Supplements

[NYA2019]

I have started running (couch to 5k programme) as part of my continued improvement and fitness. But as I start to put in more distance and increase the length of time running I'm getting problems with my calves, the Osteopath has suggested Magnesium supplements but I remember being told I have to check what other medication, including supplements, I take with my heart meds. As part of my due diligence, I'm checking here. Does anyone take supplements, specifically Magnesium, if so, I would appreciate it if you would be kind enough to share your experiences. Cheers

[pauljameshome]

Hi,

I have the same issue. I got to about week 6 of the Couch to 5k and then my left calve started aching whilst out for the run. I limped home and spoke to a serious runner who thought I might have torn something. I stopped running for 6 weeks and have started again from around week 2 of the program. I take atorvastatin, aspirin and omeprazole for my 3 stents and my own research seems to show that it might be the statins.

I don’t take any supplements, drink some water before I run, and actually do some calf stretches although the program does not recommend that. However when I used to run a lot (Marathons, half Marathons, 10k etc,) I would always stretch my calves and never had any issues. Anyway, hope this is useful and good luck with the running ,

[NYA2019 in reply to pauljameshome]

It could be a coincidence, but it's my left calve that's giving the problem as well. I was running up to lockdown and stopped, on week 4 now. I'm on atorvastatin, aspirin, Losartan, Bisoprtololand Eplerenone for my 2 stents.

20+ years of hockey and squash never had a muscle problem. Always has a good warmup/warm-down stretch and still do for running and drink plenty on water throughout the day. Good luck with your running programme.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

It’s always worth checking if supplements might cause problems/interactions. It’s easy to check with Heart Helpline team on 0300 330 3311 Mon-Fri 9-5pm or email [e-mail].

They are v helpful and know their subject.

Good running!

[Lonmayloon]

Dr Sanjay Gupta, York cardiologist, has a number of very helpful YouTube videos. In one he talks about supplements and how most are not needed if you eat a balanced diet. The one mineral that he does recommend though is magnesium.

I take it regularly in liquid form with a dose of half RDA, relying on my diet to make up the rest. The well known side effect of looser stools occurs in my case.

I have recently completed the C25K challenge and occasionally get brief mild cramps in the calf muscles but think I can attribute it more to salt loss through sweating.

FYI I’m male 62, had stent to LAD 2011 following angina, meds are

Bisoprolol 5mg

Perindopril 4mg

Rosuvastatin 10mg

Aspirin 75mg

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Lonmayloon]

Does Dr Sanjay Gupta give any research based evidence to based his advice on?

[Lonmayloon in reply to Milkfairy]

I don’t think he cites any research evidence in his YouTube video. He may do so in written papers but I can’t say.

[Hidden]

🙋‍♂️Yes I take magnesium and I have noticed a difference 🙂

[Andyman]

Don't take suppliments. Get all you need from the food you eat. When running slow down so you legs get used to it. You don't have to stick religiously to the program you can take longer if you want it is needed. The goal is you end up running 5k not being injured.

[SofaJockey in reply to Andyman]

I agree. There’s magnesium in meat, fish, dairy and leafy veg. Unless there’s a specific special deficit, I can see zero value in any supplements or tablets (except Vitamin D in winter).

[Mikedabike]

Hello, good luck with your Couch to 5K. I’ve never tried magnesium supplements. I was a runner and fell runner for over forty years . I only stopped running after my hip replacement (I wanted the new hip to last). My experience is that calf problems are more often than not caused by an imbalance somewhere else. Usually it will be a problem with the hips or ankles. Many of these imbalances can often be sorted with the correct exercises. I would seriously consider seeing a sports physiotherapist or physical therapist if you are able to. There is nothing more frustrating than feeling you are getting fitter than to be sidelined by a niggling injury. Good luck.

[JaneSpringer01]

Magnesium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure and making protein, bone, and DNA. As magnesium deficiency worsens, symptoms may include:

1)numbness.

2)tingling.

3)muscle cramps.

4)seizures.

5)muscle spasticity.

6)personality changes.

7)abnormal heart rhythms.

Only if you have these symptoms do I recommend consuming magnesium and peptides and it is best to go to a nutritionist and give some blood tests to find out if you have magnesium deficiency or not.

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