Magnesium oxide is a supplement commonly used to treat migraines and constipation. It is also used to treat chronic constipation, opioid-induced constipation, and constipation in children. It is also used to prevent constipation after surgery. It is available over the counter and is generally safe to use in appropriate doses. However, it is not advisable to take it during pregnancy or for an extended period.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in supporting muscle and nerve function, energy production, and DNA synthesis. It also helps regulate blood sugar and blood pressure.
Pregnant women are more susceptible to magnesium deficiency as the fetus siphons off many essential nutrients. Magnesium deficiency can cause head and neck tension and muscle aches and spasms.
While magnesium oxide is probably safe for use during pregnancy, the FDA has not assigned it to a risk category. This means there is not enough evidence to establish whether it is safe or harmful. It is always best to consult a doctor before taking any medication or supplement during pregnancy.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
--- | --- |
Safe for pregnancy constipation | Probably safe, but not proven |
FDA risk category | None |
Alternative treatments | Lifestyle modifications, e.g. physical activity, drinking water, adding fibre to diet |
Alternative medications | Pregnancy-safe laxatives or stool softeners |
Magnesium oxide side effects | Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and toxicity |
Magnesium oxide overdose | High levels of magnesium in the blood, which can increase the risk of floppy infant syndrome |
What You'll Learn
- Magnesium oxide is a supplement used to treat constipation and migraines
- It is also used to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- It is safe to take during pregnancy, but only in appropriate doses
- Magnesium oxide is one of the least expensive forms of magnesium supplements
- It is less bioavailable than other forms of magnesium
Magnesium oxide is a supplement used to treat constipation and migraines
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in many bodily functions, including blood sugar regulation, nerve function, energy production, and DNA synthesis. It is also involved in supporting muscle and nerve function and energy production.
Magnesium oxide is generally safe when used in appropriate doses. However, taking large amounts over long periods can lead to high blood magnesium levels, which can be dangerous. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking magnesium oxide or any other supplement to ensure it is appropriate and safe.
During pregnancy, magnesium needs increase, and many women may not get enough magnesium from their diet alone. Magnesium supplementation during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm labor, growth restriction, and gestational diabetes. It can also help with insomnia, leg cramps, and restless leg syndrome.
The recommended daily dose of magnesium for pregnant women is 350-360 milligrams. It is important to note that magnesium supplements should be used with caution during pregnancy, as excessive intake can lead to high blood magnesium levels, which can be harmful.
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It is also used to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Magnesium oxide is a supplement that may help lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Magnesium is a mineral that's needed for many bodily processes, including blood sugar regulation, nerve function, energy production, and DNA synthesis. It's found in a number of foods but can also be taken as a dietary supplement.
Magnesium oxide is one of the most common forms sold in supplement form, either as a stand-alone supplement or in multinutrient products. It's added to dietary supplements as well as over-the-counter medications used to treat constipation, indigestion, and headaches.
Magnesium oxide is an inorganic salt of magnesium formed with ions of magnesium and oxygen. It's one of many forms of magnesium available for purchase in supplement form. It's added to dietary supplements as well as over-the-counter medications used to treat constipation, indigestion, and headaches.
Magnesium oxide is generally safe when used in appropriate doses. However, taking large amounts over long periods can lead to high blood magnesium levels, or hypermagnesemia, which is a serious condition that can be fatal.
Groups particularly at risk of developing hypermagnesemia include those with kidney disease, older adults with bowel disorders, and those taking 1,000 mg of magnesium oxide or more per day.
A 2018 study in 48 people with high blood pressure found that treatment with 300 mg of magnesium oxide per day for 1 month significantly decreased both systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure.
Magnesium supplements may lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
For example, supplements containing magnesium oxide and zinc have been shown to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes, which is diabetes that can occur during pregnancy.
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It is safe to take during pregnancy, but only in appropriate doses
Magnesium oxide is a supplement often used to treat constipation and migraine. It is also used to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is safe to take during pregnancy, but only in appropriate doses. The National Institutes of Health advise that you do not take magnesium oxide as an antacid for longer than two weeks, and do not take it to treat constipation for more than one week without consulting with and getting approval from your physician.
Magnesium oxide is one of the least expensive forms of magnesium supplements, but it is less bioavailable than other forms on our list. This means less magnesium is absorbed and used by the body. However, it is still effective in boosting your magnesium levels. Additionally, this form of magnesium can be helpful in alleviating occasional constipation, and it’s the preferred form to help treat and prevent migraines during pregnancy.
The FDA has approved magnesium oxide as a magnesium supplement during pregnancy, but the FDA has not assigned it to a risk category. Not having a risk category simply means there is not enough evidence yet to establish one -- it is not proven safe nor harmful and you should speak with your physician before taking.
The established Tolerable Upper Intake level (UL) for supplemental magnesium during pregnancy is 350 mg. A healthcare professional can give further guidance for what is the best amount of magnesium for your needs during pregnancy. Getting too much magnesium, especially in the third trimester, could cause high levels of magnesium in the blood, which can increase the risk of floppy infant syndrome (hypotonia).
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Magnesium oxide is one of the least expensive forms of magnesium supplements
Magnesium oxide is an inorganic salt of magnesium formed with ions of magnesium and oxygen. It is added to dietary supplements as well as over-the-counter medications used to treat constipation, indigestion, and headaches.
Magnesium oxide is less bioavailable compared to other forms of magnesium. It has a low solubility rate, making it less bioavailable than other forms of the mineral. This means that less magnesium is absorbed and used by the body. However, it is still effective in boosting your magnesium levels.
Magnesium oxide is also used as a laxative for short-term, rapid emptying of the bowel. It is also used as a dietary supplement when the amount of magnesium in the diet is not enough.
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It is less bioavailable than other forms of magnesium
Magnesium oxide is an inorganic salt of magnesium formed with ions of magnesium and oxygen. It is one of the most common forms of magnesium available for purchase in supplement form. It is added to dietary supplements as well as over-the-counter medications used to treat constipation, indigestion, and headaches.
Magnesium oxide has a low solubility rate, making it less bioavailable than other forms of the mineral. However, it contains a much greater amount of actual magnesium to begin with. More than what is provided by other magnesium salts.
A 2019 study confirmed this by testing 15 magnesium supplements and finding that a supplement containing only magnesium oxide had the lowest bioavailability.
Magnesium oxide is generally safe when used in appropriate doses. However, taking large amounts over long periods can lead to high blood magnesium levels, or hypermagnesemia, which is a serious condition that can be fatal.
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Frequently asked questions
Magnesium oxide is probably safe for use during pregnancy, though the FDA has not assigned it to a risk category. It is important to consult a doctor before taking magnesium oxide, as it can have side effects such as abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, and toxicity.
Magnesium oxide can be used to treat constipation, which is common during pregnancy. It may also help to alleviate pregnancy heartburn and nausea, and can be used to treat and prevent migraines.
Magnesium oxide can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as abdominal cramps and diarrhoea, especially when taken in high doses. It may also cause toxicity, so it is important not to take too much.
The recommended dosage of magnesium oxide during pregnancy is 350mg for women aged 19-30 and 360mg for women aged 31-50.
Magnesium oxide may interact with other supplements and medications, so it is important to consult a doctor before taking it. In particular, it may interact with antacids, bisphosphonates, antibiotics, diuretics, and proton pump inhibitors.