Dosage change+ heart problem

Chrissie

Very much hopes this stabilises the atrial fibrillation. Will be interested to hear how you get on - after being undetectable on 200mg imatinib for the last 2 years I'm planning a discussion with the consultant about 100mg. Best wishes. Alastair

Chrissie, I wouldn't expect your dosage reduction to 100mg to have any measurable effect on your BCR-ABL1 readings. Typically when CML levels are low for a prolonged period of time, (and yours are very low), TKI dosage doesn't seem to matter.

Buzz

Chrissie,

This is important.

Blood levels of magnesium are not a good indicator of sufficient magnesium because the blood must have proper magnesium levels to keep us alive and will "steal" it from muscles to make sure that happens (e.g. heart). I'll explain:

The ratios of sodium to potassium and calcium to magnesium in the blood are crucial for maintaining various physiological processes in the body. These electrolyte balances play a key role in ensuring proper cellular function, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and overall homeostasis. The ratio must be maintained or the body suffers.

Sodium to Potassium Ratio:
Nerve and Muscle Function: Sodium and potassium are essential for the generation and transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Nerve cells, including those in the brain, rely on the movement of sodium and potassium ions across cell membranes to transmit signals.
Fluid Balance: The sodium-potassium pump helps regulate the balance of fluids inside and outside cells. This is crucial for maintaining proper cell volume and preventing cell damage.

Calcium to Magnesium Ratio:
Muscle Contraction and Relaxation: Calcium is necessary for muscle contraction, while magnesium is involved in muscle relaxation. The balance between these two minerals is crucial for the proper functioning of muscles throughout the body, including the heart.
Bone Health: Both calcium and magnesium are essential for bone health. Calcium provides the structural integrity of bones, while magnesium helps regulate calcium levels and contributes to bone density.

Imbalances in these ratios can lead to various health issues:

Sodium-Potassium Imbalance: An imbalance in the sodium-potassium ratio can contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and impaired nerve and muscle function.

Calcium-Magnesium Imbalance: An improper balance between calcium and magnesium can affect muscle function, potentially leading to muscle cramps, spasms, and cardiovascular issues. It may also impact bone health and contribute to conditions like osteoporosis.

To maintain these ratios, the body will take electrolytes out of muscles to keep the blood level in balance.

You should be taking 400 mg Magnesium (as citrate, taurate or other, but NOT Oxide) per day. This will go a long way to restoring your "STORES" of magnesium back in muscle.

Magnesium oxide has poor bioavailability compared to the other forms of magnesium (citrate, malate, glycinate, taurate)

Bioavailability:

Magnesium oxide has relatively low bioavailability, meaning that a smaller percentage of the ingested magnesium is actually absorbed and utilized by the body. Bioavailability is influenced by factors such as the form of the magnesium, its solubility, and how well it survives the digestive process.

Solubility:

Magnesium oxide is not very soluble in water. The solubility of a compound can affect its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Since magnesium oxide is not highly soluble, it may not dissolve well in the stomach, and this can impact its absorption.

Low Absorption Rate:

Studies have shown that magnesium oxide has a lower absorption rate compared to some other forms of magnesium, such as magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate. The body may struggle to absorb magnesium from magnesium oxide efficiently (~ 4% absorption rate ....very low).

(so why is magnesium oxide used and common: it is inexpensive and helps bowel movements because it stays in the gut. It is a laxative because it is not absorbed well)

Chrissie,
I would stick with magnesium supplements that are complexed with citrate, malate, turate or glycinate. The supplement you describe is more for laxative effects or as an antacid and will increase water into the intestines (counter constipation). The bioavailability is lower than the other list.