Magnesium is the fourth most abundant in the human body after potassium, iron and calcium and takes part in many vital metabolic processes. It belongs to the main regulators of the central nervous system, participates in the processes of phosphoric and carbohydrate metabolism, found in teeth and bones. Reduces neuromuscular excitability, has a vasodilating and antiseptic effect, enhances bile secretion and intestinal motor function, promotes the elimination of harmful cholesterol from the body.
Magnesium affects the synthesis of proteins, carbohydrate-phosphorus metabolism, participates as an activator or cofactor of many enzymes (hexokinase, enolase, alkaline phosphatase, carboxylase, etc.), is in antagonistic relationships with calcium ions.
With the use of drugs containing this trace element, you need to be more careful, despite its non-toxicity to the human body, its excess can cause in the body no less unpleasant and severe symptoms than its deficiency.
Reasons for excess magnesium
Fearing negative impact on the body of a lack of magnesium, you can face another, no less dangerous problem - an overdose. Magnesium is not a toxic trace element and maximally allowable rate for a person is not defined.
It is worth noting that its overabundance is a rather rare occurrence, but if this happens, the cause of the symptoms should be established.
An excess of magnesium in the body is sometimes much worse than hypovitaminosis. In most cases, the reasons for its excess are associated with the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland. The use of psychotropic drugs (prescribed for the treatment of certain mental illnesses) also contributes to the excess of the trace element in the body.
Excess magnesium often accompanies oncological diseases... In the process of cancerous changes in the body, the metabolism of the trace element changes significantly, if an increased level of magnesium is found during the study, it is likely that cancer develops.
An increased amount of a trace element can be observed in children who drink large quantities of mineral water and eat modified milk. It is imperative to pay attention to the content of magnesium ions in the water that the child drinks. The kidneys in children do not work as efficiently as in adults, so the excess of the trace element is not completely excreted in the urine, but tends to accumulate.
An excess of magnesium in the body sometimes occurs due to the excessive use of this element. Taking vitamin and mineral preparations, it is necessary to correctly calculate the dose and consult a specialist.
Symptoms caused by excess magnesium depend on the amount of this element in the body. If a person has a healthy excretory system, the kidneys remove excess trace elements, but if their work is disrupted, it accumulates in the body and adversely affects the state of the body. If the level is too high, the most common health disorders are observed, which include:
- dizziness;
- increased fatigue;
- deterioration of kidney function;
- hypotension;
- hypocalcemia;
- disorders of the digestive system;
- breathing problems;
- impaired coordination and speech;
- weak heartbeat and arrhythmia;
- stopping blood circulation;
- coma;
- in extremely rare cases - death.
Along with the above symptoms, dyslexia joins, a condition in which it is impossible to master reading skills. The activity of the parathyroid and thyroid glands is significantly increased. The risk of developing arthritis and psoriasis significantly increases, and muscle atrophy is manifested. The person has expressed apathy, becomes low blood pressure.
With an excess of magnesium, dryness of the mucous membranes is observed, and the person feels an unquenchable thirst. A large concentration of a trace element in the body can inhibit the absorption of calcium. In women, an excess of a trace element is manifested by characteristic symptoms: increased manifestations of PMS, menstrual irregularities, and dry skin.
If the level of a trace element in the body is not reduced, the consequences will only worsen and the symptoms will only progress.
In the event that such symptoms appear while taking drugs containing magnesium, you should immediately consult a doctor to adjust the dosage of the drug and undergo a medical examination.
First aid and treatment for magnesium overdose
The consequences of an overdose are serious and very dangerous, if an excess of magnesium in the body is established, the victim must be given first aid. To prevent serious consequences, you need to stop taking magnesium in order for it to stop being absorbed into the bloodstream. If the drug was taken orally, it is necessary to flush the stomach big amount water. Intravenous administration of calcium or gluconate, substances that have a neutralizing effect on magnesium, is allowed.
Such actions are carried out under the supervision of a doctor who will monitor the condition of the victim, and then send him to the hospital. In a medical institution, careful monitoring of the amount of substances in the body will be carried out, and treatment for an overdose of a trace element in the body will be prescribed. However, this does not mean that you should completely abandon the use of the trace element. He is very significant and important element, without which the normal functioning of the human body is impossible.
Magnesium is important chemical element, but its excess in the body is more dangerous than a deficiency. Before you start taking medications containing a trace element, you need to make sure that you have no contraindications to it.
Magnesium overdose occurs as a result of uncontrolled intake of drugs containing this important element.
Most of it is found in human bones, the rest is distributed in muscle tissue, in fluids. This substance takes part in many reactions in the body.
