Magnesium carbonate, MgCO3 (archaic name magnesia alba), is an inorganic salt that is a white solid. Several hydrated and basic forms of magnesium carbonate also exist as minerals.
Contents
Uses
This medication is a mineral supplement used to prevent and treat low amounts of magnesium in the blood. Magnesium is very important for the normal functioning of cells, nerves, muscles, bones, and the heart. Usually, a well-balanced diet provides normal blood levels of magnesium. However, certain situations cause your body to lose magnesium faster than you can replace it from your diet. These situations include treatment with “water pills” (diuretics such as furosemide,hydrochlorothiazide), a poor diet, alcoholism, or other medical conditions (e.g., severediarrhea/vomiting, stomach/intestinal absorption problems, poorly controlled diabetes).
Benefits
Helps Prevent Migraines
If migraines are the bane of your existence, supplementation with magnesium carbonate may help you prevent the onset of these painful headaches, according to a study conducted by researchers at the New York Headache Center. The researchers looked at foods that seem to trigger migraines as well as supplements that are effective in staving off migraine attacks. In an article in the June 2009 issue of “The Clinical Journal of Pain,” they reported that magnesium tops their list of all the supplements useful in preventing migraines. Other supplements that were deemed helpful include butterbur, feverfew, coenzyme Q10, riboflavin and alpha-lipoic acid.
Combats CPPD
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate disease, also known as CPPD and pyrophosphate arthropathy, is a painful rheumatologic condition in which crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate accumulate in connective tissue, most notably joints. Researchers at England’s Bristol Royal Infirmary assembled a study group of 38 patients diagnosed with CPPD. Half of the group received 10 ml of magnesium carbonate daily, and the other half got placebo. In an article in the 1983 issue of “Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases,” researchers said that patients receiving magnesium carbonate reported significant relief from the symptoms of their condition.
Controls Phosphate Levels in Dialysis Patients
An unfortunate side effect of hemodialysis is an unhealthy buildup of phosphate levels in kidney patients undergoing the procedure. A team of Greek, Canadian and Chinese researchers studied the efficacy of magnesium carbonate as a phosphate binder in dialysis patients. Half of a study group of 46 dialysis patients received magnesium carbonate, while the other half received calcium carbonate over a period of six months. In an article in the March 2008 issue of “International Urology and Nephrology,” researchers reported that phosphate levels were significantly lower in patients receiving magnesium carbonate. They concluded that magnesium carbonate is an inexpensive and effective way to control blood phosphate levels in hemodialysis patients.
Cautions
Stomach upset and diarrhea may occur. Taking this product with a meal helps to reduce these effects. If either of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash,itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
Magnesite
Barringtonite (dihydrate)
Nesequehonite (trihydrate)
Lansfordite (pentahydrate)
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_carbonate#Uses
WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11359/magnesium-carbonate-oral/details#side-effects
LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/482564-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-magnesium-carbonate/