Magnesium citrate vs Magnesium oxide

Magnesium is one of the very important elements of our body. It is needed to strengthen bones, responsible for keeping the blood circulates smoothly, and it relaxes our muscles and nerves. Deficiency in magnesium may lead to headache, heart arrhythmia, unstable blood glucose level, elevation in blood pressure, weak and soft bones, spasms and the like. Magnesium is readily available in certain foods; however our diet may contain less magnesium than our body requirement. With these, supplements are also available to solve the deficiency.

Magnesium supplements are classified as chelated or non-chelated. Chelated refers to magnesium bond with another molecule. The most common is the molecule combined with amino acids. Magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide are the most widespread type of magnesium supplements available in the market. Among the two, magnesium oxide is the most commonly found in supplements since it is known to be the most economical mineral produced. Magnesium citrate is a type of organic salt chelating with citric acid whereas magnesium oxide is an inorganic salt.

Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate are used as laxatives. Magnesium oxide is absorbed by the body with less percent that is why some of it remains in the intestines and functions as laxative. Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate are used before surgeries to clean the intestines from stools. In addition, these drugs, in milder form, alleviate constipation. Also, these drugs/ supplements prevent and cure hypomagnesemia.

Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate interacts with other drugs especially those that are available over-the-counter as well as those herbal medicines. Consult the health care provider when you are taking drugs like the ones mentioned and more specifically drugs like tetracycline, digoxin, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, and the like. Do not share magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate with your friends or families. They must first be seen by the doctors before they can take these drugs. These may be beneficial to you while harmful to them.

Since the magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate are both kinds of magnesium, they have similar side effects. These side effects are diarrhea, mild abdominal pain, and abdominal gas. Allergic reactions may occur such as nausea and vomiting, hives, weakness, itching, dizziness, and the like. Consult your health care provider immediately when these reactions occur. To prevent these, take magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate upon health provider’s advice. Doses must be based on what the physician prescribed. Too much of these supplements may cause toxicity and may lead to serious effects.

Bowel problems must be consulted with the health care provider before taking magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate. In addition, problems with stomach and kidney must also be consulted with the physician before taking magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate. Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate may be risky to pregnant women. These drugs are not given or prescribed otherwise the benefits of taking these drugs outweigh the risks. Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate are expressed in the breast milk and can cause fatal effects to babies. Thus, these drugs must not be given to breast feeding mothers.

Summary:

1.Magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide are the most widespread type of magnesium supplements available in the market. Among the two, magnesium oxide is the most commonly found in supplements since it is known to be the most economical mineral produced.

2.Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate are used as laxatives.

3.Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate are used before surgeries to clean the intestines from stools. In addition, these drugs, in milder form, alleviate constipation. Also, these drugs/ supplements prevent and cure hypomagnesemia.

4.Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate interacts with other drugs more specifically drugs like tetracycline, digoxin, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, and the like.

5.Since the magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate are both kinds of magnesium, they have similar side effects. These side effects are diarrhea, mild abdominal pain, and abdominal gas. Allergic reactions may occur such as nausea and vomiting, hives, weakness, itching, dizziness, and the like.

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