Magnesium citrate is an easily absorbable form of supplemental magnesium, an important mineral for organ health. Magnesium citrate is also used to create a saline solution that acts as a laxative. It is commonly sold under the brand name Citroma in the United States and Citrodan or Citro-Mag in Canada.
Taking magnesium citrate can correct a magnesium deficiency and complement conventional treatment for a variety of conditions, such as asthma, depression and PMS.
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Magnesium is a mineral that is found in nuts, whole grains and green vegetables. Adequate intake of magnesium is important for the health of several body systems, particularly nerves and muscles, according to Drugs.com. Magnesium is needed to make teeth and bones. It also is necessary for ... more
Magnesium is a mineral that is found in nuts, whole grains and green vegetables. Adequate intake of magnesium is important for the health of several body systems, particularly nerves and muscles, according to Drugs.com.
Magnesium is needed to make teeth and bones. It also is necessary for energy production, activation of important enzymes and for the regulation of other nutrients in the body, including copper, calcium, potassium and vitamin D, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Magnesium citrate is easier for the body to absorb than some other forms of magnesium. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends magnesium citrate as well as magnesium lactate and magnesium gluconate over magnesium hydroxide and magnesium sulfate.
A magnesium deficiency is uncommon, but it can cause significant problems. Symptoms of a magnesium deficiency include:
Certain factors can contribute to lower magnesium levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Diarrhea and vomiting can temporarily lower magnesium. Prolonged stress, sweating a lot and menstruating may also lower magnesium in the short term. Consuming too much salt, alcohol, coffee or soda reduces magnesium, as can taking diuretics (water pills).
Certain conditions and diseases can also result in magnesium deficiencies. These include:
Magnesium citrate supplements can offset the lower magnesium levels to promote better health.
Increasing magnesium intake can increase the effectiveness of treatments for a variety of conditions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These conditions include:
Drugs.com suggests that people take magnesium citrate supplements on an empty stomach and then drink a glass of water for best results. Chilling liquid magnesium citrate medication may make it taste better.
The Food and Nutrition Board of the United States Government's Office of Dietary Supplements has set recommended dietary reference intakes. The DRIs vary by age in children. Recommendations vary by age and gender in adolescents and adults.
Magnesium DRIs per day are:
- Males
- Females
- Males
- Females
Some people may experience allergic reactions from taking magnesium citrate, according to Drugs.com. An allergic reaction can cause facial swelling, throat closing, trouble breathing, upset stomach, perspiration, dizziness and diarrhea.
Magnesium citrate is used to make a saline laxative solution. Magnesium citrate pulls water out of small intestine tissues. The movement of water promotes forward movement in the intestines, which is called peristalisis. This can relieve constipation. Generally, people have a bowel movement within 30 minutes to three hours of using a magnesium citrate solution, according to Cancer.org, the website of the American Cancer Society. However, the American Cancer Society recommends using more gentle products, like stool softeners, before magnesium citrate in the treatment of constipation.
In rare cases, use of a magnesium citrate solution may fail to produce a bowel movement. It can also cause rectal bleeding. A doctor should be consulted in either case.
Before a surgery or procedures involving the bowels, doctors sometimes recommend drinking a magnesium citrate solution to cleanse the intestines. Examples include a radiography or colonoscopy procedure.
Chilling the magnesium citrate solution may improve taste. Eating food can lessen the effectiveness for constipation treatment. Medicine.net advises drinking an entire glass of water after drinking the solution. This helps prevent dehydration.
Also, do not take certain antibiotics within two to four hours of using a magnesium citrate solution. This can reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotics. Magnesium citrate can also reduce the effectiveness of pencillin.
Taking magnesium citrate too frequently can result in impaired bowel function. It can also cause overuse symptoms, such as:
Even without overusing magnesium citrate it is possible to experience mild to severe side effects. Common side effects include:
Magnesium citrate may also cause diarrhea, which can lead to loss of electrolytes and dehydration.
In rare cases, use of magnesium citrate may affect kidney function. It can also lead to dizziness, according to Cancer.org.
Some people may experience severe side effects or allergic reactions to drinking a magnesium citrate solution, though these are rare. This could lead to hives, itching, chest tightness, blood in the stool, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face or tongue, sweating, weakness or severe diarrhea.
Some people should not use magnesium citrate. The effects of this substance on fetuses are unknown. Therefore, pregnant women or women hoping to become pregnant are advised against using magnesium citrate, unless their doctor says it is safe. Breastfeeding women should also consult their doctors before taking magnesium citrate.
People who have recently had an intestinal obstruction, fecal impaction, undiagnosed abdominal pain, acute surgical abdomen, renal disease, intestinal bleeding or have experienced symptoms of appendicitis should not use magnesium citrate. Also, taking aluminum salts or quinolones medication contraindicates using magnesium citrate.
Dosage amounts vary by age. Certain people may require different amounts, but general recommendations according to Drugs.com:
- Children
- Adults
Magnesium citrate should be stored in a cool place. It is important to take magnesium citrate only as directed by a doctor or as instructed by the product's packaging.
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Sources:
| Abdominal Cramps |
| Abdominal Pain |
| Abnormal Heartbeat |
| Bloating |
| Bloody Stools |
| Breathing Difficulty |
| Diarrhea |
| Dizziness |
| Hives |
| Nausea |
| Perspiration |
| Swelling Of The Throat |
| Upset Stomach |
| Weakness |
| Weight Loss |
| Citroma, Citroma Cherry, Citroma Lemon, Citrate of Magnesia, Citrate of Magnesium, MagCitrate, Citrodan, Citro-Mag |
| Constipation |
| Laxative |