Mg supplements come in many forms:
1. magnesium aspartate
2. magnesium chloride
3. magnesium citrate
4. magnesium glycinate
5. magnesium lactate
6. magnesium malate
7. magnesium oxide
8. magnesium sulfate/Epsom Salts/
9. magnesium taurate
Each form has its merit. However, cheaper forms such as Mg oxide and Mg carbonate are less bioavailable than other forms.
Excess Mg is rare, as it is necessary for hundreds of body functions and is often deficient. Plus, excess Mg is cleared from the body by the kidneys. However, people with renal problems, kidney failure, or Addison’s disease are more likely to absorb too much magnesium.
Symptoms of excess Mg (hypermagnesemia) include lethargy, facial flushing, diarrhea, nausea, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, urine retention, and breathing difficulties. Having a hair analysis helps to keep Mg in balance with other minerals.
Magnesium Chloride (MgCL2) is well absorbed and has many benefits. In North America, it is produced primarily from Great Salt Lake brine. Other sources include the Dead Sea brine in the Jordan Valley and the evaporation of seawater. It occurs at higher concentrations as the mineral bischofite (MgCL2.6H2O) from ancient seabeds such as the Zechstein seabed in NW Europe. Hydrated Mg chloride (MgCL2.nH2O) is highly soluble in water.
Transdermal Magnesium Chloride is the most bioavailable form of Mg chloride. It also bypasses problems associated with oral Mg supplements (e.g., loose bowels).
Elektra uses Mg chloride in its transdermal creams, lotion, and oil, making it superior to other brands. They are available in the USA at Magnesium Via Skin. In Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, they are available at Elektra Magnesium.
Terra Aqua and Mia Aqua, by Masters of Health Spa, are two divine, chakra-balancing body spray mists that nourish with Mg chloride and essential oils, while producing a heavenly experience.
Magnesium Sulfate/Sulphate (MgSO4) crystallizes as hydrates and loses water upon heating. Mg sulfate monohydrate is the most commonly used form in agriculture. Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is Epsom Salts. The WHO recommends magnesium sulfate heptahydrate for medical injection.
Since 1618, practitioners have used Mg sulfate (MgSo4) to treat arrhythmia, constipation, high blood pressure, injuries, poisoning from lead, barium, and chloride, seizures, aches, muscle pain, sore feet, and other ailments. It is also used as a bronchodilator for asthma and is on the WHO’s list of essential medicines.
Epsom Salts (MgSO4.7H2O) are crystals of hydrated magnesium sulfate heptahydrate derived from a bitter saline spring in Epsom in Surrey, England. It is a natural source of both magnesium and sulfur.
Epsom salts are a purgative, exfoliant, muscle relaxer, and pain reliever in baths. However, these differ from Epsom salts used for gardening because they contain aromas and perfumes, which are unsuitable for plants.
Read Magnesium Extraordinaire - Part 2
in the October issue of
Masters of Health Magazine