What Is Magnesium Chloride Good For?

Magnesium chloride exists as a salt in which magnesium ions are chemically bonded to chlorine. Available in a variety of forms, this form of the mineral shows a range of unique uses in the body, With more than 300 enzymes dependent on an adequate supply of magnesium just to function, absorbable forms of magnesium such as chlorides can affect health in a number of ways.

Magnesium Deficiency

Due to the processing that most food undergoes, magnesium levels in your diet may not meet the levels required for optimum health. Magnesium deficiency stands out as a major problem if you consider the wide range of symptoms that doctors link with shortages of this key mineral. Carolyn Dean, M.D., the author of “The Magnesium Miracle”, says how magnesium deficiency can result in a number of different problems, including cramps, fatigue, poor sleep and heart attacks.

Chloride

Naturally occurring in sea water, magnesium chloride is the most abundant form of the mineral available on earth. This particular salt also occurs in foods. Walter Lust, a contributor to Health Science Spirit, prefers this form of magnesium, explaining that the body converts many other forms of magnesium into chloride once absorbed. He also notes that the additional chloride provided by use of magnesium chloride can help the body produce hydrochloric acid, required for optimal absorption.

Mineral Baths

You can use the chloride form in supplemental forms but, because this salt diffuses through the layers of the skin, transdermal absorption also represents another valid option. Silver Medicines state how transdermal absorption corrects magnesium deficiency faster than oral supplements and that those with impaired digestion may need to use this alternative method.

Magnesium Oil

A newer alternative to salt baths involves the use of magnesium oil, which you may apply onto your skin. Silver Medicine reports that this move can achieve the same level of magnesium absorption without the fuss of preparing a salt bath. Contrary to popular belief, magnesium oil is not actually an oil; the solution contains magnesium chloride crystals dissolved into a small amount of water. Thinner areas of skin appear to offer best absorption.

Research

Magnesium chloride appears an effective option to correct cases of magnesium deficiency. Silver Medicine refers to a study conducted by Dr. Norman Shealy, a U.S. physician who specializes in the treatment of chronic pain. Dr. Shealy took a number of patients with magnesium deficiency and gave them a daily foot soak, having dissolved magnesium chloride into the water. After just four weeks, 75 percent of the patients showed significant improvements in their magnesium status.