Key US dietary supplement trade association, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), has upped the daily safe intake level of magnesium to 500mg in adults.
This recommendation is based on results of a wide range of clinical studies, which suggest that higher intake of the key mineral is well tolerated and beneficial for a supplement user.
This change comes alongside the ongoing release of chapters from the CRN's flagship reference book, Vitamin & Mineral Safety, which is currently in its forth edition.
The association has also made recommendations on the use of probiotics, as well as championing for the third-party testing of supplements sold through the e-commerce giant, Amazon.com.
According to the CRN's Senior VP of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Andrea Wong the updated upper limit "reflects a growing body of evidence that magnesium is well tolerated; even at higher levels than previously recognised."
"This means that magnesium supplement formulators can have greater confidence in the safety of doses up to 500mg/day — allowing them to effectively cater to the bone, muscle, nervous and cardiovascular health of consumers worldwide."
Magnesium still one of the top dogs
Magnesium has long been touted for its wide-spanning range of health benefits, and this reflects in consumer purchasing habits, with the mineral being one of the top five most used dietary supplements.
According to data collated by the CRN, magnesium is taken by nearly 23% of supplement users, with the coenzyme being particularly popular amongst women and older adults.
There are many reasons that consumers choose to take magnesium, though most consumers in this survey stated they used it to promote muscular relaxation and a restful night's sleep.
To assess the safety of the new upper limit, the CRN conducted a risk assessment via a literature review, which assessed the results of more than 60 clinical trials.
From this research, they found no indications that large quantities of oral magnesium are associated with serious side effects in those with normal kidney function.
However, the organisation cautions that those with kidney disease or other renal morbidities should consult a doctor before consuming high levels of the mineral.