MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENT FOR CKD

[abaker]

I am CKD stage 3. I would like to know whether magnesium supplement is good for kidney patients. If so, what is the ideal dosage.? Can somebody give me the answer?

[RitLa]

Studies have shown that 360 mg to 720 mg a day of time release magnesium was well tolerated in stage 3 and stage 4 . If you want to know more about slowing or stopping the progression of kidney disease, read “Stopping Kidney Disease” by Lee Hull. His website is kidneyhood.org. I am also Stage 3 and this book is answering all my questions

[Bassetmommer]

HI, Why are you taking magnesium? I was taking for muscle cramps originally, then to sleep better. Recently, when they tested me for mag levels, they were extremely high and dangerous and I was told to stop taking it because my kidneys could not get rid of it. I am stage 4. Check with your doctor. And get tested for build up if you do decide to take it.

[userotc in reply to Bassetmommer]

Presumably the test you refer to was just a serum test? As you're probably aware, there's red blood cell tests too which I believe are more accurate.

[citruskayaker in reply to Bassetmommer]

Everything you said is correct including your suggestion. Magnesium also plays a big role in vascular health and most people have less than the recommended amount. Unfortunately, unless you request this test you don't have any idea if a supplement is warranted. Supplements can be dangerous and actually caused my CKD due to toxic components or interactions. So I believe dietary change should be looked at as the best option if testing indicates a need to adjust magnesium levels. Each CKD level also has different restrictions.Life just isn't fair... but I love it anyway.

[hghealth in reply to citruskayaker]

Can I ask... what was you supplement regime that led to kidney problems?

[citruskayaker in reply to hghealth]

My reply is that it was too complex to know. It could have been any single supplement or an interaction among them. I no longer have that info available.

[WYOAnne]

Why do you want to take magnesium? Only take magnesium if your lab work shows that you are deficient in that mineral and your nephrologist writes a RX for it. I have had to take Lasix (water pill) due to edema and has at times caused severe muscle cramping. I have a RX to take magnesium PRN when I take Lasix.If you take it without a doctors' order it can be dangerous and taking too much can be toxic.

Talk to your doctor. Never take any med or OTC supplement without getting the OK from your doctor first.

[RickHow]

Magnesium supplements can cause excessive accumulation of magnesium in the blood, especially with patients who have chronic kidney disease. Accumulation of magnesium in the blood can cause muscle weakness, but does not damage the kidney directly. My kidney doctor advises me in general to take NO supplements of any kind except a one a day vitamin. One think to consider also is quantity. Look at your most powerful laxatives and what is the primary content? Magnesium. A person with CKD has limited filtering capacities. So taking additional supplements can easily become harmful because the kidneys can not efficiently filter out excess amounts, like healthy kidneys would.

One of the benefits of magnesium (the primary benefits being bone health, heart health, improved immune systems, stress reduction) is bone health. I have kidney cancer that has spread to my bones. You therefore think taking a magnesium supplement might be helpful. As previously said my kidney doctor said stay away from all supplements, the if anything is really needed my blood testing would indicate it. My oncologist, when I asked about possible magnesium supplement for my bones and immune system, said STAY AWAY. For bone health to take calcium supplement (one per day), NOT Magnesium, because of the fact that I have low kidney functions (state 3) AND it's negative effect on the digestive system with long term usage, AND that my blood tests show no need for it.