with antidepressants), convulsive conditions (in combination with anticonvulsants), sleep disorders (together with sleeping pills), and also to use the drug as an additional tool for prevention and leveling mild excitatory effects of brain metabolism activators. Magnesium therapy is quite a promising direction in the treatment of night sleep disorders of various origins, especially in patients with asthenic and anxiety conditions.