Valupak Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals in the human body, involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions and required for the normal function of muscles, nerves, bones, and energy metabolism. Valupak Magnesium 187.5 mg tablets provide a convenient daily magnesium supplement for adults who may not obtain sufficient magnesium from their diet alone. Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, supports normal electrolyte balance, and is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. A practical and affordable nutrient support supplement from the Valupak vitamins range, available without a prescription.

Valupak Magnesium 187.5 mg tablets are a food supplement providing magnesium, an essential mineral, in tablet form. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and is found primarily in bones (around 60 percent), muscles (around 25 percent), and soft tissues and fluids. It is required as a cofactor for hundreds of enzymatic processes and plays a fundamental role in energy production, protein synthesis, DNA replication, and cell signalling.

The 187.5 mg figure refers to the amount of elemental magnesium provided per tablet. The European Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for magnesium is 375 mg per day for adults. One Valupak Magnesium tablet therefore provides 50 percent of the daily NRV. Some adults take one tablet daily as a general supplement, while others take two tablets to meet the full NRV. Always follow the dosage instructions on the product label and do not exceed the stated maximum dose.

Many adults in the UK have magnesium intakes below the recommended level. Good dietary sources of magnesium include dark green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, and some fish. Those who eat a restricted diet, have high alcohol consumption, take certain medicines, or have conditions affecting magnesium absorption may benefit most from a daily magnesium supplement. Valupak Magnesium provides a straightforward and practical approach to daily nutrient support.

Magnesium exerts its nutritional effects by acting as a cofactor for enzymes and by playing structural and regulatory roles throughout the body. The following authorised health claims reflect the established roles of magnesium in human physiology.

Muscle Support

Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function. It plays a key role in muscle contraction and relaxation by regulating calcium movement across muscle cell membranes. Adequate magnesium helps muscles contract and relax normally. Low magnesium levels are associated with muscle cramps, spasms, and twitching, which is why magnesium supplements are frequently taken by people who experience these symptoms. Magnesium also contributes to normal protein synthesis, which is important for muscle maintenance and repair.

Nervous System Support

Magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. It regulates neurotransmitter activity and plays a role in the transmission of nerve impulses. Magnesium also contributes to normal psychological function, supporting mood regulation and cognitive processes as part of adequate overall nutrition. Many people who experience tiredness, low mood, or difficulty concentrating consider whether their magnesium intake is adequate.

Energy Metabolism and Tiredness Reduction

Magnesium contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue. It is required for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of cells, as ATP must be bound to magnesium to be biologically active. Without adequate magnesium, the body cannot produce or use energy efficiently. This is why fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of low magnesium intake, and why magnesium is widely taken as a nutrient support supplement for overall wellness.

Bone Health and Electrolyte Balance

Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. It is a structural component of bone mineral and also regulates the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone remodelling. Approximately 60 percent of the body's magnesium is stored in bone. Magnesium also contributes to the maintenance of normal electrolyte balance, working alongside potassium, sodium, and calcium to regulate fluid balance and cell membrane potential. Normal electrolyte balance is essential for heart, muscle, and nerve function.

Always follow the dosage instructions on the product label.

• Take one to two tablets daily, as directed on the product label or as advised by your pharmacist.
• Magnesium tablets are best taken with food to improve absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Swallow each tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent magnesium levels.
• Do not exceed the stated maximum dose on the product label. Excessive magnesium from supplements can cause diarrhoea and, at very high doses, more serious effects.
• If you take prescription medicines, particularly antibiotics (tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones), bisphosphonates, or medicines for diabetes, speak to your pharmacist before taking magnesium supplements. Magnesium can affect the absorption of some medicines if taken at the same time. Allow a gap of at least two hours between magnesium supplements and any medicine that may interact.

Valupak Magnesium 187.5 mg Tablets

Each tablet provides 187.5 mg of elemental magnesium, which is 50 percent of the EU/UK Nutrient Reference Value of 375 mg per day. Taking one tablet daily provides a supplementary contribution to daily magnesium intake alongside dietary sources. Taking two tablets daily provides the full NRV from supplementation alone.

The appropriate dose depends on your individual dietary intake and any advice from your pharmacist or GP. For adults with a generally balanced diet, one tablet daily may be sufficient as a top-up supplement. For those with lower dietary magnesium intake or increased magnesium requirements, two tablets daily may be more appropriate. Always check the product label for the recommended daily amount and do not exceed it.

Valupak Magnesium is well tolerated by most adults at the recommended dose. Side effects are uncommon at standard supplemental amounts.

