Can magnesium supplements cause ankles to swell? | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

Can magnesium supplements cause ankles to swell?

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

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UPDATED: Aug 25, 2020

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  • Ankle swelling is not usually a side effect of magnesium supplements.
  • If you are experiencing swelling ankles while on magnesium supplements, it is most likely the result of a minor injury or other illness.
  • Taken at the proper dosage, magnesium supplements are safe for most people to take.

In theory, taking too many magnesium supplements within a short period of time can cause your ankles to swell. However, this is not a commonly reported side effect.

Like any other dietary supplement, you must be careful about the dosage.

Magnesium is essential for absorbing calcium, which will help you to maintain healthy bones.

If too much magnesium is taken, negative side effects can occur: heartburn, severe nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea are all signs of a magnesium supplement overdose.

Since many people who take magnesium supplements also exercise on a regular basis, it is entirely possible they could sometimes confuse their injuries with a magnesium supplement overdose.

When supplementing with magnesium, you need a workout routine that works. Sign up for PRO today for access to personal trainers, workout creators, workout plans, and more.

What to Do If You Experience Ankle Swelling While Taking Magnesium Supplements

Unless you are also taking another dietary supplement that lists ankle swelling as a possible side effect, your condition is probably a result of a minor injury.

Failing to stretch, overworking your muscles or even working out too many days in a row can lead to muscle swelling. If your condition does not start to improve after a couple days, you should consult with your primary physician.

In some cases, ankle swelling can occur if you take magnesium supplements in conjunction with medication and experience an adverse reaction. This is why it’s important to read the drug reaction labels on all your medications.

Because magnesium filters through the kidneys, anyone with kidney disease or reduced kidney function should avoid taking magnesium supplements.

How Much Magnesium Should Be Taken Daily?

Ideally, you should be taking around 400 milligrams of magnesium every day. Natural sources of magnesium include:

      • Peanut butter
      • Spinach
      • Nuts
      • Whole grains

If you are not getting enough magnesium in your diet naturally, you might begin to suffer from a calcium deficiency.

Taking magnesium supplements made by a reputable company can help you feel more balanced and energetic throughout the day.

You will almost always find magnesium supplements in a tablet form, rather than a gel cap. Because magnesium is powdered, it is not suitable to be manufactured into gel caps.

You might also want to consider using powdered magnesium, especially if you need to take a higher dosage.

If you have any questions about how magnesium is affecting your body, it is best to get blood work done so your doctor can make suggestions.

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What Other Factors Cause Ankle Swelling?

Although magnesium supplements and ankle swelling are usually not related, it is important to determine the cause.

Severe ankle swelling and tenderness can be caused by gout. Sometimes embarking on a new exercise plan can also cause the symptoms of gout to be exasperated.

Ankle swelling can also be a sign that you have a sprain. Hairline fractures can also cause severe swelling and discomfort.

If your symptoms appear suddenly rather than over a longer period of time, there is a good chance you have a physical injury rather than a supplement related reaction.

Should You Stop Taking Magnesium If Your Ankles Swell?

It is not necessary to stop taking magnesium supplements if you experience ankle swelling, but you will want to get the opinion of your doctor to know for certain.

Pregnant women are advised to take a prenatal vitamin rather than magnesium supplements and people with kidney disease are usually not able to take vitamins at all.

Anyone with a serious medical condition should be cleared by his or her doctor before taking magnesium supplements.  Remember, these supplements are not regulated by the FDA.

If you are concerned about sudden ankle swelling, it might be best for you to stop taking all supplements until you can get to a medical facility.

Continue to take any and all medications prescribed by your doctor, but be certain to detail your daily routine.

How Safe Is It for You to Take Magnesium Supplements?

Magnesium should be a regular part of everyone’s diet. For ten reasons why watch the video below!

Vegetarians, omnivores, and strict raw vegans need to consume magnesium on a regular basis. However, because magnesium supplements deliver a more potent source of magnesium, some precautions need to be taken before you start to take them.

If you have a clean bill of health from your doctor, you can safely take the recommended dose of magnesium supplements. If you have any sort of renal disorder you should ask your health care provider if there are any other types of supplements available for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I have to take supplements?

Unless your doctor has instructed you to take certain supplements, you do not have to take them.

Are supplements safe?

Whether or not dietary supplements are safe to take depends on a number of factors. Learn more about the safety of supplements here.

What supplements do I need to take?

No one can answer that aside from your doctor. To learn more about the various supplements that doctors commonly recommend, check out this article.

Don’t forget that supplementing your diet with magnesium is just part of a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you are also managing your fitness and staying active. Check out our PRO Plan to see how we can help you today!

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