Intravenous therapy has risen to become one of the most potent (and fast-replenishing) wellness procedures in the world. In this article, we consider its popular progeny – IV magnesium therapy, highlighting the procedure’s mode of delivery, widespread benefits, and potential side effects you should be aware of.
What is magnesium IV therapy?
Magnesium IV therapy is the intravenous administration of magnesium into the bloodstream to remedy magnesium deficiency. The compound used is often an IV solution containing magnesium sulfate (the same compound in Epsom salts) or magnesium chloride. It may also include secondary compounds like a saline solution, added for hydration purposes.
Colloquially referred to as the ‘miracle mineral’ or ‘chill pill’, magnesium plays a cofactor role in over 300 metabolic functions, with a healthy adult expected to have about 26 grams of Magnesium at all times. In reality, this is rarely the case, as evidenced by a 2020 study where it was concluded that half of the entire American population has depleted magnesium levels.
In some of these cases, magnesium IV therapy may be the only solution, especially when oral supplements cannot provide the required boost or are restricted in use due to underlying conditions.
Intravenous therapy allows the magnesium ions to reach the cells quicker, in a higher dosage and near 100% bioavailability, from where they are quickly harnessed to carry out various functions.
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What causes magnesium deficiency?
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the recommended dietary allowance for adult men is 400-420 mg/day, 310-320 mg/day for adult women, and 350-360 mg/day for pregnant women. Unfortunately, these needs are rarely met in everyday diets due to soil leaching (and the subsequent depletion of magnesium, pre-harvest).
And although Low levels of magnesium are not easily identifiable at first, it can still cause mild symptoms of fatigue, skin tingling, muscle cramps, headaches, and nausea. If these fleeting levels persist, a full-blown deficiency may occur and lead to high blood pressure, and an abnormal heart rate.
Severe magnesium deficiency can also hinder the body’s ability to effectively cope with stressors, resulting in an overactive stress response that fuels the cycle of unhealthy eating and anxiety. In addition to inadequate diet intake, there are three overarching causes of magnesium deficiency; which are,
- A reduced ability of the body to absorb magnesium: caused by alcohol abuse and illnesses like inflammatory bowel disease
- An increased need for magnesium in the body: the need for magnesium rises during pregnancy and lactation
- An increased loss of magnesium: the body will lose magnesium amid illnesses like diabetes or certain antibiotics and diuretics medications
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How is magnesium IV therapy delivered?
The process of delivering magnesium IV therapy is essentially the same as general IV hydration and IV therapy, with the only difference being the contents of the drip bag. As with standard IV infusion, the magnesium compound is placed in a drip bag (or bottle) and elevated on a stand so that gravity can aid its transfer. The tubing that comes along with the drip bag is then connected to a catheter that is inserted into a vein.
For optimum results, the flow rate for magnesium IV therapy is lowered, so that the solution can be delivered in a volume that does not surpass the body’s ability to receive it. A low flow rate also helps health professionals to monitor a patient’s response and quickly notice adverse reactions or side effects, as they occur.
More serious magnesium deficiencies will require higher doses, staggered over a series of sessions.
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Benefits of magnesium IV therapy
Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation in the human body (after potassium) and has a series of vital benefits; that its deficiency robs the body of. Magnesium
- has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other compounds in or around the artery wall
- helps to prevent errors during the genetic copying process, which could otherwise have led to mutations and serious diseases
- plays an important role in the proper functioning of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – the cell’s energy currency and a primary catalyst for all cellular functions. ATP forms an ionic bond with magnesium that creates a complex and allows it to properly function.
- relaxes the blood vessels, helping to stave off anxiety and depression. This improves the quality of sleep and also helps in general mood regulation and healthy blood pressure.
- is essential for muscle functioning, and its IV therapy can be used to treat muscle cramps, spasms, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Its muscle-relaxing abilities also soothe the bronchial muscles, making it easier for patients to breathe during an asthma attack.
- plays a very important role in the formation of bones with the mineral deposits also distributing bone cells into the bone matrix to form stronger bones.
- is important for electrolytic balance and helps to relay messages between the brain and the body.
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60% of the body’s total magnesium supply is stored in the bones!
Potential side effects of magnesium IV therapy
Before undergoing magnesium IV therapy, it’s important to be assessed by a certified health professional who will review your medical history, current medication, and supplements and then advise whether or not you should proceed.
This pre-therapy consultation provides the information for optimum dosages to be prescribed and for all risks to be meticulously averted, ever before a needle is inserted.
In addition to the potential for negative interactions with potassium and certain heart medications, high doses of magnesium can lead to drowsiness and may be harmful to patients with kidney diseases. Magnesium also supercharges the effects of muscle relaxants – if present in the bloodstream – to cause excessive muscle relaxation and eventual weakness of muscles.
Other potential side effects of magnesium IV therapy are consistent with the generic effects of intravenous procedures and include irritation at the injection site, nausea, risk of air embolisms, allergic reactions, etc.
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Magnesium IV Drip Conclusion
- Magnesium IV therapy is primarily recommended in severe cases of deficiency, and should only be used under the supervision of a health professional.
- It is the quickest way to remedy magnesium deficiency and is suitable where oral supplements cannot provide the required boost.
- The IV procedure is not biocompatible with certain illnesses and medications and can cause a range of serious side effects if due diligence is ignored.
- Despite the many benefits of IV therapy, it should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet. If your everyday diet does not meet the minimum magnesium allowance, a dietician can help tailor a magnesium-inclined diet rich in foods like seeds, tofu, nuts, legumes, salmon, broccoli, etc.
Diet adjustments should be the first resort in dealing with any vitamin or mineral deficiency. IV therapy should be the last.
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IV therapy Magnesium in Elegant Hoopoe Dubai
Elegant Hoopoe is a health and aesthetics center in Dubai specializing in non-invasive fat reduction, muscle building, diet & nutrition, skin appearance, and more. The company is an IV Therapy Clinic in Dubai stocked with ultra-quality solutions sourced directly from the US and administered by experts in the field.