Possible Side Effects

• Diarrhoea, particularly if magnesium supplements are taken at higher doses or on an empty stomach. Magnesium has a laxative effect at doses above the body's absorptive capacity. Taking tablets with food and staying within the stated dose reduces this risk.
• Nausea or stomach upset, particularly when starting supplementation or if taken without food.

Signs of Excessive Magnesium Intake

Taking magnesium supplements at doses significantly higher than the recommended amount for a prolonged period can cause hypermagnesaemia (too much magnesium in the blood). This is rare from food supplements at recommended doses but is more common in people with kidney impairment, who cannot excrete excess magnesium efficiently. Symptoms include nausea, flushing, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeat. If you have kidney disease, speak to your GP before taking magnesium supplements.

Speak to a Pharmacist or GP Before Taking If You:

• Have kidney disease or impaired kidney function. The kidneys regulate magnesium excretion, and people with kidney problems may accumulate excess magnesium more easily.
• Take any prescription medicines, particularly antibiotics, bisphosphonates, or diabetes medicines.
• Take diuretics (water tablets). Some diuretics increase magnesium excretion; others reduce it. The interaction depends on the type of diuretic.
• Take digoxin or any other heart medicines. Magnesium affects electrolyte balance, which is important in people taking heart medicines.

This Supplement May Be Suitable For:

• Adults with low dietary magnesium intake who wish to supplement their daily nutrient support.
• Adults who experience muscle cramps, spasms, or twitching and wish to ensure adequate magnesium intake.
• Adults who experience tiredness and fatigue and want to support their magnesium levels as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
• Older adults, in whom dietary magnesium intake and absorption may be lower.
• Adults who exercise regularly, as magnesium is lost through sweat and demands may be higher.
• Adults taking medicines that may deplete magnesium, such as certain diuretics or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Speak to a Pharmacist or GP First If You:

• Have kidney disease or impaired kidney function.
• Take regular prescription medicines, particularly antibiotics, bisphosphonates, or heart medicines.
• Take diuretics of any kind.
• Take other magnesium-containing supplements or laxatives, to avoid exceeding safe intake levels.

Allow at least two hours between magnesium supplements and the following medicines, as magnesium can reduce their absorption:

• Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline, tetracycline): magnesium binds to these antibiotics, reducing their absorption. Take the antibiotic at least two hours before or four to six hours after the magnesium supplement.
• Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin): same absorption reducing interaction. Allow a two-hour gap.
• Bisphosphonates (e.g. alendronic acid, risedronate): take bisphosphonates on an empty stomach with water only, well separated from magnesium supplements.
• Diabetes medicines (e.g. metformin): separation by at least two hours is advisable. Magnesium status can also affect insulin sensitivity.
• Diuretics: loop diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide) increase magnesium excretion and may deplete magnesium levels. Potassium-sparing diuretics may reduce excretion. Speak to your GP about the right approach if you take diuretics.

Valupak Magnesium 187.5 mg is a General Sale List product and does not require a prescription or pharmacist consultation. It can be purchased directly through Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. All products are genuine, properly stored, and handled by qualified pharmacy professionals. We stock a range of mineral supplements and vitamins to support different aspects of daily health, including muscle support, bone health, nervous system support, and electrolyte balance.

If you have questions about whether magnesium supplements are right for you, or how they fit with your current medicines, our pharmacy team is happy to help before you order.

Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Store away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed between uses. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging. Full storage instructions are provided on the product packaging.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy committed to providing quality supplements and pharmacy products with honest, accurate information. Magnesium is one of the most evidence-supported minerals for supplementation, with extensive EFSA-authorised health claims covering muscle function, nervous system support, energy metabolism, bone health, and electrolyte balance. We follow all applicable GPhC, MHRA, and ASA regulations. All health claims on this page are limited to those that are EFSA-authorised for magnesium. We are committed to clear, evidence-based information that helps you make confident health choices. Our pharmacists are available to answer questions about any supplement or medicine we stock. We are committed to transparent, patient centred care.

References

1. NHS. Vitamins and minerals — Others — Magnesium. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others. Accessed May 2026.
2. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to magnesium. EFSA Journal. 2010;8(10):1807. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com. Accessed May 2026.
3. Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). Magnesium. https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/scientific-advisory-committee-on-nutrition. Accessed May 2026.
4. Razzaque MS. Magnesium: Are we consuming enough? Nutrients. 2018;10(12):1863. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121863. Accessed May 2026.
5. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Yellow Card — report a side effect. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed May 2026.

Individual Minerals and Single-Nutrient Tablets

The table below compares seven single or dual-nutrient tablet supplements in the Vitamins range. Each addresses a specific daily nutrient need and can be taken individually or alongside a multivitamin.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.