Magnesium chloride is a chemical compound composed of magnesium and chlorine. Liquid magnesium chloride is a supplement used to offset inadequate consumption or absorption of dietary magnesium, but magnesium chloride contains less elemental magnesium, or magnesium that is available for absorption by your body, than other magnesium compounds used in supplements, the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements reports, including magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate and and magnesium hydroxide.
Uses
Magnesium chloride can be used to supplement low blood magnesium levels in individuals who take medications or suffer from conditions that inhibit their ability to absorb dietary magnesium, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. The most common causes of magnesium deficiency are treatment with diuretics, antibiotics or certain cancer medications, poorly controlled diabetes, chronic alcoholism, and malabsorption diseases like Crohn's disease, gluten-sensitive enteropathy and regional enteritis. Older individuals and those who have undergone intestinal surgery are also at higher risk for magnesium deficiencies. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, numbness, tingling, muscle contractions and cramps, seizures, personality changes, arrhythmia and coronary spasms.
Function
Magnesium is integral in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, the Office of Dietary Supplements explains, and plays important roles in muscle, nerve and immune function, preventing arrhythmia, bone strength, regulating blood sugar and blood pressure levels, energy metabolism and protein synthesis.
Side Effects
Supplemental magnesium chloride side effects include diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University warns that large doses of supplemental magnesium can cause magnesium toxicity, or hypermagnesemia, particularly in those with compromised kidney function. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity include hypotension, lethargy, confusion, disturbances in normal cardiac rhythm, loss of kidney function, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing and cardiac arrest.
Considerations
Magnesium chloride supplements aren't appropriate for some individuals. Consult your doctor before beginning magnesium supplementation if you are currently taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate, digoxin, antibiotics, medication for osteoporosis or Paget's disease, thyroid replacement hormones or amphetamines, including medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or if you suffer from impaired kidney function, stomach ulcers or dehydration, the Drugs.com website warns.
Warning
Magnesium chloride can cause rare allergic reactions, symptoms of which include hives, severe dizziness, difficult breathing and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction, Drugs.com instructs. Consult your physician before taking any supplement.
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