Did you know that there are actually many different kinds of magnesium supplements? One of several options is magnesium chloride, which is sometimes referred to as the “master magnesium compound.”
Magnesium is absolutely vital to good health. We need it to have proper muscle and nerve function. It also helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
According to the National Institutes of Health, not every magnesium supplement is created equal, and some forms are more bioavailable than others. If you compare magnesium chloride vs. magnesium citrate or magnesium sulfate or magnesium oxide, chloride and citrate forms are believed to be better absorbed by the body than the magnesium sulfate or oxide forms.
Not many supplements give you a topical option, but in addition to taking a magnesium chloride supplement internally, there’s also the option of using topical magnesium chloride.
What Is Magnesium Chloride?
Magnesium chloride is a type of salt that is a combination of magnesium and chloride. The magnesium chloride formula is MgCl2. This means it consists of one magnesium atom and two chloride atoms.
It can naturally be obtained via the solar evaporation of seawater.
Is magnesium chloride soluble? Magnesium chloride solubility in water or another liquid is high, which means it is more completely absorbed in the gut compared to less soluble forms of magnesium.
Magnesium chloride can be found in supplements that can be taken orally or used topically to increase levels of magnesium in the body.
Benefits
Used both internally and topically, magnesium chloride benefits and uses are known to include:
1. Treat or Prevent a Magnesium Deficiency
As we age, absorption of magnesium by the gut decreases and magnesium excretion by the kidneys increases. Older adults are also more likely to have chronic diseases that affect magnesium levels and increase the risk for a magnesium deficiency.
You can obtain magnesium in your diet through eating healthy magnesium-rich foods like dark leafy greens, but if you’re still struggling to get enough then you may consider supplementing with magnesium.
It’s not uncommon to experience diarrhea as a result of taking magnesium supplements internally, which is why many people turn to magnesium chloride in topical form (such as an oil or lotion) to boost their magnesium levels.
2. Increase Low Stomach Acid
MgCl2 is sometimes used to offset a decline of gastric acid secretion in the stomach.
Gastric acid is produced by the stomach, and it’s absolutely essential to proper digestion because it helps break down foods into smaller absorbable units. Without enough gastric acid, we not only can have suboptimal digestion, but we can also experience a malabsorption of essential nutrients.
Gastric acid also helps prevent infectious bacteria from entering and populating the intestinal tract.
3. Energy Booster and Muscle Relaxer
Many people, such as athletes, use topical magnesium oil to boost energy and endurance. Topical magnesium can also help relax muscles and reduce muscle soreness, pain or cramping. Studies show that magnesium may improve physiological markers of athletic performance but more research is needed.
4. Relaxation and Better Sleep
Sleep problems can sometimes be linked to a magnesium deficiency. Meanwhile, studied indicate that magnesium can help relieve insomnia, such as sleep efficiency, sleep time and sleep onset latency.
By increasing levels of magnesium with the use of a magnesium supplement like MgCl2, you just may be able to get a better night’s sleep.
5. Helps Alleviate Depression
Research into the connection between magnesium and depression continues today, but a few years ago a study examined whether supplementing with magnesium chloride can help improve the symptoms of depression.
With 126 adults, the study ran for six weeks of daily magnesium supplementation (248 milligrams of magnesium chloride) compared to a control group without any treatment. Participants in the magnesium group experienced “clinically significant net improvement” in their depression symptoms as well as their generalized anxiety disorder scores. Meanwhile, the supplements were well tolerated and most participants reported that they would use magnesium supplements in the future.
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Supplement and Dosage Info
If you’re in the market for a magnesium chloride supplement, you have several options, including:
- Magnesium chloride tablets: Taken orally with a liquid (typically water).
- Magnesium chloride liquid: If you prefer supplements in liquid form, this another internal option. Read packaging carefully because it often needs to be diluted in eight ounces of a beverage of your choice.
- Magnesium chloride powder: Taken orally once it’s diluted in a beverage.
