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Magnesium Suppliments .

Florence-Nightingale profile image

Hi everyone I would just like to ask people living in the UK who have PAF how many of you are taking Magnesium suppliments also what sort of Magnesium and the dosage please. I recently had a viral infection and was a bit low afterwards so put myself on a pick you up tonic my AF seemed to improved while taking it , noticed that most of the ingredients were B vitamins it also contained Magnesium . My blood tests show that I am not low in this mineral and when I mentioned it to my EP he said it wasn't necessary to take, and shrugged it off. I would be interested to hear others opinions.

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Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale
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38 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

This is quiet a popular subject and you will find that if you search Magnesium in the top right search box you will find all the answers you need. Just please discuss with your doctor first as there are cases where any supplement can be bad. My only comment in that intake tends to be self regulating as too much will give you the runs.

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to BobD

Thank you Bob.

123Abc123 profile image
123Abc123

A nutritionist suggested that I take magnesium citrate (170mg) as I feel tired a lot of the time and suffer from insomnia. Can't say I noticed much difference so she then suggested trying Mege Mag night formula. This worked well as far as sleeping was concerned but I don't think you can take it for long as it causes pins and needles or something.

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to 123Abc123

Thank you

Finvola profile image
Finvola

I have tried magnesium without effect but our friend Dr Gupta recommends it in this video which Steve posted recently - you might find it helpful:

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to Finvola

Thank you

doodle68 profile image
doodle68

Hi FN :-) I am not a big fan of supplements being of the opinion if we eat a good diet we should be ok but since joining this site, discussing Magnesium with members and following the recommendation of Dr Gupta (already mentioned by Fivola) I thought I would give it a try and so I take a low dose to supplement my diet to provide the daily recommended requirement of 320mg.

I take Magnesium Turate this one ...

biocare.co.uk/magnesium-tau...

also suggested by a member here .

It may be coincidence but since I started taking it I have felt better :-) I also noticed the pains in my legs which kept me awake and may be circulation related have almost gone so I am sleeping much better.

I ran out of pills last week and the leg pains are back.

I did tell my GP I was taking the supplement and he made no comment.

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to doodle68

Hi doodle68Thank you for your input, I watched the link you sent it was extremely informative.

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66

I take magnesium every night and it helps with a deep sleep, whether it's coincidence or not it ran out a couple of weeks ago, missed two nights and had a run of AF, flecanide popped it back in, and since then I've taken the magnesium without missing any and I do believe it helps me personally,had a couple of ectopics last week, had a couple of magnesium and it abated, so for me I'm happy it helps

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to Ianp66

Thank you

Redhead1949 profile image
Redhead1949 in reply to Ianp66

Hi, May I ask what type of magnesium you take and how much daily? Thank you and be well!

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to Redhead1949

Yea sure it's icon zma brand I use not the cheapest , but I tried a few over past years and these were best for me personally, they can be found on Amazon, I take 3 every night around half hour before sleep, always get a good sleep with them which maybe helps with Afib. Whether its this or placebo effect is debatable as my doctor said, but I dont take much notice of her tbh after she trivialised my risk for me to go on apixaban :) , when I feel ectopics strong sometimes I take two or three and it seems to settle it most times , I also use medical grade Epsom salts in my bath every day now , that's a good source of magnesium easily absorbed in the skin , again from Amazon, that's just My own views and it works for me.

Redhead1949 profile image
Redhead1949 in reply to Ianp66

Thank you so much! I will be going to Amazon. I'm so glad it works for you. I hope I am as fortunate!

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Whilst I know it is very helpful for many people on this forum, for me it is contraindicated because of other condition so if you do decide to take any supplement do check for any contraindications - the pharmacist who dispenses your meds is usually the best person to check with.

People with conditions I know should not consider taking Magnesium supplements are those with Myasthenia and kidney disease.

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to CDreamer

Thank you

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces

I take 800mg of magnesium citrate daily and have done for 5 years. I’m sure it helps me.

The problem with trying to get enough of it in food alone is that it isn’t as present in food as it should/ used to be. This is due to severely depleted amounts in the soil. If it’s not there it can’t be taken up by the fruit/veg/grass etc.

It is well known as a treatment for restless legs too.

(You will need to take advice as to whether you should take magnesium if you have compromised kidneys.)

Doctors aren’t taught much about supplements. Some may have an interest and research it themselves but on the whole supplements are regarded as homeopathic/alternative.

Look at folate supplements for pregnant women(before and throughout pregnancy). They have significantly reduced spina bifida births but has only been routinely taken for 20 years.

Pat

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to fallingtopieces

Thank you, unfortunately do have chronic kidney disease 3 so am a bit worried . Will try and seek advice from cardiologist when I eventually get appointment.

Barry24 profile image
Barry24

I take magnesium (150mg) with my evening meal and have done so for the last 3 months. I believe it has definitely improved my sleep pattern and may have helped a bit with the ectopics?

Regards

Barry

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces

If anyone is interested and wants to look at these maps of the USA, one shows magnesium levels in the soil and one shows hospitalisation for AF. To me it looks as though they’re related.

