Do you have too much magnesium in your body? Let's talk about this condition called hypermagnesemia!

Our bodies need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy. Magnesium is one such essential nutrient. However, just like anything else, too much of it can cause problems, and too much magnesium is not good for the body. That's why we call it hypermagnesemia. This is a rare condition, but it's important to be aware of it.

What is Hypermagnesemia? Simply put...

Simply put, hypermagnesemia is when you have too much of the electrolyte magnesium in your blood. Normally, we don't have that much magnesium in our blood. Most of the magnesium we absorb is stored in our muscles and bones. We need this magnesium for everything from using energy to repairing our DNA to building bones.

The excess magnesium in our body is filtered by our kidneys. Only a small amount of this mineral is excreted in the urine. So, if the kidneys are working well, the kidneys can excrete even a large amount of excess magnesium. However, if a person with kidney failure takes medications containing magnesium, they are more likely to develop this electrolyte imbalance.

Doctors don't usually check magnesium levels, so it can be a little difficult to diagnose. Also, the early symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases. However, it's best to recognize and treat it early. Otherwise, if the condition becomes severe, hypermagnesemia can be life-threatening. However, mild cases of magnesium toxicity usually don't require treatment.

What are the symptoms of hypermagnesemia?

People with mild cases of this condition may not have any symptoms. Low blood pressure (hypotension) that is not controlled by medication may be the first symptom. In moderate or severe cases, symptoms of hypermagnesemia may include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion, loss of consciousness
• Weakness
• Difficulty breathing

Imagine, you just feel dizzy, or you feel like you're going to vomit. Although these may seem like normal things, if these symptoms persist, especially if you have kidney disease, it's important to seek medical advice.

Why do we get hypermagnesemia? What are the causes?

Kidney failure is the main and most common cause of hypermagnesemia. In addition, there may be other causes:

• Addison's disease
• Adrenal insufficiency, which means the body does not produce enough cortisol.
• Destruction of red blood cells (Hemolysis)
• Increased calcium levels in the blood (Hypercalcemia)
• Hypothyroidism
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Injuries caused by accidents, shock, or burns
• Some medications for mental illness that contain lithium
• Long-term use of antacids or laxatives containing magnesium. (For example, some people may regularly take an antacid containing magnesium for gastritis. This risk exists with continued use.)
• Using enemas containing magnesium.
• Using certain magnesium-rich products that can be purchased at the pharmacy, such as Epsom salts.
• In the treatment of eclampsia during pregnancy.

Who is most at risk for this condition?

The main risk factors for developing hypermagnesemia are having acute or chronic kidney disease and consuming magnesium-containing products. So, if you have kidney problems, it is very important to inform your doctor about the medications you are taking, as well as any additional vitamins you are taking.

What complications can occur due to this condition?

When the amount of magnesium in the body becomes too high (magnesium toxicity), that is, when the condition becomes severe, symptoms such as:

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Constipation
• Paralyzed muscles or bladder
• Coma, which means unconsciousness
• Arrhythmias can lead to a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

These symptoms show how serious this can be. That's why we say to seek medical advice if you notice any changes in your body, even if it seems minor.

How do doctors diagnose hypermagnesemia?

Doctors use blood tests to confirm this condition. If the magnesium level in the blood is higher than 2.6 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), it is considered hypermagnesemia. A normal magnesium level is between 1.7 and 2.3 mg/dL.

Hypermagnesemia levels are classified as follows:

• Mild: Less than 7 mg/dL
• Moderate: 7 mg/dL to 12 mg/dL
• Severe: greater than 12 mg/dL

In addition, your doctor may order additional blood tests and a urinalysis to check your kidney function, and an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check for any heart rhythm irregularities.

How is this treated?

If your kidneys are working well and you have no symptoms, you probably don't need treatment. All you need to do is stop taking magnesium-containing medications. Talk to your doctor about other medications you can take instead.

Doctors treat hypermagnesemia with IV fluids and intravenous medications . For example, diuretics (such as furosemide) help the kidneys excrete magnesium. Calcium gluconate can help with your breathing problems. Sometimes, dialysis may be needed to quickly remove magnesium from your body.

If your heart and lungs need support, you may be admitted to an intensive care unit for treatment.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have symptoms of hypermagnesemia, see a doctor immediately. Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements or other medications you are taking.

You can ask the doctor questions like:

• Am I at risk of magnesium overdose?
• Do I need treatment?
• What should I use in the future instead of antacids or laxatives containing magnesium?
• Can I still eat foods rich in magnesium?

What should I expect if I have hypermagnesemia?

The prognosis for this condition depends on the severity of your condition. Mild hypermagnesemia is usually harmless, but severe cases can be life-threatening.

Can this be prevented?

Yes, your pharmacist and other healthcare providers can help you prevent hypermagnesemia. They can make sure that the medications you take do not put you at risk for this condition. Knowing the symptoms of magnesium toxicity can help you alert a doctor as soon as you start experiencing symptoms.

What foods should I avoid when I have hypermagnesemia?

Many foods are rich in magnesium. Some examples are:

• Banana
• Black beans
• Broccoli
• Brown rice
• Green vegetables
• Meat and seafood
• Nuts like almonds and cashews
• Seeds
• Whole grains

Talk to your doctor about which foods are good for you and which ones to avoid.

Hypermagnesemia is a common condition that falls under the category of "too much of a good thing." Although magnesium helps with many functions in our bodies, too much of it can cause problems. Sometimes, over-the-counter medications you take without realizing it can cause your magnesium levels to spike. Therefore, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about which medications are safe for you.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Hypermagnesemia is an abnormally high level of magnesium in the blood. Although this is a rare condition, it is especially dangerous for people with kidney disease.

• Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, weakness, and difficulty breathing may occur. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening.
• Causes: The main cause is kidney failure. In addition, some medications (especially antacids and laxatives containing magnesium) and other medical conditions can also be causes.
• Tests and Treatment: This is diagnosed through a blood test. Treatment may include stopping magnesium-containing foods, giving fluids and medications through a vein if necessary, and possibly dialysis.
• Prevention: Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including any vitamins you take. Seek medical advice immediately if you develop any symptoms.

If you have any more questions about this, don't be afraid to ask your doctor. To stay healthy, we need to take care of our bodies, right?

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