MAGneCALm

MAGNESIUM & CALCIUM Food Supplement

What is MAGneCALm?
MAGneCALm is primarily a Magnesium supplement but has calcium added to ensure correct balance as this is often
very important. Both Magnesium and Calcium are naturally occurring minerals. They are both essential for correct
working of many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves.
Calcium is important for healthy bones and soft tissue and is used to make the muscles contract.
Magnesium is important for healthy bones and soft tissue and is used to make the muscles relax – this is the prime
function of MAGneCALm – to relax and CALM muscles which are in spasm and causing tension.
The body can be quite sensitive to excess magnesium so dosage should be determined by your personal response.
Start with a small dose (1/2 teaspoon in 200ml water) taken 3-4 times a day and gradually build up. When you start to
notice loose stools then your dose should be adjusted and fixed to just below the level that produces this effect.

Who should not take MAGneCALm?

• Do not take without first talking to your doctor if you have kidney disease.

• Before taking MAGneCALm, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take
other medicines or other herbal/ health supplements. Magnesium supplements may not be recommended in
some situations.

• It is not known whether magnesium supplementation will harm an unborn baby. Do not take magnesium
supplements without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
• It is not known whether magnesium supplements will harm a nursing baby. Do not take magnesium
supplements without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take MAGneCALm?

• Take exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

• Capsules – take 1 or 2 capsules with a full glass of water (200 ml) - repeat 4 times a day
Powder – sprinkle ½ teaspoonful (1gm) into a 200 ml glass of cold water – allow to dissolve before drinking.
Repeat 4 times a day. Increase the amount to 1 teaspoon (2gm) once your are happy that you are able to
tolerate that amount without bowel disturbance.

• Teaspoons vary in size so to ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the powder form of MAGneCALm
with a 1gm or 2gm dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular teaspoon. If you do not have a dose-
measuring spoon, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

• Do not take more than is directed – 10 gm per day should be adequate for the majority of users.

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What are the possible side effects of magnesium supplements?

• 10gm will provide your full RDA of Magnesium and calcium but if taken as one serving this may cause loose
bowels, which could be inconvenient or distressing. Always take small doses several times a day to avoid this
happening. If you do accidentally take too much, drink plenty of water and do not take any further doses for 2/3
days – talk to you doctor if these side effects persist.
• It is very difficult to overdose with Magnesium supplements but the symptoms include nausea, vomiting,
flushing, low blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, drowsiness and coma.
• It is very rare for anyone to have an allergic reaction to magnesium supplements. Seek emergency medical
attention if you experience an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of
your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. It is perfectly safe to continue taking MAGneCALm
if you experience diarrhoea or an upset stomach but reduce the dose to half that taken previously. Talk to your
doctor about it if these persist.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
• Some drugs can interact with magnesium supplements. You should always talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
P.T.O.
Magnesium – some basic facts
MAGNESIUM is a metallic element used centuries ago by the Romans who claimed that "magnesia alba" cured many
ailments. These healing white salts were found in the district of Magnesia in Greece. The element took its name from
that location. In 1926, magnesium proved to be an essential nutrient for animals, but not until the 1933-44 period of
experimentation did it also prove to be essential for humans.
Magnesium is a major mineral required for more than 300 enzyme reactions involved in the conversion of carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats, to energy. It assists in the manufacture of proteins and genetic material in the cells and is essential for
proper nerve and muscle functioning, playing a role in neuromuscular transmission and activity. It aids in the formation of
thyroxin, the principle hormone of the thyroid gland, and in the removal of such toxins, as ammonia from the body. It is
also an anti-stress mineral necessary for calcium and Vitamin C metabolism, as well as for that of phosphorus, sodium,
B1 (thiamin), biotin, and potassium.
Magnesium is important for bone structure, proper digestion, and food utilization eliminating fatigue, improving memory,
quickening reflexes, and reducing nervous irritability. About 60% of the estimated 24 grams of magnesium found in the
body is concentrated in the bones and teeth, with the rest in muscles and soft tissues and a small amount in both
intracellular and extracellular (blood and lymph) fluids. Magnesium blood levels are regulated by the kidneys and
excreted in both urine and faeces. Magnesium is a component of chlorophyll in green plants. By removing the germ and
outer layers of grains and nuts, 80% of this mineral is lost.
Blood, hair, and serum samples of some ADD (attention deficit disorder) children displayed low levels of magnesium.
When given supplements, a significant decrease in their hyperactive behaviour was noted. With autistic children, Vitamin
B6 helped normalize the function of nerve cells, but, when magnesium was given along with the B6, effects were greater
than when B6 was given alone.
There are no reported cases of magnesium toxicity resulting from taking supplements and occurs only from taking
antacids, laxatives, and prescription drugs containing magnesium. The magnesium in these drugs is not the same
compound as that used in supplements. Very low levels of magnesium can display the same symptoms as abnormally
high levels of blood calcium. Supplements can prevent and help dissolve oxalate kidney stones, but it is toxic to those
with abnormal kidney function. Like calcium, magnesium bonds with oxalates, assisting in the production of oxalate
kidney stones. However, it is an excess of calcium that actually produces the stones in the first place. Studies showed
that the combination of Vitamin B6 and magnesium oxide prevented the stones and decreased them by 92%. Studies
are showing that magnesium may save the lives of heart attack victims by relaxing the muscles within the blood vessels,
thereby improving blood flow to the heart and preventing heart muscle cells from suffering further injury.
Magnesium deficiencies usually occur as a result of malabsorption (such as the rare disorder called 'primary idiopathic
hypomagnesemia') or other disorders that result in significant losses of fluids and electrolytes, including some kidney
diseases that affect the

