What is Magnesium?

In short

Magnesium is an essential mineral. Your body cannot make it and gets it from food.

What does the body need it for?

Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and normal functioning of the nervous system. It contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Where is it found?

• Pumpkin seeds (30 g)150 mg
• Rolled oats (50 g)65 mg
• Magnesium-rich mineral water (1 l)100 mg

How much is good?

NRV (EU reference value)

375 mg

Too much

Maximum per daily dose (BfR)

250 mg

Too much magnesium from food supplements can cause diarrhoea. The EFSA upper limit for additional magnesium is 250 mg per day. Magnesium naturally present in food does not count towards this limit.

Interactions

• Magnesium and Antibiotics (currently taking)

  With certain antibiotics (for example doxycycline or ciprofloxacin) the antibiotic works less well otherwise. Take minerals at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after, see the package leaflet for details.

• Magnesium and Osteoporosis medicines

  Keep the interval from the osteoporosis medicine stated in the package leaflet.

• Magnesium and Thyroid hormone

  Take the thyroid tablet in the morning on an empty stomach, and minerals no sooner than 4 hours later.

Other names

Mg, Magnesio

Source

EU Regulation 432/2012; EFSA; BfR