- Magnesium chloride oil: An oil form of magnesium that can be applied to the skin.
- Magnesium chloride lotion: A topical option for external use.
- Magnesium chloride flakes: Another external way to use magnesium chloride salt in fully body baths or foot baths.
Daily magnesium needs vary by age, gender and health status so an appropriate magnesium chloride dosage depends upon several factors.
Read product recommendations carefully, and always check with your health care provider on best dosage.
Unlocking the Secrets of Calcium and Magnesium: Your Path to Optimal Health!
Risks, Side Effects and Interactions
As with all magnesium supplements, magnesium chloride side effects may include stomach upset and diarrhea. These potential side effects can be reduced or avoided by not taking more than what is recommended and also by taking with a meal.
Topical forms of magnesium are less likely to cause digestive side effects, but it’s not uncommon for skin to feel itchy after application of a magnesium oil. If this occurs, the itching should go away once you wash the product off.
You can try a magnesium lotion, which is often combined with other skin soothing ingredients like aloe. Another option is to use magnesium flakes in a bath or foot bath.
The following drugs are known to interact with magnesium chloride:
- demeclocycline
- doxycycline
- eltrombopag
- lymecycline
- minocycline
- oxytetracycline
- tetracycline
- ciprofloxacin
- fleroxacin
- gemifloxacin
- levofloxacin
- moxifloxacin
- norfloxacin
- ofloxacin
- penicillamine
- rilpivirine
This is not an exhaustive list so check with your health care provider before combining magnesium chloride with any other medications or supplements.
Health care provider sometimes give magnesium chloride as an injection, but this is not recommended for anyone who is allergic to it or has severe heart or kidney disease. There are more potentially serious side effects of receiving an injection of magnesium chloride, such as respiratory depression or substantial decreases in blood pressure.
Can you overdose on magnesium?
As with any supplement, it is possible to overdose, which is why it’s important you read product labels carefully and seek your health care provider’s advice on an ideal magnesium chloride dosage for your needs and health goals.
In general, check with your health care provider before taking MgCl2 in any form if you have are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition or currently take medication.
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, and/or throat.
Final Thoughts
- Magnesium can be obtained through the diet by consuming healthy foods like dark leafy green vegetables, but in certain situations (such as a magnesium deficiency), magnesium chloride is a supplemental form that can be taken to boost levels of this key mineral.
- What is magnesium chloride used for? A top use is to overcome a magnesium deficiency.
- Other common magnesium chloride uses including its use to improve sleep, digestion, endurance and muscle complaints. It can also help to generally promote relaxation.
- If you put it in water, it dissolves easily. This is why it’s said to be more easily absorbed than some other forms of magnesium that do not dissolve as well in liquids.
- Magnesium chloride benefits can be obtained from using it internally as a tablet, liquid or powder supplement, or externally as a magnesium spray oil or lotion.
https://draxe.com/nutrition/magnesium-chloride-benefits/#Benefits – Article Credit Source
Magnesium Citrate
Benefits: Highly effective for relieving constipation and supporting overall magnesium levels.
Absorption: High bioavailability, meaning it’s easily absorbed by the body.
Magnesium Oxide
Benefits: Commonly used to relieve digestive issues like heartburn and indigestion.
Absorption: Lower absorption rate compared to other forms, but effective for short-term digestive relief.
Magnesium Glycinate
Benefits: Supports relaxation, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep quality. Gentle on the stomach.
Absorption: High bioavailability, making it a good option for those with sensitive digestive systems.
Magnesium Chloride
Benefits: Known as the “master magnesium compound,” magnesium chloride is excellent for overall magnesium supplementation, muscle relaxation, and relieving constipation. It can be taken orally or applied transdermally. Dr. Mark Sircus, a well-known advocate of magnesium therapy, often highlights its benefits for detoxification and cellular health. Dr. Carolyn Dean also emphasizes its importance in her book “The Magnesium Miracle,” noting its role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
Absorption: Very high absorption rate, both when taken orally and applied to the skin. Its high solubility in water makes it more completely absorbed in the gut compared to less soluble forms.
