Your body needs magnesium, a mineral found in some foods. Some proponents claim that magnesium chloride, a magnesium supplement, is more bioavailable than other forms. The supplement treats magnesium deficiency and reduces risk of some diseases. Take magnesium chloride under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider to prevent adverse health effects. Make sure your doctor knows what medications you take, because magnesium can react with some drugs.
Function
Magnesium helps muscles to contract and relax, according to the National Institutes of Health. It allows specific enzymes, a type of protein, to function. Energy production and transport and protein synthesis require magnesium. It helps keep heart rhythm steady, supports immune response and maintains bone strength. Magnesium also regulates blood sugar, blood pressure and calcium levels.
Benefits
Magnesium in the diet may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, heart attack and diabetes, according to the American Heart Association. Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of symptoms that increase your risk for heart attack, stroke and diabetes, including increased blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Magnesium may protect against type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, hearing loss and osteoporosis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It may relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia, migraines, preeclampsia and eclampsia, premenstrual syndrome and restless leg syndrome.
Deficiency
Magnesium chloride can treat magnesium deficiency. Most people probably don't get as much magnesium as they need, although they are unlikely truly magnesium deficient, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Certain medical conditions, including an intestinal virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism and kidney disease, can cause temporary magnesium deficiency.Other causes include taking diuretics, too much coffee, soda, salt or alcohol, heavy menstrual periods, excessive sweating and chronic stress. Signs of deficiency include agitation and anxiety, restless leg syndrome, sleep disorders, irritability, nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, confusion, muscle spasm and weakness, hyperventilation, insomnia, poor nail growth and seizures, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Administration
Take magnesium chloride with a full glass of water, Drugs.com recommends. Take it with food if it causes stomach problems. Do not crush, chew or break an extended-release tablet to prevent the release of too much magnesium at once. Try to take the supplement at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Magnesium chloride also comes in flake and liquid forms.
Warning
Do not take this supplement if you are allergic to it, dehydrated or have kidney disease or a stomach ulcer or disorder, according to Drugs.com. If you're pregnant, consult your doctor before you take this supplement. Avoid using antacids or laxatives because you may get too much magnesium. Tell your doctor if you are taking medications or other supplements, especially those that may interact with magnesium chloride, including antibiotics, ADHD medication, thyroid medication or medication for osteoporosis or Paget's disease. Have your blood and kidney functions tested regularly. Alert your doctor if you have symptoms of too much magnesium, such as depression, feeling tired or irritable, muscle cramps or severe or ongoing diarrhea. Overdose signs may also include thirst, confusion, severe drowsiness, slow heart rate, urinating less than usual or not at all, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath or fainting.
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