From the Guidelines
Magnesium glycinate is generally well-tolerated, with the most significant side effects being nausea, anorexia, and mild ataxia at doses exceeding 400 mg 1. To minimize potential side effects, it is essential to start with a low dose and gradually increase as tolerated. The recommended daily allowance for magnesium is 310-420 mg for adults, depending on age and sex. Some key points to consider when taking magnesium glycinate include:
- Taking it with food to reduce the likelihood of digestive issues
- Being aware of less common side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and skin flushing
- Recognizing the rare possibility of an allergic reaction, and seeking medical attention immediately if severe symptoms occur
- Consulting a healthcare provider before starting magnesium supplementation if you have kidney problems or are taking certain medications, as it may interact with some drugs or be contraindicated in certain medical conditions. It's also worth noting that magnesium glycinate is less likely to cause digestive side effects compared to other forms of magnesium supplements because it's bound to the amino acid glycine, which enhances absorption and reduces gastrointestinal irritation 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Side Effects of Magnesium Glycinate
- The side effects of magnesium glycinate include bloating, vomiting, constipation, and nausea, as it relaxes intestinal smooth muscles, leading to severe discomfort 2.
- High doses of magnesium or prolonged use may allow sufficient absorption into the systemic circulation to cause renal or other organ toxicity 3.
- Magnesium can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as emesis and diarrhea, especially when taken orally 4.
- Additionally, magnesium can interact with other drugs, impairing their absorption or increasing the risk of adverse effects, and certain drugs can cause magnesium loss and hypomagnesemia 5.
Gastrointestinal Effects
- Magnesium glycinate can decrease motility of the intestine through the beta-adrenergic receptor pathway, leading to discomforting symptoms such as bloating and constipation 2.
- High doses of oral magnesium salts can produce a laxative effect, increasing the fluidity of intraluminal contents and resulting in a laxative action 3.
Safety and Tolerance
- Oral magnesium supplementation has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3 and 4, with no serious adverse events reported 6.
- Both intravenous and oral magnesium supplementations appear to be safe and efficacious in preventing cisplatin-induced hypomagnesemia, with minimal side effects 4.