A Short Course on Magnesium
Daily News - Victor S. Sierpina , M.D., Family Medicine Expert.
You might be magnesium deficient and not realize it since magnesium is not usually tested in standard blood chemistry panels. A number of situations cause magnesium to be depleted in the body. Diuretic medications, given for high blood pressure and heart failure, deplete magnesium. This might worsen the risk of heart rhythm problems, heart failure and high blood pressure.
Other medications that can deplete magnesium are inhaled beta-2 agonists such as albuterol for asthma, oral contraceptives, digoxin, certain chemotherapy agents, anti-psychotic drugs and steroids. Alcoholics are known to be at high risk for low magnesium.
ACE inhibitors used in hypertension and diabetes might decrease magnesium excretion, so supplements can result in a level that’s too high. Magnesium also can interfere with absorption of thyroid and tetracycline.
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