Adverse effects (e.g. diarrhea) from excess magnesium have been observed with intakes of supplemental magnesium.
Individuals with impaired kidney function are at higher risk for adverse effects of magnesium supplementation, and symptoms of magnesium toxicity have occurred in people with impaired kidney function taking moderate doses of magnesium-containing laxatives or antacids.
Elevated blood serum levels of magnesium (‘hypermagnesemia’) may result in a fall in blood pressure (‘hypotension’). Some of the later effects of magnesium toxicity, such as lethargy, confusion, disturbances in normal cardiac rhythm, and deterioration of kidney function, are related to severe hypotension. As hypermagnesemia progresses, muscle weakness and difficulty breathing may occur. Severe hypermagnesemia may result in cardiac arrest (3, 4).
The European Food Safety Authority has established a tolerable upper intake level (UL) for magnesium intake through dietary supplements (58):
| Age Group | UL (mg/day) | |
| Children 1–3 years | Not possible to establish | |
| Children 4–13 years | 250 | |
| Adolescents 14–18 years | 250 | |
| Adults | 250* |
* This UL holds also for pregnant and breast-feeding women.
The U.S. Food and Nutrition Board has set a tolerable upper intake level (UL) for magnesium, defining the highest level of daily supplemental magnesium intake likely to pose no risk of diarrhea or gastrointestinal disturbance in almost all individuals (4). There is no UL for dietary intake of magnesium; only for magnesium supplements:
Age Group | UL (mg/day) | |
| Infants 0–12 months | Not possible to establish* | |
| Children 1–3 years | 65 | |
| Children 4–8 years | 110 | |
| Children 9–13 years | 350 | |
| Adolescents 14–18 years | 350 | |
| Adults 19 years and older | 350 |
*Source of intake should be from food and formula only.
Physicians may prescribe magnesium in higher doses for specific medical problems.
Please note:
Because of the potential for interactions, dietary supplements should not be taken with medication without first talking to an experienced healthcare provider.
Authored by Dr Peter Engel in 2010 and reviewed and revised by Angelika Friedel on 22.05.2017.