Its deficiency affects a person very negatively. Therefore, many people, having diagnosed themselves on their own, buy drugs with magnesium at the pharmacy and begin self-medication, which may result in intoxication.
Description
Magnesium belongs to metals, has a light silvery hue. In the human body, it is in the form of various compounds and enters there with food. Some products contain a lot of it, and some are very poor in this element.
A fairly large amount of magnesium is found in:
- buckwheat
- millet
- watermelon
- some legumes
- rye bread
- milk powder
- wheat bran.
But in apples, plums, wheat bread, beets, potatoes, this substance is already much less.
As a result, it turns out that the required amount of magnesium does not always enter the body, so doctors prescribe medications with this element, which you will familiarize yourself with below.
This element is one of the most important in the human body.
- participates in the production of protein, various enzymes,
- affects the absorption of various vitamins,
- has a beneficial effect on the heart system,
- normalizes the pulse, affects the blood vessels, prevents the occurrence of thrombosis,
- reduces nervousness, has a sedative effect,
- has a good effect on the reproductive ability of a woman,
- regulates the digestive system,
- has a positive effect on the urinary system,
- is a very important element for the normal growth of teeth and bones.
Moreover, this substance is very important for women during pregnancy. It ensures the absence of violations during this period, reduces the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
As you can see, this element plays a rather important role in human life, but some people are too addicted to taking the drug with it in the composition.
Daily value of magnesium
At present, it is impossible to confirm with accuracy the dose of a substance required every day.
On average, the norm of this element per day should be in the range from 240 to 480 mg (including pregnant women), the maximum amount for a healthy adult is 800 mg.
However, sometimes during pregnancy in women there is a rather strong shortage, so they are sometimes prescribed even up to 1200 mg per day. Children under 13 years old need up to 140-400 mg of this element per day. When prescribing, the doctor must take into account the patient's condition, age and health.
Lack and excess of magnesium
Lack of magnesium has a very negative effect on the body. This is indicated by the following symptoms:
- decreased concentration of attention,
- the onset of irritability, constant nervousness,
- muscle cramps, especially in the legs,
- dizziness
- sleep problems
- numbness of the limbs,
- increased fatigue,
- headache,
With a lack of substance, the level of calcium in the body begins to decrease, which can cause bone disease.
However, not only a shortage, but also an excess of this element can negatively affect the state of the body.
It is filtered by the kidneys and excreted from the body. Therefore, the symptoms of its excess are sometimes imperceptible.
Overdose signs:
- reduced blood pressure
- dehydration,
- constant fatigue and weakness,
- frequent heartbeat
- vomiting, nausea,
- violation of respiratory function,
- lethargy
An overdose occurs when a person has certain problems in the work of the kidneys (thanks to them, the element is removed from the body) or when the dosage prescribed by the doctor is repeatedly exceeded.
Currently, you can find a variety of medicines containing magnesium. Here are the most famous and popular ones:
- Magnesium sulfate. It is also called magnesia. It comes in two forms: powder and ampoules. It is used as an antispasmodic agent. Reduces pressure, which allows it to be used in hypertensive crises. In addition, magnesium sulfate can be prescribed for atherosclerosis. Introduced very slowly. When the patient's condition worsens, he is injected with calcium preparations, after which magnesium ceases to be absorbed into the body.
- Magne B6. The composition contains magnesium lactate and vitamin B6. Available in the form of tablets and solution in ampoules. You should not take magnesium b6 at the same time as calcium supplements, because the latter interferes with its digestibility.
- Cardiomagnet. It is used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the heart system. The composition includes acetylsalicylic acid and magnesium hydroxide. Contraindicated in people with stomach ulcers, asthma.
- Magwith. Unlike magne, B6 contains magnesium citrate and vitamin B6. It is found in the form of capsules with a powder inside. Prescribes with a rather pronounced lack of substance.
- Panangin. The drug is prescribed for patients with a lack of potassium and magnesium in the body. Most often it is prescribed to cores, tk. the lack of these two elements has a very negative effect on the activity of the heart muscle.
In addition, in pharmacies you can often find the drug magnesium b6 from the manufacturer Evalar. But it should be remembered that this particular agent is a biological supplement, so the result can be completely unpredictable.
There are other medicines that contain this element. However, in any case, before taking them, you need to consult a doctor so that an overdose of magnesium does not occur in the body.
First aid and treatment
If suspicious symptoms are found, assistance should be provided to the victim:
- It is worth calling the doctors.
- If swallowing occurs a large number the drug, it is necessary to rinse the stomach with plenty of water.
