Magnesium

Proposed therapeutic uses

Evidence for: Migraine propylaxis
May be helpful for: Protection against hearing loss from load noises, reducing the incidence of kidney stones, and to help lower blood pressure
Weak evidence for: Premenstrual stress syndrome, and cramps associated with dysmenorrhea
Sources
Kelp, wheat bran, wheat germ,almonds and cashews are high in magnesium. Blackstrap molasses, brewers yeast, buckwheat, nuts and whole grains are good sources. Collard greens, dandelion greens, sunflower seeds, shrimp, dried fruit such as figs, apricots, and prunes are also fairly good sources.
Therapeutic dosage
250 to 600 mg daily
Safety concerns
Safe at recommended doses, but should not be taken by individuals with kidney or heart disease unless with the advice of a physician.
Interactions
You may need more magnesium if you are taking calcium, potassium, manganese, colchicine, corticosteroids, digoxin, diureteics, isoniazid, oral contraceptives, estrogen, long-term sulfa drugs, phenobarbitol, Prilosec or Prevacid. You should take magnesium at different times of the day if you are taking ACE inhibitors, tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics, Coumadin, H2 blockers, macrodantin, penicillamine, verapamil or zinc. If you are taking sulfonylureas (for diabetes) be aware that concurrent magnesium may result in hypoglycemia.