The RDAs are typically made for specific age and gender groups.
Due to their increased needs, pregnant or breastfeeding people are often also grouped.
Avoid taking a dose of magnesium that exceeds the UL unless a healthcare provider recommends it.
Westend61 / Getty Images
Work with a healthcare provider to find the correct magnesium dosage.
Taking magnesium for too long or using high doses, however, may lead to toxicity or side effects.
In the United States, the FDA does not regulate supplements like prescription drugs.
This means some supplement products may not contain what the label claims.
Magnesium-Rich Foods
High-fiber foods tend to be good sources of magnesium.
Various nuts and seeds are particularly high in magnesium.
What Influences Magnesium Needs?
Different factors may influence how much magnesium your body needs every day.
Safety Considerations
In general, magnesium supplements are considered safe for most people to use.
However, some people may need to limit or avoid using magnesium supplements.
Some people may be allergic to magnesium supplements' ingredients.
If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients, you should avoid magnesium supplements.
When appropriately used, magnesium supplements don’t usually cause side effects.
In some cases, though, side effects may occur.
Magnesium needs vary by age and gender.
Some people may need to take a magnesium supplement to meet their needs.
Magnesium supplements come in various forms, but some may be more bioavailable than others.
If you’re unsure whether to take a magnesium supplement, talk with a healthcare provider to learn more.
2018;5(1):e000668.
doi:10.1136/openhrt-2017-000668
Schwalfenberg GK, Genuis SJ.The importance of magnesium in clinical healthcare.Scientifica (Cairo).
2017;2017:4179326. doi:10.1155/2017/4179326
National Institutes of Health.Magnesium - fact sheet for health professionals.
National Institutes of Health.Magnesium - fact sheet for consumers.
2020;55(2):164-170. doi:10.1093/alcalc/agaa001
