Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium Oxide Packaging

Magnesium oxide is the most commonly consumed in tablet or capsule form when used as a prescription medication. For over-the-counter drugs it can be in the form of a powder, a liquid, or an antacid tablet.

When magnesium oxide is used as a nutritional supplement it is most often included in a multivitamin formula or as an ingredient in a supplement designed to promote good health. Most of the time, magnesium oxide supplementation is designed to offset magnesium deficiency.

Medical Uses of Magnesium Oxide

According to MedLine, magnesium oxide has quite a few different medicinal purposes. It is often used for relief of heartburn and other forms of gastric distress. Magnesium oxide is very good at absorbing excess stomach acid and restoring proper balance to the digestive system. It is also fairly effective in the treatment of sour stomach.

The other popular medical use of magnesium oxide is as a high powered laxative. Unlike other laxatives that may be designed to work slowly, magnesium oxide tends to take care of the issue very quickly. Hospitals commonly use it in preparing patients for surgeries. A laxative form of magnesium oxide is marketed under the name of milk of magnesia.

Consumers who use magnesium oxide laxatives should be aware that long term use in large amounts can lead to bowel damage and other serious consequences. Never use a magnesium oxide laxative for more than a week unless directed to do so by a doctor.

Nutritional Supplements Containing Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide is sometimes included as an ingredient in supplements promoting good general health. Often these very broad based supplements talk about things like proper digestive balance, fat metabolism, and mental alertness. These types of supplements contain many different ingredients targeted at all of these general health issues. Where magnesium oxide is concerned, it is most often added because of its properties as a laxative.

In very small amounts magnesium oxide won't trigger bowel movements to the same degree as it would at laxative doses. But it does seem to be helpful in regulating the digestive system and promoting regularity. Supplement manufacturers often tout it as helping to rid the body of toxins which, in turn promotes good health. The accuracy of these claims has not been proven.

Individuals Who Should Avoid Magnesium Oxide Supplements

There are certain individuals who should avoid magnesium oxide intake until they first consult their physicians. The most obvious would be pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. Elevated magnesium levels could prove dangerous to the baby. Experts recommend that women who become pregnant while taking magnesium oxide supplements contact their doctors immediately.

Others who should avoid magnesium oxide supplementation are those who have already shown allergic reactions to antacids or laxatives; those who are regularly using blood thinners or diuretics; those with high blood pressure, heart issues, or kidney or liver disease; and those who might be restricted to special diets.

For all of these individuals elevated magnesium levels could pose a problem. If you fall into one of these categories and are still taking magnesium oxide, be careful to watch for side effects.

Possible Side Effects of Magnesium Oxide Intake

Fortunately, most of the common side effects seen with magnesium oxide are minor and will go away if intake is ceased. Among these common side effects are diarrhea, stomach cramps, and general gastric distress.

If such side effects go away once you stop taking magnesium oxide you should be safe. However, if they persist for more than a few days you should contact a doctor as soon as possible. If you experience any of the more serious symptoms listed in the paragraph below, you should not hesitate to seek professional help immediately.

Serious side effects that require immediate attention include:

• skin issues such as rashes, hives, and itching
• inexplicable mood changes
• general weakness
• nausea or vomiting
• lightheadedness
• vertigo
• abnormal fatigue

Such symptoms could be signs of an allergic reaction or some other more serious underlying condition. In extreme cases allergic reaction could result in anaphylactic shock and death.

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