Confused over magnesium: I recently had... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Confused over magnesium

Kbuck1234 profile image
11 Replies

I recently had a consultation with one of the top UK EP's who did not advocate the use of magnesium - quote " magnesium can actually promote AF, keep it natural".

What do people think? I know there is a lot of good talked about use of magnesium supplements but should we be taking them?

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Kbuck1234 profile image
Kbuck1234
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11 Replies
jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

That's interesting that you were told that. I think it's always best to try not to take supplements and if possible get vitamins and minerals you need through healthy eating. I was put on a magnesium drip in hospital once and it had the most awful effect on me. I felt as though I was drifting away to death and struggled to speak or move. Thank goodness a doctor realised what was happening and turned it off.

However, I can't think that very small supplements of magnesium could do harm and a lot of doctors recommend it, as it's a mineral we're often in short supply of when tested. I guess it all comes back to us all being different and discovering exactly what our body is lacking.

Jean

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

I always say that although many members here are and have been almost magnesium apostles one should always discuss any supplement or drug you wish to take with the medical team who are treating you. It has often been said that magnesium helps but I do wonder how much is that people expect it to so it does. The mind is a very powerful tool. I have used magnesium oil body rub on occasions for leg cramps with some success so we are all different.

I would only suggest that you make your own mind up but do look at your diet.

Kodaska profile image
Kodaska in reply to BobD

Interesting about the body rub. Is there a chance your leg cramps resolved because of the improved circulation due to the rubbing, vs the Mg?

Barry24 profile image
Barry24

Hi Kbuck,

I'm with Jean and Bob on this one. Best to get vitamins/minerals etc through healthy eating.

Best Wishes

Barry

pip_pip profile image
pip_pip in reply to Barry24

Quite right

pip_pip profile image
pip_pip

Hi. I took a low magnesium supplement (with my EPs approval) 100mg for a year with no ill effects. Beneficial, who knows. I also had Magnesium drip on two occasions, which were quite helpful but not completely for severe AF episodes. I increased to 300mg for a few months, during which time I was getting quite a lot of ectopic beats. Reading a post on this forum about the same, I stopped the magnesium, and hey presto, the ectopics all but disappeared.

I no longer use any supplements.

Phil

Supplements are just another drug and should be avoided unless there is a need. I had my Mg tested by BioLab London (the Red Cell test, not the standard GP one that is always OK), it was low so I have topped it up until it was mid range and have stopped now.

I reckon Mg and CoQ10 can be needed together for AF (according to my Alternative Practitioner anyway) even when you are on the best food (we eat 75% Bio dynamic organic from a known local source) as certain people use up more for various individual reasons.

Did your EP suggest a test to find out or was he just working on the fact that the standard GP test is almost always OK unless you have a severe abnormality?

Elaine1951 profile image
Elaine1951

All I can say is that I have been helped by taking magnesium daily in liquid form. I also take small amount potassium and cod liver oil plus coenzyme. My AF I believe was prompted by drinking wine almost every day with a meal. This brought on terrible night sweats over the years which doubtless deprived me of magnesium at a high level. We are all different. I'm a believer in doing what feels right for you doctors know a lot but not everything

I am new to afib but went ahead and started magnesium as most of the afib groups recommend it. I did ask my cardiologist about it and he did not recomment it. So havent decided whether to pitch the supplements or not. I am a believer in eating the right things also

Kodaska profile image
Kodaska

It's important to put Mg in its place - among the various other minerals the body needs, i.e., potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, selenium, zinc and probably a few others. The mineral balance is very important, since they depend on each other for their efficacy. If you're low on Mg, definitely add some to your diet. But it would help to know that first rather than jump at a supplement. Your doc has the right idea, but it was stated incompletely.

Countrydweller2 profile image
Countrydweller2

Magnesium citrate totally cured my insomnia, dealt with constipation and stopped my afib for two wonderful years. I stopped taking it when Afib returned. My sister tried it for insomnia and it caused her heart to play up. So draw your own conclusion.

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