Magnesium Malate
Benefits: Helps with muscle pain and fatigue, often recommended for conditions like fibromyalgia.
Absorption: High bioavailability, making it effective for energy production and muscle function.
Magnesium Taurate
Benefits: Supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure.
Absorption: Well-absorbed and beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts)
Benefits: Used in baths to soothe sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and detoxify the body.
Absorption: Absorbed through the skin when used in baths, providing localized relief.
Spotlight on Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium chloride is particularly versatile and effective. It can be taken orally to quickly raise magnesium levels and support overall health, or applied transdermally to target specific areas of the body. This form of magnesium is highly recommended by naturopathic doctors like Dr. Mark Sircus and Dr. Carolyn Dean for its superior absorption and wide range of health benefits.
Magnesium Drip for Heart Health
In emergency medical settings, magnesium sulfate is often administered intravenously to patients experiencing severe heart conditions, such as those on the verge of a heart attack. This form of magnesium helps stabilize heart rhythms and prevent further complications.
– Discover the Power of Magnesium Chloride: In our latest newsletter, we shine a spotlight on magnesium chloride, often hailed as the “master magnesium compound.” This remarkable mineral not only supports overall magnesium supplementation but also promotes muscle relaxation and aids in relieving constipation. With its versatile application methods—whether taken orally or applied transdermally—magnesium chloride stands out for its effectiveness. Renowned experts like Dr. Mark Sircus and Dr. Carolyn Dean advocate for its use, emphasizing its vital role in detoxification and its involvement in over 300 biochemical reactions within the body.
– Unleashing the Benefits of Different Magnesium Forms: While magnesium chloride takes center stage, it’s essential to recognize the unique benefits of various magnesium forms. Magnesium citrate is known for its gentle laxative effect and is easily absorbed, making it a popular choice for digestive health. Magnesium oxide, though less bioavailable, is often used for its high magnesium content and can help with heartburn relief. Magnesium glycinate, on the other hand, is celebrated for its calming properties, making it ideal for those seeking stress relief and improved sleep quality.
– Absorption Rates That Matter: Understanding the absorption rates of these magnesium forms is crucial for maximizing their benefits. Magnesium chloride boasts a very high absorption rate, both orally and transdermally, thanks to its high solubility in water. This means it is more effectively absorbed in the gut compared to less soluble forms. In contrast, magnesium citrate also offers good absorption, while magnesium oxide has a lower absorption rate, which may limit its effectiveness. By choosing the right form of magnesium, you can ensure your body receives the optimal support it needs for overall health and wellness.
Client Testimonial
“Eva, from Douglas in South Africa couldn’t walk 5 steps without stopping to catch her breath. The community had told her about me, Kathy Harding, in Kimberley. They had all greeted her saying goodbye as there was no hope for her, she even had a funeral policy set up. When I walked in, Kathy helped me to a chair and made me comfortable. Kathy made a mix of water with magnesium chloride and asked me to drink it slowly and to do deep breathing. She also took a sample of a spray that looked yellow, sprayed it on a tissue, and told me to inhale.
I started coughing and all the while Kathy stood by my side gently rubbing my back, calming me. Once I was more relaxed, I could sit back and my breathing had improved. I continued to finish the magnesium chloride water, feeling more relaxed. Kathy started explaining about emotional trauma which was connected to my lungs, and I spurt the truth. Within 20 minutes, she told me to get up and she walked next to me telling me to take deep breaths.
Walking back to the chair and being seated, Kathy asked me, ‘How come you are breathing normally and walking like a healthy person?’ Only then did I realize that I wasn’t dying. She gave me another glass of magnesium chloride and water. I walked out to the people from Douglas who brought me and their eyes were shocked with surprise. I laughed and danced. This was on 7th Sept 2024 and my community in Douglas are all starting to go to Kathy. Today is 21st November 2024 and I’m still going strong.”
