What are the primary uses of magnesium sulfate oral supplements. How should magnesium sulfate be taken for optimal absorption. What are the potential side effects of magnesium sulfate supplementation. When should caution be exercised when taking magnesium sulfate.

Understanding Magnesium Sulfate: A Vital Mineral Supplement

Magnesium sulfate is a mineral supplement that plays a crucial role in maintaining various bodily functions. It’s primarily used to prevent and treat magnesium deficiency in the blood, a condition that can have significant impacts on overall health. Some brands of magnesium sulfate are also utilized to alleviate symptoms associated with excessive stomach acid, such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion.

Why is magnesium so important for our bodies? Magnesium is essential for the normal functioning of cells, nerves, muscles, bones, and the heart. While a well-balanced diet typically provides adequate magnesium levels, certain situations can lead to faster magnesium depletion than dietary intake can replenish.

Situations That May Lead to Magnesium Deficiency

• Treatment with diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
• Poor diet
• Alcoholism
• Severe diarrhea or vomiting
• Stomach or intestinal absorption problems
• Poorly controlled diabetes

Proper Usage and Administration of Magnesium Sulfate

How should you take magnesium sulfate supplements? The general recommendation is to take them orally as directed on the product package or as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It’s often advisable to consume magnesium supplements with a meal to minimize stomach upset and diarrhea unless otherwise instructed.

Each dose should be taken with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor specifies otherwise. For extended-release capsules and delayed-release or enteric-coated tablets, it’s crucial to swallow them whole without crushing or chewing to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.

Special Instructions for Different Forms of Magnesium Sulfate

1. Chewable tablets: Thoroughly chew before swallowing
2. Liquid products: Use a proper medication measuring device for accurate dosing
3. Suspensions: Shake the bottle well before each dose

Is consistent timing important when taking magnesium sulfate? Yes, it’s recommended to take this medication regularly at the same time(s) each day to maximize its benefits. The dosage is typically based on your medical condition and response to treatment. It’s crucial not to increase your dose or take it more frequently than directed, as excessive magnesium in the blood can lead to serious side effects.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

What are the common side effects of magnesium sulfate supplements? The most frequently reported side effects include stomach upset and diarrhea. Taking the supplement with a meal can help reduce these effects. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider promptly.

While serious side effects are rare, it’s essential to be aware of potential signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Precautions and Special Considerations

Are there any precautions to consider before taking magnesium sulfate? Indeed, there are several important factors to keep in mind:

• Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have
• Disclose any kidney disease, as it may affect how your body processes magnesium
• Be cautious if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, or phenylketonuria (PKU), as some forms of the supplement may contain sugar, aspartame, or alcohol
• Consult your doctor before using during pregnancy or while breastfeeding

Magnesium Sulfate and Its Role in Managing Stomach Acid

How does magnesium sulfate help with stomach acid-related issues? Some formulations of magnesium sulfate are specifically designed to address symptoms of excessive stomach acid. These symptoms may include stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion. By helping to neutralize stomach acid, magnesium sulfate can provide relief from these uncomfortable digestive issues.

Is magnesium sulfate a suitable long-term solution for acid reflux or GERD? While it can provide temporary relief, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for chronic acid-related conditions. They can provide a comprehensive treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and potentially other medications.

Interactions with Other Medications and Supplements

Can magnesium sulfate interact with other medications or supplements? Yes, magnesium sulfate can potentially interact with various substances. It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking before starting magnesium sulfate supplementation.

Common Interactions to Be Aware Of

• Antibiotics: Magnesium can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics
• Bisphosphonates: Used to treat osteoporosis, these may have reduced effectiveness when taken with magnesium
• Diuretics: Some diuretics can increase magnesium loss, while others can increase magnesium retention
• Muscle relaxants: Magnesium may enhance the effects of these medications

How can you minimize potential interactions? The best approach is to space out the timing of your magnesium supplement and other medications. Typically, it’s recommended to take magnesium supplements at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after other medications. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Recognizing and Addressing Magnesium Deficiency

What are the signs of magnesium deficiency? Magnesium deficiency, also known as hypomagnesemia, can manifest in various ways. Some common symptoms include:

• Muscle cramps or twitches
• Fatigue and weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Changes in mental state, including depression or irritability

How is magnesium deficiency diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis typically involves a blood test to check magnesium levels. However, it’s worth noting that serum magnesium levels don’t always accurately reflect total body magnesium stores. Treatment usually involves oral magnesium supplements, such as magnesium sulfate, and addressing any underlying causes of the deficiency.

