How to remove excess magnesium glycinate from body?

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

While hypermagnesemia is a rare condition in healthy individuals, it can occur from over-supplementation, especially in those with impaired kidney function. This guide will detail how to remove excess magnesium glycinate from body safely and effectively, distinguishing between mild and severe cases.

Quick Summary

Address high magnesium levels by immediately stopping all intake and consulting a doctor. Treatment for excess magnesium depends on severity and kidney health, ranging from increased fluids to dialysis.

Key Points

Stop All Intake: The first and most critical step is to immediately stop taking all magnesium supplements and medications containing magnesium.
Hydration: For individuals with normal kidney function, drinking extra water can help the kidneys flush out excess magnesium more efficiently.
Consult a Doctor: It is essential to speak with a healthcare provider, especially if you have kidney issues, to determine the right course of action.
Recognize Severe Symptoms: Be aware of symptoms like profound muscle weakness, low blood pressure, or breathing difficulties, and seek emergency care if they occur.
Know Treatment Options: In severe cases, medical professionals may use treatments like IV fluids, diuretics, intravenous calcium, or dialysis to remove the excess magnesium.

Understanding Magnesium Glycinate and Hypermagnesemia

Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Magnesium glycinate is a chelated form known for its high bioavailability and reduced laxative effect compared to other types. However, taking excessive doses, particularly with certain medical conditions, can lead to hypermagnesemia—an elevated level of magnesium in the blood. While a healthy body can effectively excrete excess magnesium through the kidneys, individuals with impaired renal function are at significantly higher risk.

Immediate Steps to Remove Excess Magnesium

If you suspect you have consumed too much magnesium, your immediate actions are crucial for preventing complications. The severity of your symptoms and your underlying health status will dictate the appropriate course of action. Always consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

1. Stop All Magnesium Intake

The very first step is to discontinue all supplements, medications, and other products containing magnesium. This prevents further accumulation.

2. Increase Fluid Intake

For individuals with healthy kidney function, increasing fluid intake can help accelerate the removal of excess magnesium through urination. Stay well-hydrated unless you have a medical condition that requires fluid restriction.

Medical Interventions for Hypermagnesemia

In cases of severe hypermagnesemia or for individuals with underlying kidney disease, medical intervention is necessary and typically administered in a hospital setting.

1. Intravenous (IV) Fluids and Diuretics

For moderate cases with adequate kidney function, IV fluids and diuretics like furosemide can increase urine output, helping to flush excess magnesium.

2. Intravenous Calcium

In severe cases affecting heart rhythm or respiration, IV calcium (e.g., calcium gluconate) may be given. Calcium counteracts magnesium's toxic effects on the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems.

3. Dialysis

For the most severe cases, especially in patients with impaired kidneys, dialysis is the most effective method for clearing excess magnesium from the blood. It filters waste and excess electrolytes when kidneys cannot.

Comparison of Treatment Approaches


Aspect	Mild Hypermagnesemia (Healthy Kidneys)	Severe Hypermagnesemia (or Kidney Impairment)
Initial Step	Stop magnesium supplements and intake from other sources.	Stop all magnesium intake.
Primary Mechanism	Natural kidney excretion.	Medical intervention to force excretion or filter blood.
Supportive Action	Increase fluid intake to aid natural flushing.	Administer IV fluids to help flush and manage blood pressure.
Medication Use	Generally no medication needed, but advised to check with a doctor.	IV diuretics (furosemide) to increase urination and magnesium excretion.
Emergency Antidote	Not applicable.	IV calcium gluconate to counteract severe effects.
Advanced Treatment	Not required.	Dialysis to rapidly filter the blood.

Preventing Excess Magnesium Intake

Prevention is key to avoiding issues with excess magnesium:

Follow Recommended Dosages: Adhere to daily dosage guidelines for supplements; the UL for supplemental magnesium is typically 350 mg for adults.
Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially with pre-existing kidney or heart conditions, or if on medication.
Be Aware of Other Sources: Watch out for hidden magnesium in other over-the-counter products.
Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to side effects like diarrhea, nausea, or stomach cramps, which can indicate excessive intake.

Conclusion

While magnesium glycinate overdose is uncommon in healthy individuals, it's a serious risk for those with compromised kidney function. Removing excess magnesium begins with immediately stopping all intake. Mild cases may resolve with the body's natural processes, while severe cases require immediate medical attention and treatments like IV fluids, diuretics, intravenous calcium, or dialysis. Safe supplementation requires vigilance and professional medical advice.

Signs of Severe Magnesium Toxicity

Decreased Deep Tendon Reflexes: Reduced or absent reflexes.
Muscle Weakness: Can lead to paralysis and breathing difficulty.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Significant drop in blood pressure.
Central Nervous System Depression: Lethargy, confusion, potentially coma.
Cardiac Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, possibly leading to cardiac arrest.
Respiratory Depression: Shallow or slow breathing, potentially leading to respiratory failure.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you suspect you have hypermagnesemia, seek immediate medical care.

NCBI Bookshelf on Magnesium Toxicity

Frequently Asked Questions

Magnesium glycinate is well-tolerated and overdose is rare in healthy people because the kidneys efficiently excrete excess amounts. However, very large doses of any magnesium can potentially cause issues over time.

For a healthy person, magnesium has a half-life of about 8-9 hours, with the majority of excess clearing within 12 to 48 hours. This process is slower in individuals with poor kidney function.

Less severe side effects can include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea (less common with glycinate), and stomach cramps. Headaches or dizziness may also occur.

Seek immediate emergency care if you experience severe symptoms such as profound muscle weakness, confusion, very low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, or an irregular heartbeat.

Yes, individuals with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure are at the highest risk because their kidneys cannot effectively filter and excrete the excess magnesium.

Yes, magnesium can interact with certain medications, including antibiotics and some blood pressure drugs. It is crucial to consult a doctor before starting supplementation if you are on medication.

Preventing toxicity involves following dosage guidelines, consulting a healthcare provider, being mindful of magnesium from all sources (supplements, food, medication), and monitoring your symptoms.