Advice; Dear Doctor: Can magnesium oxide prevent, or slow down, kidney stone formation? Published: ; Jun. 20, 2025, 6:00 a.m.

Magnesium oxide is absorbed at very low rates in humans. A 2017 study found that rats only absorbed 15% of orally administered magnesium oxide; they excreted the rest.

Studies suggest that magnesium ions provided by magnesium oxide interrupt the brain signals that may cause migraine. A dose of 400–500 milligrams per day may be required to be effective.

Magnesium is one of the most common minerals in the body. It plays a role in over over 600 metabolic reactions, including energy production, protein formation, and blood pressure regulation.

Symptoms of low magnesium include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and more. Low magnesium is also linked to headaches. For this reason, magnesium oxide is sometimes used to treat and prevent ...