Preventing Magnesium Deficiency

Can magnesium deficiency be prevented through diet alone? While a balanced diet rich in magnesium-containing foods can help maintain adequate magnesium levels for many people, certain conditions or medications may necessitate supplementation. Foods high in magnesium include:

• Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale)
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds)
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Dark chocolate

The Importance of Proper Dosing and Monitoring

Why is proper dosing of magnesium sulfate crucial? Accurate dosing is essential because both magnesium deficiency and excess can have health implications. While deficiency can lead to the symptoms mentioned earlier, excess magnesium can cause serious side effects such as low blood pressure, confusion, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.

How is the appropriate dose determined? The correct dosage depends on several factors, including:

• The specific condition being treated
• The individual’s age and overall health
• Kidney function
• Other medications being taken

Is ongoing monitoring necessary when taking magnesium sulfate supplements? For individuals taking magnesium supplements long-term, periodic blood tests to check magnesium levels may be recommended. This helps ensure that the supplementation is effective and that magnesium levels are not becoming too high.

Adjusting Dosage

Under what circumstances might a dosage adjustment be necessary? Dosage adjustments may be needed if:

• Symptoms of deficiency persist
• Side effects occur
• There are changes in kidney function
• Other medications that interact with magnesium are added or removed from your regimen

Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your magnesium sulfate dosage.

Magnesium Sulfate in Special Populations

Are there special considerations for using magnesium sulfate in certain populations? Yes, certain groups may require additional caution or modified approaches when using magnesium sulfate supplements:

Elderly Individuals

Why might older adults need special consideration when taking magnesium sulfate? Older adults may be at higher risk of magnesium deficiency due to decreased absorption and increased renal excretion of magnesium. Additionally, they’re more likely to have reduced kidney function and to be taking multiple medications that could interact with magnesium.

What precautions should be taken for elderly individuals using magnesium sulfate? Regular monitoring of magnesium levels and kidney function is crucial. Dosages may need to be adjusted, and healthcare providers should be vigilant for signs of magnesium toxicity, which can occur more easily in this population.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Is magnesium sulfate safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? While magnesium is important for fetal development and maternal health, the use of magnesium sulfate supplements during pregnancy should be under strict medical supervision. In some cases, intravenous magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in women with preeclampsia.

What about during breastfeeding? Magnesium sulfate is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but as with any supplement, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before use.

Children

Can children take magnesium sulfate supplements? Magnesium sulfate can be used in children, but dosages must be carefully calculated based on the child’s weight and the specific condition being treated. It’s crucial that any supplementation in children is overseen by a pediatrician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Individuals with Kidney Disease

Why is magnesium sulfate use a concern in kidney disease? The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating magnesium levels in the body. In individuals with impaired kidney function, magnesium can accumulate to dangerous levels.

How should magnesium supplementation be approached in kidney disease? If magnesium supplementation is necessary for individuals with kidney disease, it should be done under close medical supervision with regular monitoring of magnesium levels and kidney function.

Alternative Forms of Magnesium Supplementation

Are there alternatives to magnesium sulfate for supplementation? Yes, magnesium sulfate is just one of several forms of magnesium supplements available. Other common forms include:

• Magnesium citrate
• Magnesium glycinate
• Magnesium oxide
• Magnesium chloride
• Magnesium lactate

How do these different forms compare to magnesium sulfate? Each form has its own characteristics in terms of bioavailability (how well it’s absorbed by the body) and potential side effects. For example:

• Magnesium citrate is often used for its laxative effect and is well-absorbed
• Magnesium glycinate is often recommended for those who experience digestive side effects with other forms
• Magnesium oxide, while commonly used, has lower bioavailability compared to other forms

Is one form of magnesium superior to others? The best form of magnesium can vary depending on the individual’s specific needs, health conditions, and tolerance. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate form and dosage of magnesium supplementation.