reabsorption of cations (positive-charged ions). Various stages of malnutrition, as a result of alcoholism, contribute to a
magnesium deficiency as does certain medical therapies that disturb electrolyte balance. These therapies include naso-
gastric suctioning, magnesium-free IV feedings, and the use of such medications as loop diuretics and cardiac
glycosides. A rapid loss of body fluids, as in the case of burns, increases the need for magnesium as well as other
nutrients. A magnesium deficiency can produce what is called "magnesium tetany," a form of convulsion in which the
nerves and muscles are affected. In addition, high protein diets and high intakes of calcium increase the need for
magnesium.
RDA cannot be determined since magnesium reacts with other nutrients in complex ways making it difficult to establish a
pattern, but a basic rule of thumb is 4.5 mg./kg. of body weight for adults, increasing the amount during pregnancy and
lactation.
Note: Large amounts of magnesium taken over extended periods can produce problems especially if calcium intake is
low and the phosphorus intake is high. This is a special concern in children who can develop kidney disorders as the rate
of excretion slows.
Summary:
Deficiency symptoms include: salt cravings, emotional agitation, nervousness, stress, bone deformities, deterioration of
teeth, calcium/sodium deposits in tissues, deterioration of kidneys/skin, fatigue, decreased blood levels of
calcium/potassium/magnesium, deterioration of heart endocardium, muscle cramps or spasms, knotting of muscle fibres,
muscle twitching or tremors, mental changes, dizziness, nerve pain, shooting pains, colic, increased blood pressure,
stillbirths, female infertility, rapid heart beat, confusion, hallucinations, disorientation, listlessness, nausea and vomiting,
depressed tendon reflexes, anorexia, convulsions, with coma being the extreme if deficiency worsens.
Toxicity symptoms include: slow heartbeat, fatigue, weakness, muscle tremors, decreased reflexes, anaesthesia (a
loss of feeling or sensation), diarrhoea, and coma.
Inhibitors include: diuretics, alcohol, streptomycin, cardiac glycosides.
Helpers include: Vitamins B6, C, D, boron, calcium, phosphorus, protein.

MAGneCALm special introductory price £7.95 for 2 x 180gm soluble powder

Available from
BackCare – North Yorkshire Regional Office
Suite 6, Community House
46/50 East Parade
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
HG1 5RR
Tel: 01423 503700 ext 25
Mobile voice mail: 07903 208803
Magnecalmfactsheet.doc