What is a common adverse reaction of magnesium supplements?

Magnesium supplements can lead to hypermagnesemia, which is an elevated level of magnesium in the blood. This condition typically arises when there is an excessive intake of magnesium, either through supplementation or rarely through dietary sources, especially in individuals with compromised kidney function who cannot adequately excrete magnesium. Symptoms of hypermagnesemia may include muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, cardiac rhythm disturbances, and decreased reflexes due to the effect of magnesium on muscle and nerve function.

Other choices might also relate to potential side effects but do not specifically denote a common or direct reaction to magnesium supplementation. For example, hypertension is generally not associated with magnesium supplementation; in fact, magnesium may help lower blood pressure. Constipation is not typically caused by magnesium supplements; rather, magnesium, particularly in certain forms like citrate, can act as a laxative. While electrolyte imbalance can occur, hypermagnesemia directly illustrates the specific adverse effect linked with excess magnesium intake.