Topical Magnesium

Can magnesium be absorbed through the skin? Some people use magnesium oil or Epsom salt baths as a way to increase magnesium levels. While some magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, the amount is generally less than what can be obtained through oral supplementation or a magnesium-rich diet.

Are topical magnesium products effective? While some individuals report benefits from topical magnesium applications, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for significantly increasing magnesium levels is limited. These products may, however, provide other benefits such as muscle relaxation.

Magnesium Sulfate Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

This medication is a mineral supplement used to prevent and treat low amounts of magnesium in the blood. Some brands are also used to treat symptoms of too much stomach acid such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion. Magnesium is very important for the normal functioning of cells, nerves, muscles, bones, and the heart. Usually, a well-balanced diet provides normal blood levels of magnesium. However, certain situations cause your body to lose magnesium faster than you can replace it from your diet. These situations include treatment with “water pills” (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), a poor diet, alcoholism, or other medical conditions (such as severe diarrhea/vomiting, stomach/intestinal absorption problems, poorly controlled diabetes).

How to use Magnesium Sulfate

Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

It is best to take magnesium supplements with a meal to reduce stomach upset and diarrhea unless otherwise directed by the product instructions or your doctor.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Swallow extended-release capsules and delayed-release/enteric coated tablets or capsules whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release or delayed-release/enteric coated capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

If you are taking the chewable tablets, chew each tablet thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are using a liquid product, use a medication measuring device to carefully measure the dose. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time(s) each day. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed on the product package or by your doctor. Too much magnesium in the blood can cause serious side effects.

Tell your doctor if symptoms of low magnesium blood levels (such as muscle cramps, tiredness, irritability, depression) last or get worse. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Side Effects

Stomach upset and diarrhea may occur. Taking this product with a meal helps to reduce these effects. If either of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US –

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking a magnesium supplement, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

If you have the following health problem, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: kidney disease.

Liquids, powders, or some other forms of this product may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Liquid products may also contain alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: cellulose sodium phosphate, digoxin, sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

Magnesium can bind with certain medications, preventing their full absorption. If you are taking a tetracycline-type medication (such as demeclocycline, doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline), separate the time of the dose from the time of the magnesium supplement dose by at least 2 to 3 hours. If you are taking a bisphosphonate (for example, alendronate), a thyroid medication (for example, levothyroxine), or a quinolone-type antibiotic (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), ask your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.

Check the labels on all your prescription and nonprescription/herbal products (such as antacids, laxatives, vitamins) because they may contain magnesium. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Does Magnesium Sulfate interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include slow heartbeat, severe drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of consciousness.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as magnesium blood levels, kidney function) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Magnesium supplements are available in different forms with different amounts of magnesium. Many are available without a prescription. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for help in selecting the best product for you.

Eat a well-balanced diet. Foods high in magnesium include avocados, bananas, beans, whole grain cereals, green vegetables, and nuts.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Magnesium Sulfate Benefits, Dosage and Side Effects

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By Jillian Levy, CHHC

February 20, 2023

Magnesium sulfate is one type of magnesium supplement that can help treat symptoms of magnesium deficiency like muscle cramps, fatigue and irritability — plus other common health problems, too, such as constipation.

Virtually every part of our bodies — including our cells, nerves, muscles, bones and hearts — require a steady supply of the nutrient magnesium to maintain normal functioning. Magnesium is an essential mineral, the fourth most abundant in the human body, and also an electrolyte that is present in the body in large amounts. It plays a role in numerous functions, like heart health, muscle contractions and more.

While some people are able to obtain enough magnesium from eating a healthy diet, the majority of adults are actually believed to be deficient. Having low levels of magnesium (called hypomagnesemia) can negatively affect how your nervous system, cardiovascular system and digestive systems work, which is why supplementation is now widely recommended — including magnesium sulfate supplements.

What Is Magnesium Sulfate (What Is It Used For?)