- You can intravenously inject calcium chloride or gluconate, it will stop the absorption of magnesium into the blood.
When doctors appear, the patient must be sent to a medical institution, where specialists will continue to provide the necessary assistance:
- If necessary, repeat gastric lavage.
- If the kidney function is impaired, dialysis is possible.
- Cleansing the blood.
In the future, drugs are prescribed that restore the work of all organs.
Consequences of an overdose of magnesium
Overdose is not a pleasant experience. The consequences of such intoxication can occur after recovery. An excess of this substance negatively affects the condition of the kidneys, nervous system, and heart system.
Nowadays, there are quite a lot of drugs on the market, so many people self-medicate. You shouldn't do this. To avoid magnesium poisoning, this medication should be taken only as directed by a doctor.
Video: an excess of magnesium in the body
Content
One of the important conditions for maintaining human health is the balance of essential electrolytes. An excess of them is no less harmful than a deficiency. Exceeding the normal level of each nutrient can be recognized by certain symptoms. With an excess of magnesium, problems with digestion, muscles, and nerves appear.
Symptoms of excess in the body depending on the dose of magnesium
An increase in the concentration of magnesium in the body occurs for various reasons. This can be due to hormonal disorders, dehydration, diabetes, disease endocrine system and a number of other pathologies. The state of excess magnesium is called hypermagnesemia. The level of this trace element in the blood with such a deviation exceeds 1.1 mmol / l. Depending on the degree of hypermagnesemia in a person, certain symptoms of an excess of magnesium in the body appear:
The degree of increase in the concentration of Mg |
Typical symptoms |
1.5 mmol / l |
|
2.5 mmol / L |
|
5 mmol / l |
|
More than 5 mmol / L |
|
Signs of poisoning
At the initial stage, an excess of magnesium can be confused with other abnormalities in the body. It is possible to identify hypermagnesemia very accurately by a blood test. A person is able to detect only an acute overdose of Mg, for example, when the dose of magnesium-containing drugs is exceeded.
The reason for an excess of magnesium can also be diseases in which the body becomes unable to remove this trace element. Regardless of the nature of the overdose, there is:
- respiratory depression;
- diarrhea;
- feeling that the heart is pounding;
- hypotension (lowering blood pressure);
- weakening or complete absence of natural reflexes, for example, knee-cap;
- heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias);
- feeling of nausea;
- vomit;
- chest tightness;
- loss of some muscle control.
Effects on the nervous system
Due to hypermagnesemia, the concentration of Mg and K ions in the cell decreases, and in the intercellular space, on the contrary, increases. Because of this, the work of the central nervous system and peripheral nerves changes. Symptoms of such violations:
- inhibition of reflexes;
- loss of consciousness;
- depression of respiratory function;
- deep depression of consciousness, dangerous by the development of lethargy, paralysis or coma (with a sharp increase in the concentration of Mg up to 3 mmol / l).
Muscle work
Since the concentration of Mg ions in the intercellular fluid increases due to hypermagnesemia, the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is impaired. As a result, the normal transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles cannot be carried out. Characteristic feature- diarrhea, indicating excessive relaxation of the intestinal muscles. In addition to this sign, the following manifestations are observed:
- decreased tone of smooth muscles (manifested by the absence of their contraction or paralysis);
- muscle weakness;
- violation of cardiac activity;
- decreased reflexes.
a) Clinical picture hypermagnesemia:
- Excess magnesium... Hypermagnesemia is caused by excessive oral intake, impaired excretion or parenteral administration of magnesium.
- Excessive oral magnesium intake... Oral magnesium overdose is not common with healthy kidneys and intestines. It was observed in newborns who received Mylanta (56 mg elemental Mg in 4 ml) or Philips' Milk of Magnesia (8 teaspoons per day, i.e. 381.6 mg / kg per day) ... Symptoms of hypermagnesemia sometimes develop in patients who often take magnesium-containing laxatives for drug overdose.
An excess of orally administered magnesium can induce diarrhea with elevated fecal levels of this element. In cases of megacolon and intestinal obstruction, rectal administration of magnesium preparations resulted in lethal hypermagnesemia.
- Impaired elimination... Hypermagnesemia has been observed in patients with chronic renal failure who received magnesium-containing antacids, enemas, or infusions. Excess dialysate magnesium can also lead to symptomatic hypermagnesemia. In acute renal failure, serum magnesium levels were 2.6-3.8 mEq / L (1.3-1.9 mmol / L). Contributing to hypermagnesemia are azotemia, acidosis, acute skeletal muscle necrosis, and continued oral magnesium intake.
