Magnesium For Dizziness

Overview

Magnesium is an important element which acts as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions and is responsible for the formation of nucleic acids and proteins. Therefore, it’s essential for intermediary metabolism and for specific actions in different organs, such as the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems. 

Magnesium is naturally present in different types of food, including nuts, whole grains, spinach and milk products. It is considered an important factor that keeps our bodies healthy since it adjusts different body functions, including blood glucose levels and blood pressure.

There are many possible causes of magnesium deficiency. Some of them are related to the low dietary intake due to the consumption of processed food, white flour and sugar. It can also be related to certain medical conditions or medications that are directly linked to the disruption of magnesium absorption levels, such as bowel disease (Crohn’s and celiac diseases), vitamin D deficiency and drugs such as proton pump inhibitors. In addition, alcohol consumption and diabetes can lead to elevated amounts of magnesium excretion, which could in turn, lead to long-term deficiency.

While magnesium deficiency is considered the leading cause of different physical and mental conditions, this article aims to discuss more information about how people can overcome its deficiency in an efficient way without being subjected to harmful effects.

How does magnesium affect dizziness?

Normally, the adult human body contains approximately 22-26 gr of magnesium. People who are suffering from magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia usually complain of some common symptoms, especially at the early stages, that may include loss of appetite, fatigue, vertigo, dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting. Moreover, in the advanced stages of hypomagnesemia, patients may feel numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, seizures, abnormal heartbeats, as well as mood swings and extreme personality changes. To understand the effect of magnesium on dizziness, it’s important to know more facts about dizziness and vertigo. Both dizziness and vertigo are vestibular disorders, and they are directly related. Vertigo commonly occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals move from one part of the inner ear to the semicircular canal in another part of the ear, initiating a false signal to the brain about the direction in which the head is moving and the speed of its motion. As a result, the brain tends to solve the wrong messages received from the ear, leading to dizziness.

Different studies suggested that magnesium plays a great role in the treatment of dizziness and different forms of vertigo that are also related to migraines. Magnesium acts by controlling and reducing the signals sent to the brain that can lead to dizziness. It is considered an important enzymatic cofactor which plays a crucial role in the prevention of different forms of vestibular disorder pathologies. In addition, it’s directly involved in the structural and regulatory function of nucleic acids, mitochondria, proteins, transport of other ions, DNA/RNA synthesis as well as production of different forms of energy (aerobic/anaerobic).

Which magnesium is best for dizziness?

There are different forms of magnesium supplements that can be used in case the dietary intake does not provide a consistent amount of the recommended daily intake. The most common types are oral magnesium supplements which include magnesium glycinate, magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate and magnesium threonate. Magnesium oxide is the most commonly used, especially in patients suffering from constipation, but it can cause stomach pain for over-sensitive patients. The second most commonly used type is magnesium glycinate, especially in cases of anxiety and insomnia.

How much magnesium should I take for dizziness?

The amount of magnesium that should be taken per day differs from one person to another. However, the recommended daily dose for magnesium in adults ranges from 350 mg to 450 mg, which should be increased in certain cases like pregnancy lactation while recovering from debilitating illness and in case of bowel intolerance.

Side effects and other concerns

Magnesium supplements are highly recommended in case of suffering from low magnesium dietary intake. However, caution must be taken as increased magnesium consumption of inappropriate types can cause different adverse effects of hypermagnesemia. Hypermagnesaemia takes place due to the excessive use of magnesium salts or magnesium-containing drugs such as laxatives, antacids, and rectal enemas, which are the most commonly used magnesium-containing medications that cause hypermagnesemia. It is also commonly seen in patients who suffer from reduced renal function. It may lead to vomiting, nausea, headache, absent tendon reflexes and hypotension. In addition, in extreme cases, it may lead to cardiovascular alteration and hypoventilation, cardio-respiratory arrest and eventually death. Moreover, It is nearly impossible to diagnose hypermagnesemia clinically in most cases. 

Summary

Magnesium disorders are common, but they are frequently misdiagnosed. Low magnesium intake may be a causative agent to many diseases and side effects, which include diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, and most importantly, lead to dizziness, cardiac arrhythmias and hypocalcaemia. While the only solution for patients who are suffering from hypomagnesemia is to take magnesium supplements, it is recommended to be taken with great caution and after the prescription of a physician or specialist to prevent the occurrence of ‘hypermagnesaemia’. Hypermagnesaemia is a less common condition. However, it is considered a form of toxicity, and it can lead to serious complications that can be easily prevented. It can lead to cardiovascular and neuromuscular manifestations. Last but not least, early diagnosis of magnesium metabolism disorders and correction of the electrolyte imbalance is necessary to avoid these serious complications.