Magnesium Bisglycinate
About Magnesium Bisglycinate
Magnesium Bisglycinate is a supplement used to treat or prevent low levels of an essential mineral in the body. It is commonly prescribed or recommended to support bone density, maintain healthy muscle and nerve function, and manage persistent muscle cramps. By restoring normal mineral levels, this medicine helps support overall physical function and daily mobility.
To get the most benefit, you should take Magnesium Bisglycinate consistently every day at the same time. You can take this oral supplement with or without food, though taking it with a meal can help prevent any mild stomach discomfort. Incorporating mineral-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds into your daily diet can also support your treatment results.
Most people tolerate Magnesium Bisglycinate very well, but some may experience mild side effects like a mild upset stomach or loose stools. If you experience severe or persistent diarrhoea, muscle weakness, or signs of an allergic reaction like a rash or trouble breathing, stop taking the supplement and consult your doctor immediately.
Do not take this if you have severe kidney disease, as your kidneys are responsible for clearing this mineral from your body. You should talk to your doctor before starting Magnesium Bisglycinate if you have any existing kidney problems, heart conditions, or are on a low-sodium diet.
This supplement can interact with certain prescription medicines, such as specific antibiotics or bone-strengthening treatments, by reducing how well your body absorbs them. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure Magnesium Bisglycinate is safe and appropriate for your specific health needs.
Uses of Magnesium Bisglycinate
Medicinal Benefits
The benefits of Magnesium Bisglycinate include relieving muscle discomfort, supporting recovery, maintaining bone strength, and promoting healthy nerve function.
- Relief from muscle discomfort: Helps reduce the frequency and severity of nighttime leg cramps, allowing for better rest and more comfortable, pain-free movement.
- Improved muscle recovery: Assists in faster muscle relaxation and recovery after physical activity or exercise.
- Support for physical strength: Promotes strong bones and joint health, reducing the risk of weakness and supporting overall mobility.
- Calming effect on the nervous system: Helps support a steady, calm state of nerve activity, which can promote a sense of physical relaxation.
Directions for Use
- Take Magnesium Bisglycinate with food or as advised by the doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of Magnesium Bisglycinate.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Magnesium Bisglycinate
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Loose stools or mild diarrhea
- Mild stomach cramps
- Nausea or upset stomach
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe or ongoing diarrhea
- Extreme muscle weakness or dizziness
- Unusually slow heart rate or shallow breathing
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing)
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check your kidney function: Ensure your doctor is aware of your kidney health before starting Magnesium Bisglycinate, as impaired kidneys can cause the mineral to build up to dangerous levels.
- Time your other medications carefully: Take this supplement at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after taking certain antibiotics or osteoporosis medications to prevent poor absorption.
- Review all supplements: Check the labels of your multivitamin or antacid products, as they may also contain similar minerals, which could lead to accidental excess intake.
- Inspect the product: Before taking, check the container seal. Do not use Magnesium Bisglycinate if the safety seal is broken, damaged, or if the tablets show signs of discolouration.
- Monitor your bowel habits: If you develop persistent loose stools, discuss adjusting your dose with your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug Interactions
The following medicines may interact with Magnesium Bisglycinate and affect its safety or effectiveness:
- Tetracycline and Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics: Magnesium Bisglycinate can bind to these antibiotics in the digestive tract, significantly reducing their absorption and making them less effective. Space them out as directed.
- Bisphosphonates (Osteoporosis Medications): Taking this supplement at the same time can lower the absorption of these medications.
- Thyroid Hormone (Levothyroxine): This supplement can decrease the absorption of thyroid hormones, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid taking alcohol while using Magnesium Bisglycinate since it may interact and worsen the side effects.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorMagnesium Bisglycinate should be used during pregnancy only when recommended by a doctor. Please consult your doctor before taking Magnesium Bisglycinate if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorMagnesium Bisglycinate should be used during breastfeeding only when recommended by a doctor. Please consult your doctor before taking Magnesium Bisglycinate if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
cautionMagnesium Bisglycinate usually does not interfere with your driving abilities. However, please drive and operate machinery only when you are mentally alert and focused.
