Magnesium supplements

[Gemma]

I've been reading up on magnesium supplements, and if all the claims are true it sounds like a miracle cure!!! Arrhythmias, high blood pressure, aching muscles, migraines, all can be caused by a magnesium deficiency. As Jim has had problems with all these things and is taking medication for the first 2, I'm wondering if he may benefit from a supplement (yeah, OK in truth it would be GREAT if this was really the problem and he could stop taking the sotalol and ramipril but like the saying goes, don't count your chickens before they hatch). From the nutritional tables I've read, I'm pretty sure he's not getting an adequate amount in his diet.
Maybe he can talk to his doctor about it and see what he thinks, or perhaps get his magnesium levels checked at the same time as his INR check next week, but I'd love to hear from the people who've actually been taking magnesium for a while.
I know there a few of you who take magnesium, and what I'd like to know is what kind you take, as it seems there are several varieties including one with calcium. And what effects has taking the supplement had for you?
By the way, nobody panic - we're not going to do anything without his doctor or cardio's go-ahead .
Thanks,
Gemma.

 

[JimL]

Within a couple months after surgery, I was prescribed amiodarone for arrhythmias. The amio worked for a while, but has horrendous side-effects.

What sold me on taking magnesium is that the major sources in my diet of magnesium were also the major sources of Vitamin K, which I was more or less avoiding, as that seemed simpler.

When I started the magnesium supplements, the arrhythmias went away. I read at the time that there were four major triggers for arrhythmias, those being alchohol, nicotine, caffeine and stress. I think the fourth is by far the strongest trigger, and even the magnesium doesn't counter that.

I take 500 mg of magnesium daily, one 250 mg tablet in the morning, and another with my coumadin around supper. Magnesium oxide is easy to find, and seems to work for most people. I had no success with it, and so I get the kind that has a mixture of magnesium oxide and magnesium gluconate

I get mine at GNC, a 45 day supply for $3.99.

I always list magnesium among my medications for the doctors, who don't seem to pay any attention to it. I think I started out taking more like 1000 mg a day.

BTW, one source of dietary magnesium which doesn't contain Vitamin K (I don't think) is chocolate -- but I have no idea how many mg of magnesium are in a given amount of chocolate; I'm still experimenting by eating heart-healthy chocolate.

 

[Gemma]

Yes, the vitamin K issue is part of the reason Jim isn't getting much magnesium - that and the fact he tends to eat white bread and pasta rather than the wholegrain, magnesium-rich, variety. I think most of the stuff he does eat has a relatively low magnesium content, certainly not enough to make up the RDA.
He doesn't smoke and has given up caffeine, and obviously with the warfarin issue doesn't drink more than 2-3 units of alcohol a day if any. Stress - hmm, not a lot anyone can do about that. Maybe a change of job and friends? He works with one of his "best" friends who has recently been doing his utmost to turn their boss against Jim makes me very angry. I did read one article stating that magnesium helps reduce panic attacks and anxiety as well because of its muscle-relaxing effects - not quite the same as stress I know but interesting.
I like the chocolate idea will have to try that.

 

[Guest]

*peers in sheepishly*

My PCP told me several years ago that I should start taking a magnesium supplement because my magnesium levels were low (I saw the blood work report). But, I didn't realize the benefits...and that certainly explains why my "major" headaches have dropped off considerably. I'm not so sure the magnesium has helped with stress....lol.

I first took Slo-Mag, but then about a year ago (maybe less?) I discovered that medication was discontinued. IIRC, the dosage was approximately 60mg a day...? Now, I take a "generic" brand, which is 133mg a day.

Definitely find out the magnesium level....and then see what your doctor(s) say .

Cort, "Mr Road Trip"/"The Uniter", 30swm w/pig valve & pacemaker
member & newsletter editor, Faith COB, Batavia IL
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[JimChicago]

I've been taking about 200 mg of magnesium citrate. I also take about 70 mg of magnesium that comes with my vitamin C as I take magnesium ascorbate to get some vitamin C. I'll be also trying to increase it to about 500 mg a day.

I've read about maintaining a 'calcium-magnesium' ratio - some say it's good to take some calcium also - I haven't taken any (I guess it's because I'm afraid of calcification) -that's something I'd like to learn more about.

One caveat is that some say magnesium can potentially bind with some meds making them less effective. I try to take my magnesium about 2 hours away from any medications. But I suppose if your medication level is adjusted to account for people taking magnesium simultaneously with the medicine - maybe it wouldn't matter?

They say - many hospitals will give people IV magnesium if they come in wth bad heart problems. It seems like an inexpensive safe supplement that helps a lot of people.

There are a variety of types of magnesium - I take the citrate form since I've heard it is easier absorbed. Some recommend magnesium orotate, gluconate, etc. How well it s absorbed may depend on how much stomach acid one has - the citrate form is for those with less stomach acid.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Unfortunately, CHOCOLATE is also a good source of CAFFEINE, one of the TRIGGERS for Arrhythmias.

For the last several weeks, I've been having more and more arrhythmias (suspect PAC's), even at rest. They stopped the day I skipped my usual cup of Hot Chocolate at breakfast and have not reappeared since I eliminated the Hot Chocolate at breakfast routine.

My cardiologist doesn't have any comment on magnesium but I intend to bring it up again at our next appointment. Too many people report good results and it sure beats taking powerful anti-arrhythmiatic medicines!