- Parenteral administration... Symptoms of excess magnesium may occur with parenteral magnesium therapy. The administration of 250 ml of liquid containing 20 g of magnesium sulfate to one adult patient in 15 minutes led to respiratory arrest, hypotension, bradycardia, expansion of the QRS complex and the Q-T interval. Errors of medical personnel during intravenous infusion (for example, a bottle of 50 ml of 50% magnesium sulfate instead of 2 ml of this solution) can quickly induce symptoms typical of hypermagnesemia.
b) Clinical manifestations of hypermagnesemia:
- Biochemical indicators... Symptomatic hypermagnesemia is usually observed when the plasma concentration of magnesium exceeds 4 meq / L (2 mmol / L). Its parenteral administration lowers plasma calcium levels in normal and hypoparathyroid patients. Anion deficiency may not change, and osmolality may increase.
- Neuromuscular structures... Excess magnesium slows down the conduction of impulses through the neuromuscular synapses. At a blood level of 4 meq / l (2 mmol / l), a weakening or disappearance of deep tendon reflexes is observed. At 4-7 meq / l (2-3.5 mmol / l), drowsiness is noted, and at 10 meq / l (5 mmol / l) and above - flaccid paralysis of voluntary muscles. This can lead to impaired respiratory function and apnea, which is counteracted by calcium. In the absence of deep tendon reflexes, careful monitoring of respiration is necessary.
- The cardiovascular system... At plasma levels of magnesium of 4-5 meq / l (2-2.5 mmol / l), bradycardia and hypotension are possible due to its direct vasodilator and ganglion-blocking effect at the level of peripheral arteries and arterioles. At plasma concentrations of 5-10 meq / l (2.5-5 mmol / l), there is an expansion of the P-R, QRSw Q-T intervals on the ECG. Complete heart block and cardiac arrest due to asystole are possible at a level of 15 meq / L (7.5 mmol / L) and above.
In case of an overdose of magnesium, already at early stages sometimes there is a cessation of blood circulation and breathing with a coma, non-reactive pupils, sluggish limbs, loss of deep tendon reflexes and lack of response to pain stimuli.
In normal individuals, 4 g of magnesium sulfate dissolved in 20 ml of 5% glucose solution, when administered intravenously, appears to increase cardiac output and heart rate, while decreasing systolic blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance. This is accompanied by dilatation of the coronary arterioles. Parenteral magnesium sulfate probably slows sinus and atrioventricular conduction; it also prolongs the refractory period of the atrioventricular node in normal individuals and may be useful in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation by rapidly producing the desired response.
To stop pirouette tachycardia, magnesium sulfate (2 g for 1-2 minutes) was administered intravenously once or repeatedly, followed by continuous infusion at a rate of 3-20 mg Mg / min. For preeclampsia, this agent was used as an anticonvulsant: intravenous 4.0 g (saturating dose), and then 1.0-2.0 g / h.
v) Treatment of hypermagnesemia:
1. Stopping the administration of magnesium.
2. If magnesium is in the intestines, remove it with an enema.
3. Activated carbon does not adsorb magnesium salt.
4. Monitoring serum electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, renal function, fluid intake, urine output and electrocardiogram.
5. Readiness for vein catheterization, oxygen therapy and cardiac monitoring.
6. If the patient is symptomatic (hypotension, depression of the central nervous system), ECG changes are present, and the serum magnesium level is higher than 2.9 mg / 100 ml (2.3 meq / l, or 1.1 mmol / l), treatment should be started ...
7. Intravenous 10% calcium gluconate: 10-20 ml for adults, 100 mg / kg for children up to a maximum of 1 g (slowly, over 5-10 minutes, with electrocardiographic monitoring). This can relieve hypotension and paralysis. In severe hypermagnesemia, calcium is indicated even if total serum levels are normal.
8. If renal function is normal, alternatively furosemide (40 mg for adults, 1 mg / kg for children) can be given intravenously, replacing the urine volume with 0.89–0.90% saline. Mannitol-forced diuresis (rapid intravenous infusion of 25 g) was also helpful.
9. Dialysis may be effective, and one newborn with severe magnesium toxicity received an exchange transfusion.
10. Aminoglycosides are contraindicated because they are capable of potentiating the neuromuscular blockade caused by magnesium.
11. Pacing is sometimes helpful.
In blood plasma, it is manifested by suppression of reflexes, weakness of skeletal muscles, disturbance of consciousness, depression, and dysfunction of the heart.
Symptoms of excess magnesium in the body occur against the background of impaired kidney function, diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases, bone cancer, dehydration, hormonal disorders.