Magnesium sulfate is a type of magnesium supplement. The chemical formula for magnesium sulfate is MgSO_4, meaning it can be broken down into magnesium and sulfate, which is a combination of sulfur and oxygen.  

Magnesium sulfate is available over-the-counter in a few different forms, including capsules, soaking salts and also as an IV. Another name for this product is Epsom salt, a brand name for a type of magnesium salt that seeps through the skin.

How does magnesium sulfate work? It works in several ways, such as by increasing the amount of water in the intestines, causing vasodilation (widening blood vessels and improving blood flow) and blocking the entry of calcium into synaptic endings, which alters neuromuscular transmission. It’s effective at preventing certain types of seizures and convulsions because it blocks transmission between nerves and muscles.

What is magnesium sulfate good for? The No. 1 reason this product is recommended by health care providers is to reverse low amounts of magnesium in the blood (in other words, magnesium deficiency).

Another common reason people use this type of magnesium is to treat constipation, since it works as a natural laxative. Other uses include decreasing muscle soreness, promoting relaxation and improving skin health.

According to an article in the Journal of midwifery and Women’s Health, this type of magnesium is one of the most commonly used medications in obstetric practices today.

By boosting your magnesium levels you can support vital functions, such as muscle control, energy production, electrical impulses, and regulation of calcium and vitamin D levels in the body. Not only can you soak in magnesium sulfate salts in a bath, but you can also find this product in many hair and skin care products due to its hydrating qualities.

Health Benefits and Uses

1. Helps Treat Constipation

Magnesium sulfate is used to help produce a bowel movement when someone is seeking constipation relief. It usually works within 30 minutes to six hours after taking it by mouth.

The most common form used for promoting a bowel movement is magnesium sulfate powder, which is mixed with water. Taking magnesium in this form has an osmotic effect and causes water to be retained in the intestinal lumen. This hydrates stools and makes it easier to pass.

A combination of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate can also be used to cleanse the colon before a colonoscopy. For this purpose, one serving is usually taken early in the evening before colonoscopy (10 to 12 hours before the second dose), and then another serving is taken in the morning before the test.

2. Can Relieve Muscle Tension and Pain

The body can absorb magnesium through the skin via the process of transdermal absorption. What does magnesium sulfate feel like? Adding Epsom salt to your bath can help relax your muscles, reduce inflammation and decrease joint pain, including aches associated with arthritis or bone pain.

For people who struggle with stiffness, muscle spasms, cramps or ongoing foot pain, soaking effected body parts in a magnesium soak bath with Epsom salts can reduce discomfort and help improve range of motion, including of the ankles, knees and feet. It’s also a good option for people who experience restless leg syndrome, which can make it hard to get quality sleep.

3. Promotes Relaxation

Taking a warm bath with magnesium at night is a simple way to help relieve stress. While magnesium deficiency can increase feelings of anxiety and tension, magnesium sulfate has the opposite effect. It can boost your ability to cope with stress thanks to its effects on neural excitability and blood pressure.

It may even help manage symptoms associated with depression and neuropsychiatric disorders. For those looking to unwind with help from magnesium, this homemade healing bath salts recipe is an easy way to utilize magnesium.

Can you get high off magnesium sulfate? No, despite what some people claim on the internet, using this product will not get you “high,” but it may naturally help you feel more calm.

4. Decreases Bloating and Water Retention

Magnesium sulfate combined with water causes reverse osmosis. This pulls salt and excess fluids out of your body, helping relieve swelling. Using magnesium sulfate capsules or Epsom salts may help discourage water retention and promote elimination, decrease bloating and help to reduce edema tied to inflammation.

5. Can Help Improve Blood Sugar Levels

Magnesium deficiency is believed to be a contributing factor in metabolic syndrome, heart disease, high blood pressure, muscular problems and diabetes. According to Diabetes Self Management website, people with diabetes/insulin resistance are more likely than those without to be low in magnesium — plus high blood glucose levels can further increase the loss of magnesium in the urine.

6. Treats Symptoms of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia During Pregnancy

Preeclampsia and eclampsia can be life-threatening complications that sometimes lead to seizures, stroke, multiple organ failure, and death of the woman and/or baby. Magnesium sulfate has been utilized for seizure control since the 1920 and today is used via IV to prevent seizures associated with preeclampsia (pregnancy-related hypertension), and to control seizures due to eclampsia.

