What Is The Definition Of Magnesium Chloride?

Magnesium chloride is a crystalline salt used to replenish electrolytes and magnesium in your body. In addition to calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphorous and sodium, magnesium is one of the six minerals required by your body in greater than trace amounts. According to "The Magnesium Miracle," every organ in your body requires magnesium to function properly. Additionally, magnesium contributes to energy production and helps regulate levels of vitamins and minerals in your body.

Magnesium deficiency

Because so many of your bodily functions require magnesium, "The Magnesium Miracle" recommends getting tested to see if you have a magnesium deficiency. Some of the symptoms associated with magnesium deficiency include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. If you have a prolonged magnesium deficiency, additional symptoms may manifest, including coronary spasms, abnormal heart rhythms, numbness and seizures. A magnesium deficiency can also cause calcium and potassium levels in your body to drop.

Taking Magnesium

You should speak with a medical professional prior to taking any supplement including magnesium chloride. Your body can better absorb magnesium chloride when taken with vitamin B6 or other B complex vitamins. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, children from 7 to 10 years of age should take 170 mg of magnesium per day. Adolescents and adult females should take between 280 and 300 mg of magnesium per day, and adult males should take between 270 and 400 mg daily. If you use magnesium to treat a specific medical condition, your medical professional can recommend an appropriate dose.

Natural Source of Magnesium

You can also find magnesium in a variety of foods. According to "The Magnesium Miracle," if you eat a well-balanced diet, you will most likely not suffer from a magnesium deficiency unless you have an underlying medical condition. Good food sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables, wheat bran and a variety of nuts including peanuts, almonds, pistachios and Brazil nuts. Herbs, seeds, spices and bran cereals are also good sources of magnesium.

Precautions

If you have certain medical conditions or take certain medications, magnesium supplements such as magnesium chloride can cause a negative interaction that can aggravate your condition. If you have a heart or kidney condition, you should generally not take magnesium supplements. If you have calcium deficiency, you should speak with a medical professional prior to consuming a magnesium supplement because magnesium will compete with calcium for absorption in your body.