You need to scroll down in the second link to see the map.

mrdata.usgs.gov/geochem/doc...

cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statisti...

Pat

ilovecoffee123 profile image
ilovecoffee123 in reply to fallingtopieces

Wow Pat those two maps shocked me..! I think there’s definitely a link. I gave my dad a transdermal magnesium oil spray and he has seen improvement in a few days. The magnesium gets in your body quicker through the skin.

GP’s or consultants don’t want to know when you mention supplements, very frustrating. Michelle x

Brad43 profile image
Brad43

I'm not in UK, so ignore if you wish. I've been taking a magnesium powder mixed with water for about three weeks. It's called Natural Calm. The first time I took it, I had been in AF for about an hour. As I finished drinking it, I went back to normal rhythm. Big coincidence probably, but have kept taking it and had only one episode since, and feel better generally. I'm taking about 250mg daily, it's hard to measure 'cause it's a powder. It has loosened me up inside, but not a problem so far.

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to Brad43

Thank you Brad33. The only reason I said UK was because dosages and products are different elsewhere, but I welcomed your input and thank you.

Hi Brad33 have managed to get it from Amazon. Like the fact it's ionic and a powder. When do you take it and how do you measure the amount.

Brad43 profile image
Brad43 in reply to Florence-Nightingale

Hi Florence. First of all, I have to say I was afraid I'd jinx myself by mentioning it. I woke up 40 minutes ago in an episode. I took an extra flecainide and some magnesium, so I'm hoping it helps. Still, it seems like a milder episode than most I've had before, and I was having episodes daily for a few days before the first time I took magnesium. So maybe not a cure, but I think it's helping.

I have to estimate the measurement. One teaspoon is 160mg, I usually take a level teaspoon in the morning, and less than that at night. That's all my bod will tolerate, and sometimes it doesn't tolerate even that much.

As I've posted before, I'm 74 and have had AF for 55 years. It doesn't seem realistic to think a supplement is going to cure it, but any help is a good thing. I was supposed to get ablation #1 a few days ago, but I postponed. I'm going to wait a while and see how much difference the magnesium makes.

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to Brad43

Thank you Brad. Do hope you get over this episode quickly.

I am only 66yrs have had PAF for 7yrs. My problem is the lethargy I am feeling of late. Hope the magnesium will help.

Dodie117 profile image
Dodie117

I don't know if this helps but if you can't take it orally due to kidney disease there is a spray of magnesium oil available. Maybe that would be better. Also you can absorb it by putting Epsom salts in bath/ foot bath. Usual warning - check with doctor or pharmacist.

As a side note, I grew up on a farm in Ireland and my brother in law who farms there now tells me that they have magnesium licks available for cattle as they can die very quickly from low magnesium. However in recent years farmers in Ireland are being encouraged to sow clover and other magnesium rich grasses so maybe this situation is set to improve.

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to Dodie117

Thank you

Kln606172 profile image
Kln606172

Hi Florence Nightingale

I have been advised not to take Magnesium as I have a pacemaker. It sounds as if it works on you sleep issues. I wish I could try it too, but it's a no no for me unfortunately.

audrey2543 profile image
audrey2543 in reply to Kln606172

I too have pacemaker, ventrcular for heart block, and have just started taking magnesiumtaurate. Do you know details of why it is not recommended for pacemaker users and was advice from reliable source?

Kln606172 profile image
Kln606172 in reply to audrey2543

My doctor told me I was going to start taking it because I had cramps in my leg but she said it would affect my pacemaker I should have asked why but I was so disappointed I just left

audrey2543 profile image
audrey2543 in reply to Kln606172

I have a very dedicated GP but I think there remit is so wide they aren't always well informed on AF

Dr Gupta, a York cardiologist is very pro magnesium and welcomes queries so I will ask his advice and let you know his response.

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to audrey2543

Thank you Audrey how do I ask him a question not very up on computers.

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to audrey2543

Hi Audrey I found him and messaged him my concerns he replied straight away advised me to try taking a low dose orally or try the oil.

Kln606172 profile image
Kln606172 in reply to audrey2543

Thank you Audrey , I would be very interested in what he has to say .

Plantwords profile image
Plantwords

I have been taking Magnesium Glycinate (more bioavailable for me) with the support of my EP who recommended up to 1.2 g per day. I am now taking 990 mg daily, in conjunction with CoQ10 (400mg) and a B Complex. I first began taking magnesium well before my AF diagnosis for joint stiffness (worked very well) but when I was diagnosed with AF, I upped my daily intake in consultation with my EP. It may or may not work for you but I found it has a calming effect on my heart and with ectopics. Take care.

Steven

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to Plantwords

Thank you

Sam72- profile image
Sam72-

Hi , I youse magnesium oil that you rub on the skin . Your body will only absorb what it needs apparently. As to taking it in tablet form because then the liver has to process it and it breaks down then can sometimes give you an upset tummy as bob said . But it does make you tingle on the skin that can feel strange . Hope this helps 😊

Florence-Nightingale profile image
Florence-Nightingale in reply to Sam72-

Thank you Sam 72.

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