One should take utmost care of their diet and lifestyle when breastfeeding. So, if you are a nursing mother, you might be apprehensive about the safety of taking magnesium citrate when breastfeeding.
Magnesium citrate is mainly used as a supplement or a laxative by many. But is it safe for you and the baby? Read on to know more about magnesium citrate, its uses, and its side effects for breastfeeding women.
What Is Magnesium Citrate?
Magnesium citrate is prepared in salt form with the citric acid, and that’s why the name magnesium citrate. Magnesium citrate attracts water through the tissues with the help of a process known as osmosis. It is also used as a dietary supplement for patients who are deficient in magnesium.
What Are The Signs Of Magnesium Deficiency In Breastfeeding Women?
Magnesium deficiency in breastfeeding women can impact the mother and her baby. Therefore, lactating mothers should be aware of the signs of magnesium deficiency to have timely medical intervention with magnesium citrate. Some of the common signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency are (2):
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- Abnormal heart rate
- Seizures, in severe cases
Pregnant and breastfeeding women need higher levels of magnesium than non-pregnant women of the same age, i.e., 310mg to 400mg. However, overconsumption of magnesium can also have adverse effects, including diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
How Important Is Magnesium For The Body?
You need to eat a balanced diet, and when there is a deficiency of magnesium in the body, your doctor will prescribe you some magnesium supplements for it. The best dietary source of magnesium is green leafy vegetables, nuts, cereal grains, beans, etc. Researchers say that cooking the food might reduce its nutrient content; having vegetables and nuts raw is advisable. Hard water is surprisingly said to have more magnesium content than soft water.
Dosage Forms
The product is available in the below-mentioned dosage forms:
- Capsule
- Liquid
- Powder
- Tablet
- Capsule
- Packet
- Syrup
What Should The Doctor Know?
Your doctor should know your medical history before prescribing a medicine. Share all the information with your doctor about your allergies. Magnesium Citrate is one of the most widely used magnesium supplements. It is inexpensive and has a mild laxative effect. Magnesium citrate powder is considered the best supplement you can consume on a daily basis.
Since a lactating mom like you needs enough vitamins and minerals for the baby to grow properly, magnesium is very important too. It is important that you consume the supplement in the right quantity and not exceed the prescribed amount. A large amount of the supplement may be harmful to both the mother and also the child.
Research says that the amount of magnesium in the food is declining, and hence the need for supplements. Early signs of deficiency include vomiting, nausea, weakness, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Side Effects Of Magnesium Citrate While Breastfeeding
Magnesium is tolerated by most moms; it can have side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. An overdose may cause drowsiness and also weakness. Avoid magnesium citrate if you have a stomach ache, nausea or vomiting. Store it at room temperature and away from heat. If you happen to miss a dose, you can take it during the day. Do not take the missed dose the next day, skip the dose you missed. It is advisable not to take a double dose of the medication.
You can safely consume supplements of magnesium citrate while nursing. You might need them to increase or balance your baby’s magnesium level. It will also help your baby sleep better and prevent constipation. It is said to soothe an upset stomach. An elevated magnesium level relieves constipation in mothers. As a breastfeeding mom, you could be advised to avoid prolonged use of the supplement.
Magnesium citrate is a supplement used for treating low magnesium levels in the body. It is also used to treat occasional constipation for a short duration. Most healthy women can safely consume magnesium citrate while breastfeeding. However, you should consult your doctor before using this supplement when breastfeeding to avert its side effects. Your doctor will evaluate your overall health and prescribe a dose based on your requirement. Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet containing magnesium foods can help mothers meet their magnesium needs in most cases.
Key Pointers
- Magnesium sources include green leafy vegetables, nuts, cereal grains, and beans.
- Excessive magnesium supplements can harm both the mother and baby.
- Breastfeeding mothers with allergies, heart, or kidney problems should consult a doctor before taking magnesium supplements.
- Possible side effects of magnesium supplements include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and drowsiness.
