Did you know that there are actually many different types of magnesium supplements? One of several options is magnesium chloride, which is sometimes called the "master magnesium compound."

Magnesium is essential for good health. Why exactly is magnesium important?

First, 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 the benefits of magnesium chloride vs. magnesium citrate or the uses of magnesium chloride vs. magnesium sulfate, the chloride and citrate forms are considered more easily absorbed by the body than the magnesium sulfate or oxide forms.Not many supplements give you a topical option, but in addition to taking magnesium chloride supplements internally, there is also the option of using topical magnesium chloride.

What is magnesium chloride? How does it work?

The chemical formula of magnesium chloride is MgCl2. This means it is composed of one magnesium atom and two chlorine atoms.

What is magnesium chloride? It is a salt composed of magnesium and chloride.

It is obtained naturally through solar evaporation of seawater.

Is magnesium chloride soluble?

Magnesium chloride is soluble in water or other liquids and is highly soluble, which means it is more completely absorbed in the intestines than less soluble magnesium.

Magnesium chloride can be found in supplements that can be taken orally or used topically to increase the amount of magnesium in the body.

Benefits and uses

What are the uses of magnesium chloride?

Internal and external use, Magnesium chloride benefits and uses include:

1. Treat or prevent magnesium deficiency

As we age, intestinal absorption of magnesium decreases and renal excretion of magnesium increases. Older adults are also more likely to have chronic conditions that affect magnesium levels and increase the risk of deficiency.

You can get magnesium from your diet by eating healthy foods rich in magnesium, such as dark leafy green vegetables, but if you're still having trouble getting enough magnesium, you might consider taking a magnesium supplement.

It's not uncommon to get diarrhea from taking magnesium supplements internally, which is why many people turn to topical magnesium chloride (as an oil or lotion) to boost magnesium levels.

2. Increase low stomach acid

MgCl2 is sometimes used to counteract a decrease in gastric acid secretion in the stomach.

Gastric acid is produced by the stomach and is absolutely necessary for proper digestion as it helps break down food into smaller absorbable units. Without enough stomach acid, we not only experience indigestion, but also malabsorption of essential nutrients.

Stomach acid also helps prevent infectious bacteria from entering and filling the intestines.

3. Energy booster and muscle relaxer

Many people, such as athletes, use topical magnesium oil to increase energy and endurance. Topical magnesium can also help relax muscles and reduce muscle soreness, pain, or cramps.

4. Relaxation and better sleep

Sleep problems can sometimes be related to magnesium deficiency.

According to the National Sleep Foundation:

Small studies have found that magnesium supplements can help older adults fall asleep faster and also help people with restless legs syndrome log more hours of sleep. Other studies show that magnesium increases the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which can slow down your thinking and help you fall asleep.

By increasing your magnesium levels with a magnesium supplement like MgCl2, also known as the "relaxation mineral," you may get better sleep.

Supplements and Dosage Information

If you're in the market for magnesium chloride supplements, you have several options, including:

1. Magnesium chloride tablets: Take by mouth with a liquid (usually water).

2. Magnesium Chloride Liquid: If you prefer a liquid form of your supplement, this is another in-house option. Read the package carefully as it usually needs to be diluted in an 8-ounce drink of your choice.

3. Magnesium chloride powder: Dilute in a drink and take orally.

4. Magnesium Chloride Oil: Magnesium in the form of an oil that can be applied to the skin.

5. Magnesium Chloride Lotion: A topical option for external use.

6. Magnesium Chloride Tablets: Another external way to use magnesium chloride salts in a body or foot bath.

Daily magnesium needs vary based on age, gender, and health status, so the appropriate magnesium chloride dose depends on several factors.

Read product recommendations carefully and always check with your healthcare provider for optimal dosage.

Risks, Side Effects and Interactions

As with all magnesium supplements, side effects of magnesium chloride may include stomach upset and diarrhea. These potential side effects can be reduced or avoided by not taking more than the recommended amount and by taking it with meals.

Topical forms of magnesium are less likely to cause digestive side effects, but it's not uncommon for your skin to feel itchy after using magnesium oil. If this happens, the itching will go away once you wash off the product.

You can try magnesium lotion, which is often combined with other skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera. Another option is to use magnesium tablets in your bathtub or foot bath.

The following drugs are known to interact with magnesium chloride:

Norcycline/Doxycycline/Eltrombopag/Lemecycline/Minocycline/Oxytetracycline/Tetracycline/Ciprofloxacin/Fleroxacin/Gemifloxacin/Levofloxacin/Moxifloxacin/Norfloxacin/Ofloxacin/Penicillamine/Rilpivirine

This is not an exhaustive list, so consult your healthcare provider before combining magnesium chloride with any other medications or supplements.

Health care providers sometimes inject magnesium chloride, but it is not recommended for people who are allergic to magnesium chloride or have severe heart or kidney disease. Receiving magnesium chloride injections has more potentially serious side effects, such as respiratory depression or a large drop in blood pressure.

Can you overdose on magnesium?

As with any supplement, it can be overdosed, which is why it is important to read product labels carefully and seek advice from your healthcare provider on the ideal magnesium chloride dose to suit your needs and health goals.

In general, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have health problems or are currently taking medication, consult your healthcare provider before taking any form of MgCl2.

Seek emergency medical attention if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as urticaria, severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat.

Final thoughts

Magnesium can be obtained from the diet by consuming healthy foods (such as dark leafy greens), but in some cases (such as magnesium deficiency), magnesium chloride is a supplementary form that can be used to increase the level of this key mineral.

What is magnesium chloride used for? The most important use is to overcome magnesium deficiency.

Other common uses of magnesium chloride include its use to improve sleep, digestion, endurance and muscle discomfort. It can also help promote relaxation in general.

If you put it in water, it dissolves easily. This is why it is said to be more easily absorbed than some other forms of magnesium that are not soluble in liquids.

The benefits of magnesium chloride are available through internal use as a tablet, liquid or powder supplement, or externally as a magnesium spray oil or lotion.