What flushes magnesium out of the body?

Magnesium is one of the key minerals necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. Colloquially speaking, when we say that something ‘flushes’ magnesium out of the body, we usually mean situations in which magnesium is less well absorbed from the digestive tract or is lost in larger amounts in the urine. Magnesium deficiency contributes to fatigue, muscle cramps, concentration problems and heart disorders, so it is important to maintain adequate levels.

1. Functions of magnesium in the body
2. Magnesium and the heart and nervous system
3. Factors that flush out magnesium
4. Regulating magnesium levels

Functions of magnesium in the body

Magnesium is found in all tissues, with the highest concentrations in bones, muscles and cells of the nervous system. It participates in hundreds of enzymatic reactions, which is why its presence is essential for energy production, muscle function and proper nerve impulse conduction. Magnesium participates in processes related to the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, as well as in the synthesis of DNA and structural proteins.

Magnesium and the heart and nervous system

Magnesium is important for maintaining a normal heart rhythm and stable heart muscle function. In the nervous system, it supports the balance between excitation and inhibition, which translates into concentration, stress tolerance and sleep quality. Magnesium also participates in electrolyte metabolism and supports the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Its adequate supply is important for bone health as it affects calcium and vitamin D metabolism and the process of bone mineralisation.

Magnesium requirements for different age groups (RDA)

Factors that flush out magnesium

Medications

A summary of clinical trial results shows that one of the most common causes of magnesium ‘flushing’ may be certain medications used chronically. This applies primarily to preparations that reduce gastric acid secretion, commonly used for heartburn or reflux. With long-term use, it has been observed that some people experience a decrease in blood magnesium levels, which is associated with poorer absorption in the intestines. The risk usually increases with the duration of therapy and the coexistence of other aggravating factors.

Alcohol

Regular consumption of large amounts of alcohol is also a significant factor. Studies involving humans have shown that people who abuse alcohol are more likely to have lower magnesium levels. This is due to several overlapping mechanisms: poorer diet quality, reduced intestinal absorption and increased magnesium excretion by the kidneys. Alcohol also impairs the body's ability to conserve magnesium when it is deficient, so that losses can persist even with moderate dietary intake.

Health disorders

Chronic diarrhoea, intestinal diseases and frequent use of laxatives can also lead to a negative magnesium balance. Increased magnesium losses have also been observed in people treated with certain specialised medications, especially during selected cancer therapies. In such cases, the problem is not related to diet, but to increased magnesium excretion in the urine.

Lower magnesium levels are also more common in people with sugar metabolism disorders, including abnormal blood sugar levels or diabetes. Elevated glucose levels promote more frequent urination, which leads to the loss of electrolytes, including magnesium.

Regulating magnesium levels

The main sources of magnesium in the diet are whole grains, nuts, seeds, cocoa, legumes and green leafy vegetables. In supplements, organic forms such as citrate, lactate, or magnesium diglycinate are best absorbed because they dissolve well in the digestive tract and rarely cause intestinal discomfort. {{bestsellery=Most frequently purchased in the category: magnesium"}}

Inorganic forms, such as magnesium oxide, are less easily absorbed, even though supplements containing it often have a high dose per tablet. It is worth remembering that the concentration of magnesium in the blood does not always accurately reflect its actual reserves in the body, as most of this element is found inside cells rather than in serum.

Sources:

• Srinutta, T., Chewcharat, A., Takkavatakarn, K., Praditpornsilpa, K., Eiam-Ong, S., Jaber, B. L., & Susantitaphong, P. (2019). Proton pump inhibitors and hypomagnesemia: A meta-analysis of observational studies. Medicine, 98(44), e17788. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000017788
• Vanoni, F. O., Milani, G. P., Agostoni, C., Treglia, G., Faré, P. B., Camozzi, P., Lava, S. A. G., Bianchetti, M. G., & Janett, S. (2021). Magnesium Metabolism in Chronic Alcohol-Use Disorder: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Nutrients, 13(6), 1959. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061959
• Kieboom, B. C. T., Zietse, R., Ikram, M. A., Hoorn, E. J., & Stricker, B. H. (2018). Thiazide but not loop diuretics is associated with hypomagnesaemia in the general population. Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety, 27(11), 1166–1173. https://doi.org/10.1002/pds.4636
• Barbagallo, M., & Dominguez, L. J. (2015). Magnesium and type 2 diabetes. World journal of diabetes, 6(10), 1152–1157. https://doi.org/10.4239/wjd.v6.i10.1152
• Xia, P., Shi, X., Yang, Y., Zhang, Y., Hu, X., Lin, R., Weng, X., Shen, F., Chen, X., & Lin, L. (2025). Magnesium depletion scores as a risk factor for prevalence and mortality rates of urinary incontinence: a national survey analysis. Frontiers in nutrition, 12, 1439134. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1439134