QUESTION: I gave a patient IV magnesium, and they had symptoms that were opposite to what I would imagine magnesium would do; muscle cramps etc. Why did this happen? Are there tests I can run to avoid this happening in other patients in the future?
ANSWER: If you look at the “adverse events” of IV Magnesium when used in MI’s and stuff, “arrhythmia” is almost at the top of the list. Why, when us types use it, does it rarely do that? The reason Mg on one hand can calm a rhythm issue and on the other hand create one has to do with the absorption-distribution kinetics. These are predicated on Osmolyte availability (primarily Taurine at the cell membrane which is deficient in most people and more so if they are ill). Then cellular availability of all the other electrochemical players (Na, Cl, K, Ca), and among other many things the intercellular level and FUNCTION of GSH (GSH and Mag are intimately related where function and quantity in the cell are concerned.)
The delicate balance is predicated on many cofactors as well (B2&3, B5, Zn, Se etc). So, the deficient human has more trouble getting the Mag where it should be. When it doesn’t distribute appropriately you have these seemingly “odd” or “paradoxical” reactions. Yes, some testing can be done, but aside from RBC levels of minerals, heavy metal screening, GGTP as surrogate for GSH availability and a few other things I just take the “paradoxical” reaction as diagnostic, work to build the GSH, Taurine and trace elements with the B vita ad then add the Mg back in. I have lots of this shit in my various presentations about GSH, Osmolytes etc. References and all that scientific stuff.
With regard to muscle cramping and minerals: Mg is in the limelight yes but only as it is so often low. Potassium is oft the more important and in cases where Mg is supplies in distinction to K (often) the Mg causes a relative K+ drop which often causes these Sx. (Not in this product) but Often it is also the absence of Taurine that creates “Magnesium reactivity” – Most forget that Taurine deficit leads to such – Taurine being the master osmolyte when low (as in most human now days) the efficient transport of Na/Ca – Mg/K and Cl if necessary is hampered or greatly impaired. In our human research with administration of electrolytes and following levels pre and post IV we have pretty much proven most of this as the case when these symptomatic issues arise.The old timers always taught us to think balance – and how physiology works – and even without research they were always correct 🙂 PS: Also – Trace mineral deficit will cause this….