Can you take magnesium citrate when pregnant?

Understanding Magnesium Citrate Use During Pregnancy
As pregnancy progresses, many women find themselves navigating a complex landscape of dietary needs and health considerations. One common question that arises is whether magnesium citrate, a popular supplement and laxative, is safe to use during this critical time.
Safety Profile of Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is classified by the FDA as a Category C medication, which means that while there is no definitive evidence proving it is harmful, the risks cannot be entirely ruled out. This classification indicates that animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, caution is advised when considering its use.
The Role of Magnesium in Pregnancy
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including the regulation of body temperature, protein synthesis, and maintaining nerve and muscle cell function. During pregnancy, adequate magnesium levels are crucial as they may help prevent complications such as fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. Many women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, may experience magnesium deficiency, making supplementation a consideration.
When is Magnesium Citrate Used?
Magnesium citrate is primarily used as a laxative to relieve constipation, a common issue during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and dietary shifts. While some women report using magnesium citrate for this purpose, it is essential to approach its use with caution. The general consensus among healthcare professionals is that while magnesium itself is beneficial, magnesium citrate should be taken under medical supervision to ensure safety for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
Given the potential risks associated with magnesium citrate, it is crucial for pregnant women to consult their healthcare providers before starting any new supplement or medication. Doctors can provide personalized advice based on individual health needs and circumstances. They may recommend alternative forms of magnesium that are considered safer or suggest dietary sources rich in magnesium, such as leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.
Conclusion
In summary, while magnesium is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, the use of magnesium citrate should be approached with caution. Pregnant women should prioritize consulting with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for their specific health needs. By doing so, they can ensure both their well-being and that of their developing baby.

Who cannot take magnesium citrate?

Who should avoid magnesium citrate? Magnesium citrate may interact with drugs, including specific antibiotics and medications that doctors prescribe to lower calcium concentration in the urine, such as potassium or sodium phosphate. People on low sodium or restricted-sodium diets should also avoid magnesium citrate.

What is the difference between magnesium and magnesium citrate?

Magnesium citrate is a form of magnesium often taken in supplement form. Magnesium citrate is a salt, an ionic compound, that contains positive magnesium ions and negative citrate ions — the same negative ions that form citric acid when combined with positive hydrogen ions.

What is safe to take for constipation while pregnant?

You can try eating more fibre and drinking plenty of fluids. It may also help to do gentle exercise. If diet and lifestyle changes do not work, your doctor or midwife may recommend a laxative, such as lactulose or Fybogel. These laxatives are quite commonly used during pregnancy.

Does magnesium citrate affect fertility?

Experts generally recommend sticking with Magnesium citrate or Magnesium glycinate when trying to conceive. This form of Magnesium is gentle and may help regulate conception-related hormones.

What does magnesium do for unborn baby?

Thus, according to the above mentioned, Mg supplementation during pregnancy may be able to reduce growth restriction of the fetus and preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy) and increase birth weight.

Why is magnesium citrate not recommended?

If this product is used too often, it may cause loss of normal bowel function and an inability to have a bowel movement without using the product (laxative dependence).

What is difference between magnesium and magnesium citrate?

Magnesium citrate is derived by combining magnesium with citric acid, enhancing its bioavailability and giving it a mild laxative effect. This form is ideal for those needing digestive support while benefiting from magnesium’s general health properties.

What is the best magnesium citrate for pregnancy?

Our Favorites

• Best For Sleep: Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate.
• Best For Headaches: Nature Made Magnesium Oxide.
• Best Budget-Friendly: NOW Magnesium Glycinate.
• Best Prenatal Vitamin with Magnesium: FullWell Women’s Prenatal Multivitamin.
• Best For Constipation Relief: Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Citrate.

How much magnesium citrate can I take while pregnant?

Pregnant females—320 mg per day. Breast-feeding females—340 to 355 mg per day. Children 7 to 10 years of age—170 mg per day. Children 4 to 6 years of age—120 mg per day.

Why can’t you take magnesium when pregnant?

While your magnesium intake can usually be managed through what you eat and drink, supplementation during pregnancy might be considered as your changing hormone levels can affect your magnesium levels.