The Collaborative Eclampsia Trial, an international, randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted in 1995, found that women treated with magnesium sulfate had about a 50 percent to 70 percent lower occurrence of convulsions than those treated with other medications, including diazepam and phenytoin. Because it can help prevent seizures during pregnancy, this treatment has also been found to reduce the risk of maternal death.

Additionally, magnesium sulfate is used to lower the risk of an unborn, preterm fetus developing neurological issues and conditions, including cerebral palsy (the leading cause of neurologic impairment in young children).

How does magnesium sulfate provide neuroprotection? While the exact mechanism isn’t entirely understood, research suggests that magnesium can help stabilize circulation and blood pressure/blood flow to the brain and prevent excitatory injury by stabilizing neuronal membranes and blockade of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate.

Does magnesium sulfate cause hyperreflexia (a condition in which your nervous system overreacts to stimuli and spikes blood pressure)? No. In fact, studies have found beneficial effects of magnesium sulfate on hyperreflexia during labor in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Most hyperreflexia patients receive magnesium intravenously during high-risk labor under the supervision of a doctor in order to prevent complications like changes in blood pressure and heartbeats, constriction of  blood vessels, and changes in the body’s autonomic functions and reflexes.

7. Supports Respiratory Health

Because magnesium relaxes bronchial smooth muscles and has other functions, in supplement form it can be used to manage asthma attacks and improve lung function and breathing. While it’s not typically the first treatment that will be used, magnesium sulfate is sometimes given intravenously or through a nebulizer (a type of inhaler) to treat serious and sudden asthma attacks.

It’s believed to work by inhibiting calcium influx, decreasing histamine release, stopping release of chemicals that cause inflammation, inhibiting chemicals that cause muscle spasms, and by having other effects on nerves and receptors.

Who Should Take It

Magnesium sulfate products are indicated for those with magnesium deficiency, especially if low magnesium levels lead to symptoms like changes in cardiovascular function, muscle spasms, headaches, etc. Obtaining adequate magnesium is important for maintaining normal function of your muscles and nerves, normal blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and for preventing serious cardiovascular and neurological problems.

Certain people can benefit from taking magnesium sulfate more than others. You may be more likely to have magnesium deficiency if:

• You regularly use diuretics or proton pump inhibitors
• You don’t eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and veggies
• You have a history of alcoholism
• You have a medical condition that causes frequent diarrhea/vomiting or stomach/intestinal absorption problems, such as inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis
• You have poorly controlled diabetes

Certain people should avoid using this type of magnesium product or only do so with help from their doctors, including anyone with severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction, severe constipation, colitis, toxic megacolon or neuromuscular diseases.

Make sure that magnesium sulfate supplements are safe for you to use if you have a history of diabetes, kidney disease, an eating disorder, high potassium, a neuromuscular disease or if you’ve been told to follow a low-magnesium diet.

Side Effects & Drug Interactions

Magnesium sulfate side effects can potentially include:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach pains or indigestion
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction, like hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, etc.
• Rectal bleeding
• Drowsiness
• Edema

Magnesium sulfate can interact with many medications, including certain antibiotics, thyroid medications, bisphosphonates and tetracycline drugs. In order to prevent drug interactions, avoid taking other medicines within two hours before or after you take magnesium sulfate.

Is magnesium sulfate dangerous if you take too much?

Magnesium overdose is also called magnesium toxicity. It’s very important to follow dosage directions for magnesium sulfate carefully because taking or using too much can cause serious, even life-threatening side effects.  Rarely serious complications can occur like respiratory paralysis, hypothermia, low blood pressure, changes in cardiac function, and dangerous changes in potassium and calcium levels in the blood.

What is the first sign of magnesium toxicity? Some include changes in your breathing, slowed reflexes, dizziness due to low blood pressure and digestive issues like nausea.

Is it safe to use magnesium sulfate in pregnancy?