Liver
cautionMagnesium Bisglycinate should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Kidney
cautionMagnesium Bisglycinate should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Children
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor before giving Magnesium Bisglycinate to children. Your doctor will decide whether Magnesium Bisglycinate can be given to your child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat mineral-rich foods: Support your supplement therapy by incorporating dark leafy greens (like spinach and kale), nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains into your daily meals.
- Stay adequately hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can worsen muscle cramps and increase the workload on your kidneys.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: High consumption of caffeine and alcohol can increase the amount of minerals your body flushes out through urine.
- Engage in low-impact weight-bearing exercise: Activities like walking, yoga, or light resistance training help stimulate bone strengthening and maintain muscle flexibility.
- Manage daily stress: High stress levels can deplete your body's mineral stores. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise you to get regular blood tests to test the amount of magnesium in your blood.
- Monitor your blood pressure and sugar levels regularly while using Magnesium Bisglycinate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Nutritional deficiency: A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body does not absorb or get enough nutrients from food. This condition occurs when a person's nutrient intake is less than the body's recommended requirement. It can lead to various health problems like a weak immune system, skin problems, digestive problems, defective bone growth, and neurological diseases.
Pregnancy-induced leg cramps: Cramps are a sudden and sharp pain due to the painful, involuntary contraction of a muscle in the calf or feet. Cramps in pregnancy result from carrying extra weight, metabolic changes, and nutritional deficiencies. Stretching and massaging the calf muscles, moderate exercises, and nutritional supplements that include magnesium help treat these cramps.
Hypomagnesaemia: It is a condition that occurs when a person has abnormally low magnesium levels. This occurs when a person does not get enough magnesium in their diet or he/she is unable to absorb magnesium properly. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weakness, personality changes, tremor, fatigue, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure.
FAQs
Magnesium Bisglycinate is a mineral supplement primarily used to treat nutritional deficiencies. It reduces pregnancy-induced leg cramps and also eases menstrual cramps. It prevents and controls seizures (fits) in preeclampsia and eclampsia, serious complications in pregnancy that occur due to high blood pressure. Magnesium Bisglycinate is also used to treat acute hypomagnesaemia, characterized by abnormally low magnesium levels in the blood.
Magnesium Bisglycinate contains Magnesium bisglycinate. It works by replenishing the low magnesium levels in the body and thus treats various associated conditions like pregnancy-induced cramps, menstrual cramps, and hypomagnesaemia. It also aids in the normal functioning of cells, nerves, muscles, bones, and the heart.
Please do not stop taking Magnesium Bisglycinate on your own without consulting your doctor. Continue taking Magnesium Bisglycinate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Magnesium Bisglycinate.
Inform your doctor in advance before taking Magnesium Bisglycinate if you have liver/kidney/heart diseases, alcohol dependence, phenylketonuria (increased phenylalanine levels in the blood), or diabetes.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Yes, you can take Magnesium Bisglycinate with or without food. However, if you experience any mild stomach irritation or loose stools, taking it with a meal can help prevent these issues. Talk to your doctor if stomach discomfort continues.
While this specific form is known for being gentler on the digestive tract than other forms, it can still cause mild loose stools or diarrhea in some individuals, especially at higher doses. If you experience persistent diarrhea, stop taking it and talk to your doctor.
You should avoid taking Magnesium Bisglycinate at the exact same time as antibiotics. This supplement can bind to antibiotics in your gut, stopping them from working properly. It is best to space them out by at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after taking your antibiotic. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific timing advice.
This mineral is essential during pregnancy, but you should only take supplements under medical supervision. Your healthcare provider will help determine the correct and safe daily amount for you and your baby. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.
Muscle weakness can be a sign of excessive mineral levels in your body, particularly if your kidneys are not clearing it properly. If you notice muscle weakness, extreme tiredness, or a slow heart rate, stop taking the supplement immediately and talk to your doctor.
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