'AL'

 

[Abbanabba]

I've been a big fan of magnesium for a long time now, even though I never knew about it being helpful for arrhythmias. I found it really helpful in reducing the amount of times I wake up during the night, and as a life-long insomniac I can't tell you how valuable THAT has been!! I also get really achy legs and it seems to help with that (..possibly linked in to the insomnia..). I found a great combo of magnesium/B6/zinc which work together really well.

I haven't been taking any supplements for a while now (..thank the Pan Pharmaceutical debacle for that..) but I really should start again. Considering how erratic my heartbeat usually is, it would be interesting to see if it makes much difference. I will also see if my cardio is aware of any benefits next time I see him.

Cheers
Anna : )

 

[Gemma]

Al, you have just made me think of something: the day Jim had a particularly bad bout of ectopic beats, we had some chocolate fudge cake (friends' wedding cake) and shared a bar of chocolate on the way home. Plus it had been a really long day and we'd been rushing round a lot.
I'm still convinced it's worth asking his doctor about magnesium though. Too many people seem to have success with it for it to merely be a coincidence.
Gemma.

 

[hensylee]

Our dear Janie once posted a long post about magnesium and its benefits. She has been a proponent of it as long as I have been in this site (and that's awhile) and she can vouch for it, I am sure.

 

[Gemma]

Here's a link

Here's a link

One of MANY sites that come up if you google "magnesium heart", and one of the easiest to understand (also seems to be one of the few not financed by a mineral supplement company):
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,890,00.html
It's got a long list of things that magnesium helps with and also suggestions for dosages for various complaints.

 

[tobagotwo]

I take magnesium daily, in a mix of three types in one capsule: magnesium oxide, citrate, and aspartate. If it helps keep the arrhythmia bogeyman away, I'm all for it.

400mg capsules are 100 for $2.69. I'm only taking 400mg because I have no coumadin food restrictions, and because I'm not taking calcium supplements for fear of sabotaging my new valve. This decision is sponsored by a personal paranoia, and not supported by any research that I have found. Magnesium-to-calcium levels should hover around a 2:3 ratio, based on most of what I've read. I like dairy and should be getting enough calcium in my diet, but don't want to have a real out-of-balance magnesium ratio on a non-dairy day.

I get vitamins online at Swanson's. There are many other good online sources. Shipping is usually extra, so I buy other vitiamins at discount at the same time to balance the shipping costs. It's fine to get them from local stores, too, as it appears that they're not making you pay through the nose for them.

Best wishes,

 

[strawberry]

Magnesium

Magnesium

Does anyone know what foods are high in magnesium? Besides chocolate?

 

[Abbanabba]

Does anyone know what foods are high in magnesium? Besides chocolate?

There's a great chart at the link below which lists the foods, serving sizes, amount of magnesium, and a bunch of other very useful info.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=75

Cheers
Anna : )

 

[strawberry]

Cool! Thanks!

 

[Gemma]

That's a much better list than any I'd found, Anna. Thanks!
I'm going to print it out so Jim can show it to his doctor next week. Did you notice it also says warfarin can affect magnesium absorption into the body? If I remember rightly, Jim's ectopic beats (PVCs?, PACs? - nobody seems overly concerned with finding out what they are) have got worse since around the same time he's been on a higher warfarin dose. Coincidence? maybe... His magnesium level was apparently checked 3 months ago and was OK then (but again, this was before the ectopics got more frequent). Also not sure exactly what test they did - apparently the total magnesium test (TMg) is more common but less accurate a measure than the Ionic level.
Lots of things to take into account. Interestingly, the past couple of nights we've been for a long walk AFTER he's had his sotalol, and no ectopic beats at night. If he has it and doesn't do any physical activity afterwards, he gets them. Maybe needs a bit of activity to work it through his system, or doesn't need it at night as it's when his heart slows too much he gets the irregular beats? So many questions for the doc!!!

 

[Englander]

magnesium

magnesium

when engladers heart rythm went high yesterday the did give him magnesium to regulate the rythm and blood pressure. just thought i'd share this.

 

[Nan]

Hi, I also take magnesium (slow-mag) with calcium in the hopes that it will help with a-fib and blood pressure etc. I think it may have an effect, but I am limited as to the dose...I can only take one tablet. remember what milk of magnesia does? Well, just old magnesium has the same effect for me ...it is most definitely a laxative! So you have to watch out as to how much you can tolerate.

Good luck !

 

[tobagotwo]

That's an interesting observation, Nan. I take my 400mg magnesium capsule with - yes, I'm going to hear it for this - my coffee at work (50caf-50decaf mix). Fortunately, it has not had the kind of effect on me that you have noted.

May as well out myself. I take the beta blocker with coffee, too.

 

[Nan]

Hi Bob, well at least you drink 50%/50% coffee!

 

[ticktock]

Gemma
My Cardio suggested MagOx about 6 years ago, and I couldn't BELIEVE the difference it made in me. I had been to the ER for dangerous arrythmias 3 times in a 12 month period, and he reviewed the lab results from those visits. EVERY single time, my Magnesium levels were below normal, in one case just barely. Never was it significantly low, just low. I started the MagOx 400 once a day, and it made a HUGE difference in my PVC's and PAC's.

The Cardio told me to take up to 800 mg a day, to start high and back off until the lower digestive tract is normal. I take 400 mg. MagOx a day. I do not take it within 2 hours of my other pills.
mindy