An excess of magnesium (hypermagnesemia) is considered to be the amount of a macronutrient in the blood plasma that exceeds 1.1 mmol / L. With an increase in concentration to 1.5 mmol / l, clinical symptoms of the disease appear:
When an excess of magnesium reaches a value of 2.5 mmol / l, changes occur in the electrocardiogram (ECG), there is an increase in the external symptoms of an excess of an element caused by a violation of the water-salt balance.
When the level of Mg 2+ ions in the blood plasma is more than 5 mmol / l, the signs of cardiac dysfunction increase, changes in tendon reflexes and muscle activity occur. When the concentration is 5 mmol / l or more, a condition that threatens oxygen starvation, respiratory failure, and heart failure develops.
Causes of hypermagnesemia
The constant content of magnesium in the body is ensured by:
- intake of this macronutrient with food;
- the efficiency of absorption in the intestinal tract;
- the functionality of the kidneys, which ensure the excretion of excess magnesium in the urine.
Excess magnesium in the body poses a health hazard due to the ability of the macronutrient to accumulate in the heart, lungs, bone tissue, skin, and negatively affect the functioning of these organs.
Hypermagnesemia is most often the result of uncontrolled use of dietary supplements, medications, hobby for weight loss diets using magnesium-containing laxatives (magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide).
Kidney disease
The urinary system copes well with the excess of the macronutrient. But with prolonged excess of the level of Mg 2+, calcium is washed out of the bones, the concentration of Ca 2+ ions in the blood vessels increases, insoluble salts are deposited on the walls of blood vessels (calcification), which negatively affects the functioning of the kidneys.
Excess magnesium build-up is caused by:
- pyelonephritis;
- nephrosis;
- glomerulonephritis;
- the development of renal failure.
Excessive intake of food and drugs
The accumulation of Mg 2+ in the body occurs when:
- intake of large amounts of magnesium from food, frequent consumption mineral waters with high content ions Mg 2+ - Narzan, Kashinskaya, Dorokhovskaya, Varzi-Yatchi, Klyuchi, Ustkachinskaya;
- taking magnesium-containing drugs - laxatives, magnesium oxide, using magnesium during pregnancy to reduce the tone of the uterus, prevent miscarriage.
Symptoms
An overabundance of macronutrient negatively affects overall well-being, accompanied by external changes, symptoms of hypermagnesemia. In humans, with an excess of magnesium in the body, appetite decreases, the psycho-emotional state worsens, and weakness appears.
Excess magnesium:
- inhibits the work of the nervous system, reducing the activity of nerve cells;
- lowers muscle tone;
- causes a decrease in blood pressure.
Effects on the nervous system
An excess of Mg 2+ is manifested by changes in the functioning of the central nervous system and peripheral nerves. This is due to the imbalance of electrolytes, an increase in the concentration of potassium and calcium ions in the intercellular fluid, and a decrease in their concentration in the cell.
A symptom of hypermagnesemia is inhibition of reflexes, loss of consciousness, depression of the respiratory center.
When the concentration of magnesium in the blood is 2.5-3 mmol / l, magnesian anesthesia develops - deep relaxation, outwardly the person looks just asleep. This condition is dangerous with the risk of paralysis, lethargy, coma.
Effects on muscle work
A high concentration of Mg 2+ in the intercellular space prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which disrupts the neuromuscular transmission of nerve impulses. This causes a decrease in muscle tone of skeletal and smooth muscles up to the absence of muscle contractions, paralysis.
The manifestation of inhibition of neuromuscular transmission is:
- diarrhea due to relaxation of the intestines;
- muscle weakness, decreased reflexes;
- disruption of the heart, decreased contractility of the myocardium.
Effects of excess magnesium on the heart
Excess magnesium inhibits the contractility of the heart muscle, impairs blood circulation. Under the influence of hypermagnesemia:
- blood vessels dilate;
- bradycardia develops - the pulse rate decreases;
- there is a violation of the impulse conduction between the atrium and the ventricle;
- decreases blood pressure;
- the risk of cardiac arrest increases.
Violation of atrioventricular conduction caused by hypermagnesemia develops extremely rarely, mainly in old age, accompanied by symptoms:
- severe bradycardia - a drop in heart rate to 40 beats per minute or less;
- cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle;
- darkening in the eyes;
- loss of consciousness;
- convulsions;
- pain in the region of the heart.
An increased content of magnesium in the body most often develops with impaired renal function, drug poisoning. This condition is treated with intravenous administration of calcium gluconate, the appointment of drugs that restore the work of the urinary system, eliminating the symptoms of dehydration.