Sometimes administration of magnesium sulfate is used off-label to treat preterm labor, which some studies show is safe, although there’s still risks involved. This use of magnesium sulfate is off-label, which means that it is not an FDA-approved use of the drug. According to the FDA, “Administration of magnesium sulfate injection to pregnant women longer than 5–7 days may lead to low calcium levels and bone problems in the developing baby or fetus, including thin bones, called osteopenia, and bone breaks, called fractures.”

While most magnesium supplements can be safely taken by pregnant women, it’s not exactly known whether taking magnesium sulfate for more than five to seven days or on an ongoing basis during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is safe. Generally speaking it should only be used when clearly needed and when other products are not effective. It’s usually best to use other forms of magnesium in low doses while pregnant to avoid side effects.

Magnesium supplements shouldn’t be used in place of medications that are prescribed for you by your doctor. Always talk to your doctor if you notice potentially serious side effects, like rectal bleeding, changes in heartbeat rhythms, etc. If magnesium sulfate doesn’t cause a bowel movement within one to two days, stop taking it and visit your doctor to rule out other health problems.

Use caution when taking high doses of magnesium in order to prevent magnesium sulfate toxicity. Always get help if you develop symptoms of a magnesium overdose, such as slowed heartbeat, severe drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness or loss of consciousness.

Supplement and Dosage Guide

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium is 350 to 420 milligrams per day for most adults, which can be obtained through a combination of foods and supplements.  The best way to avoid an overdose in magnesium is to follow dosage directions and avoid taking more than 500 milligrams or so of magnesium a day.

Magnesium sulfate is taken in two primary ways: orally as a supplement taken by mouth or used as Epsom salts in a soaking bath. Sometimes it’s also given intravenously when someone is severely deficient.

• To take magnesium sulfate by mouth: Dissolve one dose of magnesium sulfate in eight ounces of water, stir this mixture and drink it right away. Some people also like to add juice or lemon juice to help enhance the flavor. If you take capsules by mouth, don’t crush or chew the pills, since this can affect how much magnesium is released into your body at one time.
• To use magnesium sulfate as an Epsom salt soak: Dissolve Epsom salt in a bath (you can also use a large bowl of water or a bucket if only soaking your feet), then sit in the mixture and soak for about 20 to 40 minutes. By simply soaking your feet or entire body in a bath containing Epsom salts, you can increase internal levels of magnesium naturally without taking magnesium supplements. Read the product’s directions to know how much Epsom salt to use per gallon of water. To keep the product from going bad, make sure to store it in a dry, room temperature location.
• To treat mild to severe magnesium deficiency: The current protocol for administration of magnesium sulfate is one gram given intravenously (IV) over six hours for four doses for mild deficiency or five grams over three hours for severe deficiency. Maintenance is then between 30–60 mg/kg/day in IV form.
• Magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia: To control eclampsia during pregnancy, four to five grams can be administered via an IV, followed by a maintenance dose that depends on the individual’s reaction.

How long does magnesium sulfate stay in your system?

Magnesium sulfate usually takes effect immediately and can stay in your system for at least several hours and up to about 24 hours. After treatment with high doses of magnesium, levels usually return to normal within a few days.

You can lower your chances of experiencing diarrhea or a stomachache when taking magnesium if you consume it with meals and also drink plenty of water.

Make sure to drink lots of fluids while using magnesium sulfate, since it works in part by absorbing water in the digestive system. Remember that while getting extra magnesium from supplements can be helpful for some people, it’s still important to eat a healthy diet that provides magnesium. Magnesium-rich foods include leafy green veggies, avocados, bananas, beans, whole grain cereals, cocoa and nuts.

How does magnesium sulfate compare to other magnesium supplements?

Magnesium supplements are available in a variety of forms. The absorption rate and bioavailability of magnesium supplements differs depending on the kind. Overall, more research is needed to determine the comparative bioavailability.

Highly absorbable, magnesium glycinate is less likely to cause laxative effects than some other magnesium supplements.

Magnesium citrate may have a laxative effect in some cases when taken in high doses, but is otherwise safe to use for improving digestion and preventing constipation. Typically used as a laxative and remedy for acid reflux, magnesium oxide may be taken in higher doses than other forms since its not absorbed as well.

