context: Magnesium is a mineral that's crucial to the body's function. Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal, bones strong, and the heart rhythm steady. Experts say that many people in the U. S. aren't eating enough foods with magnesium. Adults who consume less than the recommended amount of magnesium are more likely to have elevated inflammation markers. Inflammation, in turn, has been associated with major health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Also, low magnesium appears to be a risk factor for osteoporosis. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } There's some evidence that eating foods high in magnesium and other minerals can help prevent high blood pressure in people with prehypertension. Intravenous or injected magnesium is used to treat other conditions, such as eclampsia during pregnancy and severe asthma attacks. Magnesium is also the main ingredient in many antacids and laxatives. Severe magnesium deficiencies are rare. They're more likely in people who: Have kidney disease Have Crohn's disease or other conditions that affect digestion Have parathyroid problems Take antibiotics or drugs for diabetes and cancer Are older adults Abuse alcohol Health care providers sometimes suggest that people with these conditions take magnesium supplements. Proton pump inhibitors ( PPIs) a common type of medicine used to treat acid reflux, have also been tied to low magnesium levels. Examples of PPIs include dexlansoprazole ( Dexilant), esomeprazole ( Nexium), lansoprazole ( Prevacid), omeprazole ( Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole ( Protonix), and rabeprazole ( Aciphex). If you take any of these medicines on a long-term basis, your health care provider may check your magnesium level with a blood test. The recommended dietary allowance ( RDA) includes the magnesium you get from both the food you eat and any supplements you take. Category Recommended Dietary Allowance ( RDA) CHILDREN 1-3 years 80 mg/day 4-8 years 130 mg/day 9-13 years 240 mg/day FEMALES 14-18 years 360 mg/day 19-30 years 310 mg/day 31 years and over 320 mg/day Pregnant Under 19 years: 400 mg/day19 to 30 years: 350 mg/day31 years and up: 360 mg/day Breastfeeding Under 19 years: 360 mg/day19 to 30 years: 310 mg/day31 years and up: 320 mg/day MALES 14-18 years 410 mg/day 19-30 years 400 mg/day 31 years and up 420 mg/day Most people get more than enough magnesium from foods and do not need to take magnesium supplements. Excessive use of magnesium supplements can be toxic. In addition to what you get from food, the highest dose you should take of magnesium supplements is: 65 mg/day for children ages 1-3 110 mg/day for children ages 4-8 350 mg/day for adults and children ages 9 and up These doses are the highest somebody should add to his or her diet. Many people ingest significant quantities of magnesium through the foods they eat. It's safe to get high levels of magnesium naturally from food, but adding large amounts of supplements to your diet can prove dangerous. Do not exceed these maximum advised levels. Natural food sources of magnesium include: Green, leafy vegetables, like spinach Nuts Beans, peas, and soybeans Whole-grain cereals Eating whole foods is always best. Magnesium can be lost during refinement and processing. Side effects. Magnesium supplements can cause nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. Magnesium supplements often cause softening of stool. Interactions. Magnesium supplements may not be safe for people who take diuretics, heart medicines, or antibiotics. Check with your health care provider if you are taking any medicine before taking magnesium. Risks. People with diabetes, intestinal disease, heart disease or kidney disease should not take magnesium before speaking with their health care provider. Overdose. Signs of a magnesium overdose can include nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. At very high doses, magnesium can be fatal.