Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is a chemical compound composed of magnesium and chlorine. Its supplementation is used to compensate for low intake or absorption of magnesium in the diet. Other magnesium compounds found in dietary supplements are magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, or magnesium hydroxide.

Magnesium Chloride: What Is It For

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral for our body and for good health, as it participates in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Our main source of magnesium, which would be food, does not provide the ideal amount of the nutrient today because of poor soil and the use of pesticides in agribusiness.

Main Causes of Magnesium Deficiency

This compromises the absorption of magnesium and other minerals by the vegetables we buy at markets and supermarkets. However, other more common causes of magnesium deficiency in the body are the excessive use of diuretics, antibiotics, or strong cancer medications. Untreated diabetes, chronic alcoholism and malabsorption diseases, gluten allergy, Crohn’s disease, and enteritis can also lead to magnesium deficiency. Elderly people and patients who have undergone intestinal surgery are among the risk groups for magnesium deficiency.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Symptoms of severe magnesium deficiency in the body include:

  • Anorexia;
  • Nausea and vomiting;
  • Fatigue;
  • Weakness;
  • Tingling and numbness;
  • Muscle contractions and cramps;
  • Seizures and coronary spasms.

Pure Magnesium Chloride for Analysis

Magnesium supplements are then an option to make up for the lack of this mineral in the diet. The most common chemical compound used in supplements is Magnesium Chloride. Some Magnesium Chloride supplements are sold as A.C.S (Pure for Analysis), which means the substance is more concentrated and the magnesium is better absorbed by the body.

Natural Magnesium Chloride

Natural Magnesium Chloride, on the other hand, is found abundantly as an inorganic salt present in seawater. However, its taste is bitter, and for this reason, it is not used as a seasoning in cooking. Magnesium Chloride has many uses, such as: promoting increased brain function, such as learning and memory; strengthening the bones and treating osteoporosis; fighting infections; treating migraines or hearing loss from metabolic disorders.

Stress Management

Additionally, Magnesium Chloride helps to eliminate stress and its adverse effects, such as depression and anxiety. Studies show that individuals with high levels of stress lose more magnesium from the body and need to replenish it.

Addiction Control

Magnesium also alleviates addictions to substances such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, or any compulsive use, by modulating the action and reward system. The risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases is reduced with the regular use of Magnesium Chloride. In children, the treatment of asthma and lung function problems is also reduced with the use of the supplement. Recently, Brazilian patients who suffered from chronic joint pain caused by the Chikungunya virus have benefited from the use of Magnesium Chloride (A.C.S).

How to Take Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride can be found on the market in capsules, powder, or drops (liquid). Since the powder, which must be diluted in a glass of water, has a very bitter taste, many prefer to buy the capsules, even though they are more expensive and not as widely available in pharmacies as the powder. Capsules should be taken with plenty of water, in the daily amount indicated by the doctor or on the package label.

Contraindications of Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium Chloride can be laxative, so it is not recommended for patients with kidney problems or those who suffer from diarrhea or myasthenia. Otherwise, it is a very safe supplement for anyone to use.

Side Effects

The side effects of Magnesium Chloride are diarrhea (mainly in the powder form), nausea and cramps. Hypermagnesemia can occur with excessive consumption, but mainly in those with impaired kidney function. This magnesium toxicity produces the following symptoms: low blood pressure, lethargy, mental confusion, cardiac arrhythmias with risk of arrest, kidney problems, muscle weakness, and respiratory difficulty. See Also: Boldo Photo: Romain Behar