Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in many functions throughout the body, including normal muscle and nerve function, energy production, and maintaining healthy bones. Because of these benefits, many people take magnesium supplements without thinking twice.
However, magnesium supplements are not suitable for everyone, especially people who take certain medications.
This does not mean you should completely avoid magnesium. In many cases, the main concern is that magnesium can interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of certain medicines. The timing of your doses may therefore matter.
If you take prescription or over-the-counter medication regularly, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before adding a magnesium supplement to your routine.
1. Certain Antibiotics
Some antibiotics can interact with magnesium because magnesium may bind to the medicine in the digestive tract. This can reduce how much of the antibiotic your body absorbs.
Examples include certain antibiotics in the tetracycline and fluoroquinolone families.
For this reason, healthcare professionals may recommend separating the timing of magnesium and these antibiotics.
Do not change the timing of a prescription medicine on your own. Ask your pharmacist or doctor how many hours should be left between the two.
2. Thyroid Medication
People taking thyroid hormone replacement medicines such as levothyroxine should also be careful with magnesium supplements.
Minerals and supplements can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine when taken too close together. This is why thyroid medication is commonly taken separately from certain supplements and minerals.
If you take thyroid medicine every morning, ask your healthcare professional when magnesium would be best taken.
3. Some Osteoporosis Medicines
Certain medicines used to treat osteoporosis, including some bisphosphonates, can have reduced absorption when taken together with minerals such as magnesium.
Because these medications often have very specific instructions about when and how to take them, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking magnesium at a different time may be recommended.