An oil form of magnesium, magnesium chloride can be applied to skin but also taken in capsule or tablet form, or even used as bath salts like magnesium sulfate. It’s also given to people who have digestive disorders that prevent normal absorption of magnesium from their food. Athletes sometimes use magnesium oil to increase energy and endurance, to dull muscle pain, and to heal wounds or skin irritation.

Magnesium malate combines the essential mineral magnesium and malic acid, and is more often used for fatigue, weakness, muscle pain and low energy.

Final Thoughts

• Magnesium sulfate is a type of magnesium supplement that is made with the mineral magnesium plus sulfur and oxygen. It’s also called Epsom salt.
• Magnesium sulfate is commonly taken internally for constipation relief or applied to the skin.
• Its other benefits are known to include a boost in magnesium levels, stress reduction, toxin elimination, pain relief and blood sugar improvement. This product is also a remedy for arthritis joint pain and inflammation. It can be used to treat breathing problems like asthma and help women prevent or treat preeclampsia and eclampsia.
• Be sure to drink lots of fluids while using magnesium sulfate, since it works in part by absorbing water in the intestines.
• Magnesium overdose is also called magnesium toxicity. It’s very important to follow dosage directions for magnesium sulfate carefully because taking or using too much can cause serious, even life-threatening side effects.

Magnesium sulfate food additive E518

Stromex LLC carries out regular deliveries of magnesium sulfate food additive E518.

Food additive magnesium sulfate E518 (magnesium sulphate 7-water food grade) is an emulsifier used in the food industry as a hardener (sealant, thickener).

Food additive complies with the requirements of TR CU 021/2011 “On food safety”, TR TS 022/2011 “Food products in terms of their labeling”, TR CU 029/2012 “Safety requirements for food additives, flavors and technological aids”.

Magnesium sulfate food additive E518 is used in the following industries:

• food production.

About the use of pure magnesium sulfate (magnesium sulfate 7-water grade Ch) in the chemical industry, as well as when floating in balneology, can be found in the section of our website Magnesium sulfate 7-water (magnesium sulfate) grade Ch, ChDA , hch.

The use of magnesium sulfate (magnesium sulfate 7-water) for technical purposes, as well as as a mineral fertilizer, can be found in the section of our website Magnesium sulfate (magnesium sulfate 7-water).

Main indicators
Additive food magnesium sulfate E518:

Stromex specialists will answer any of your questions related to the availability of the necessary products in the warehouse, terms of payment, shipment and delivery of products, as well as provide the current price list for products, taking into account a flexible system of discounts.

For the purchase of these products, please contact the contact numbers.

You may also be interested in:

• food additive calcium chloride E509
• food additive magnesium chloride E511
• food additive sodium phosphate E339
• food additive sodium hydroxide E524
• food additive magnesium hydroxide Е528
• magnesium oxide food additive E530
• Unicons preservatives

Return to the list of nutritional supplements.

Products

• Magnesium chloride – Bischofite
• Magnesium oxide –
  Caustic magnesite
• Magnesium sulfate –
  Magnesium sulfate
• Calcium chloride
• Magnesia cement MAGcement
• Commercial lignosulfonates
• Tableted salt extra
• Extra edible salt
• Drilling materials
• Deicing materials
• Surfactants
• Antiseptics and fungicides
• Feed premixes
• Food additives
• Packing and packaging services
• Safekeeping of cargo
• Soil stabilization

Contacts

Magnesium sulfate

Additives by category

• E100 Food coloring
• E200 Preservatives
• E300 Antioxidants
• E400 Stabilizers
• E500 Emulsifiers
• E600 Flavor enhancers
• E700 Antibiotics
• E900 Antiflaming agents, glazing agents
• E1100 Enzymes, biological catalysts
• E1200 Glazing agents, sweeteners, leavening agents, etc.
• E1400 Modified starches
• E1500 Chemical solvents

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Additives

E-415E-503E-202E-1520E-133E-250E-220E-322E-171E-412E-1442E-110 E-331E-223E-338E-450E-509E-

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