Is NOW Foods Magnesium Citrate Safe?
Generic: magnesium citrate
Generally yes, NOW Foods Magnesium Citrate is safe for most healthy adults when used as directed. It's an effective way to supplement magnesium for deficiency or to relieve occasional constipation. However, taking very high doses can lead to side effects like diarrhea and stomach upset.
Who Should Avoid or Consult First
- People with kidney disease
- Individuals with heart block or severe bradycardia
- People with a bowel obstruction
- Those taking certain medications that interact with magnesium
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea or loose stools — especially at higher doses used for constipation
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
Interactions to Watch For
Magnesium can bind to these antibiotics in the gut, preventing their absorption and making them less effective.
Magnesium can interfere with the absorption of bisphosphonates, reducing their effectiveness.
Combining these with magnesium supplements can lead to excessively high magnesium levels in the blood.
Magnesium can have a blood pressure-lowering effect, potentially causing blood pressure to drop too low when combined with these medications.
Magnesium can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine, making it less effective.
People Also Ask
Can I take magnesium citrate every day?
For most healthy adults, daily use for magnesium supplementation is generally safe at recommended doses. If using it as a laxative, daily long-term use is not recommended without medical supervision, as it can lead to electrolyte imbalances or dependence.
Is magnesium citrate safe during pregnancy?
Magnesium is essential during pregnancy, and magnesium citrate can be used for occasional constipation or deficiency if recommended by a doctor. However, always consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much magnesium citrate?
Taking too much magnesium citrate can lead to symptoms like severe diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. In very rare and extreme cases, excessive magnesium can cause low blood pressure, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and difficulty breathing.
Can children take magnesium citrate?
Magnesium citrate should only be given to children under the guidance of a pediatrician. The appropriate dose depends on the child's age and weight, and incorrect dosing can lead to significant side effects like severe diarrhea and dehydration.
Bottom Line
NOW Foods Magnesium Citrate is a safe and effective supplement for most adults when used as directed for magnesium deficiency or occasional constipation. Always check for potential drug interactions and consult a healthcare professional if you have kidney disease, heart conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- 1.FDA Drug Label — Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative - Grape Flavor
FDA DailyMed: Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative - Grape Flavor · FDA
- 2.FDA Drug Label — Acid Reducer
FDA DailyMed: Acid Reducer · FDA
- 3.Preventive Migraine Treatment.
Silberstein SD, Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 2015 · PubMed
- 4.Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of magnesium after administration of magnesium salts to humans.
Ranade VV, Somberg JC, American journal of therapeutics, 2001 · PubMed
- 5.Magnesium Citrate.
, 2006 · PubMed
- 6.Magnesium in Migraine Prophylaxis-Is There an Evidence-Based Rationale? A Systematic Review.
von Luckner A, Riederer F, Headache, 2018 · PubMed
Want the full pharmacist analysis?
See full review of NOW Foods Magnesium CitrateEducational content based on FDA labeling, published research, and pharmacist review. Not a substitute for individualized medical advice.