Iron deficiency anemia induced by magnesium overuse: a case report

Abstract

Background Although in vitro studies show that iron absorption can be inhibited by magnesium laxatives such as magnesium oxide, taking oral iron supplements with magnesium laxatives is not considered a clinical problem. Case presentation A 28-year-old woman diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who overused magnesium laxatives was admitted to our hospital to evaluate her refractory iron deficiency anemia (IDA), despite having taken oral iron replacement therapy for nine months. She had had amenorrhea for years and her fecal occult blood tests were negative. Furthermore, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed no suspected gastroduodenal bleeding or gastroenteritis. We considered her IDA to be induced by malabsorption of iron due to magnesium laxative overuse. Psychoeducational intervention stopped the overuse and oral iron replacement therapy was switched to the intravenous route. During outpatient follow-up, her anemia gradually improved; however, when her magnesium laxative overuse began again, her hemoglobin levels suddenly decreased. Conclusions Clinicians should be attentive to the interactions between iron and magnesium laxatives.

Assessment of Micronutrient Status of Electronic Waste (E-waste) Recyclers at Agbogbloshie (Ghana) Using Dietary Information and Biomarker Data

“…We also found a direct relationship between Mg intake from diet and Fe levels in the blood. Although some studies have attributed Fe de ciency anaemia to excessive intake of Mg-rich diets (Sugimoto & Yamada, 2019), other studies report otherwise (Cinar et al, 2007;Kimura & Yokoi, 1996). These descriptive correlation data may form the basis for further studies, and also support the notion of examining multiple elements in studies given that recyclers are exposed to complex mixtures.…”

Micronutrient Status of Electronic Waste Recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana

“…We also found a direct relationship between Mg intake from diet and Fe levels in the blood. Although some studies have attributed Fe deficiency anemia to excessive intake of Mg-rich diets [ 59 ], other studies report otherwise [ 60 , 61 ]. These descriptive correlation data may form the basis for further studies, and also support the notion of examining multiple elements in studies given that recyclers are exposed to complex mixtures.…”

Iron deficiency anemia: a critical review on iron absorption, supplementation and its influence on gut microbiota

“…In addition, excessive levels of divalent metals, such as calcium, zinc and magnesium, can compete with iron for the same transporter DMT-1 during intestinal uptake, thereby inhibiting iron uptake. 65,82,83 Understanding the impact of dietary factors on iron bioavailability is vital for establishing dietary reference intake and ensuring proper iron intake in a balanced diet.…”