Who should not take Magnesium?

Magnesium is an important element of the human body, performing a wide range of functions that are important for its normal functioning. Even though, since magnesium is harmless, and most of its side effects are not dangerous, people should not decide to take magnesium supplements or other non-dietary forms of magnesium. Only upon a consultation with the general physician should magnesium should be taken, whether it in the form of tablets, or through the veins via injections. It is strongly recommended that only a doctor supervise magnesium given to infants below 3 years of age. Children between 4-8 years of age should not be given more than 280-300 mg of magnesium per day. More importantly, magnesium should be avoided as much as possible by aged people. People taking medications like regular antibiotics, diuretics or medicines to control their blood pressures should not take magnesium at all without asking a doctor for approval. Since a common layman has very little knowledge about the interactions of magnesium with other medications and chemicals that might be present in his blood, it is always advised that magnesium supplements be only taken under the supervision of the doctor. Most significantly, people who have suffered or are suffering from diseases affecting the heart or the kidney are strictly suggested not to take magnesium supplements.