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Magnesium is one of the macronutrients that plays an important role in the proper functioning of the body. Deficiencies of this element have a negative effect, resulting in many unpleasant symptoms. Is magnesium chloride a salt that is a good source of this important macronutrient? We check.
Magnesium chloride – properties
Magnesium chloride is a salt that is the source of the magnesium cation – an intracellular cation, which is necessary for the synthesis and use of energy-rich bonds (ATP, GTP). In addition, it is a factor that contributes to the activation of about 300 enzymes of fat, protein or carbohydrate metabolism.
Magnesium chloride, being a source of magnesium, has a positive effect on the nervous system and heart function. It also has a positive effect on the striated muscles and the smooth muscle of the vessels.
See also: Vitamins – role, importance, supplementation [EXPLAINED]
Magnesium chloride – indications
As for magnesium chloride, the leaflet informs about the indications related to its use and the correct dosage.
Magnesium chloride, as the source of this element, is intended for people who struggle with magnesium deficiency, including for reasons such as:
- an improperly balanced diet
- reduced absorption of magnesium
- increased urinary excretion of magnesium.
Magnesium salt can also be taken prophylactically – in states of increased demand for this macronutrient.
Magnesium chloride – dosage
In the case of preparations containing magnesium chloride, the leaflet indicates the dosage taking into account the demand for this element (approx. 270-350 mg / d).
Oral administration is used as a prophylaxis and supplementation of minor deficiencies. In acute hypomagnesaemia, intramuscular or intravenous infusions are used.
See also: Is it worth taking supplements?
Magnesium chloride – contraindications to use
Contraindications to the use of magnesium chloride include:
- hypermagnesemia
- kidney failure
- hypotension
- myasthenia
- atrioventricular block
Magnesium chloride – drug interactions
Magnesium chloride may reduce the absorption of iron, fluoride, tetracyclines and warfarin derivatives. The amount of magnesium, however, can be reduced with the simultaneous intake of preparations containing, among others, phosphates, high doses of calcium.
You should also be aware that taking loop diuretics, mineralocorticosteroids or cycloserine may increase the excretion of magnesium in the urine.
See also: What do phosphates in urine mean?
Magnesium chloride – side effects
As for magnesium chloride, the leaflet indicates the possibility of side effects – most often in the case of an excess of the element in the body.
Possible side effects include bradycardia, gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, diarrhea, drop in blood pressure. Many of these side effects can be alleviated by taking magnesium chloride with food.
Almost all forms of magnesium supplements have a laxative effect. Those that are more easily absorbed in the gut pose a lower risk because smaller doses are needed for them.
At one end of the spectrum, magnesium oxide can cause diarrhea because it is so poorly absorbed and requires larger doses. Magnesium glycinate, on the other hand, is the best-absorbed form and does not pose much risk. Magnesium chloride is somewhere in the middle.
Rare side effects include dizziness, fainting, confusion, allergy, and hematochezia (blood in the stools). Let’s see your doctor if you experience these symptoms after taking a magnesium supplement.
See also: Seven signs that you are lacking vitamins and trace elements
Magnesium chloride – reviews
Reviews about magnesium chloride are generally positive. People using supplementation emphasize, above all, the possibility of quickly supplementing the diet with magnesium.
Magnesium salts such as magnesium chloride correct magnesium deficiencies better because they can be dissolved in water. Compared to the less soluble forms of magnesium, magnesium chloride is almost completely absorbed in the gut, increasing its bioavailability in the blood.
According to a 2017 review in Current Nutrition and Food Science, magnesium chloride (and other magnesium salts such as magnesium aspartate, gluconate, citrate, and lactate) have a bioavailability of 50% to 67%. Organic salts like magnesium chloride are slightly more effective than inorganic salts (of all available sources, magnesium gluconate has the highest overall bioavailability, while magnesium oxide has the lowest).
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Magnesium chloride – health benefits
Magnesium chloride is mainly used to supplement the diet with magnesium. While it does not “cure” conditions as such, it can help overcome a magnesium deficiency and thus improve or restore certain physiological functions.
Magnesium chloride and magnesium deficiency
As mentioned previously, magnesium is a nutrient essential to human health. It is responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including the regulation of blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and the function of muscles and nerves. It is also essential for the production of protein, bone minerals, and DNA.
Although magnesium deficiency is often subclinical (i.e. with no visible symptoms), it can manifest as generalized or non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, depression, tremor (involuntary seizures) and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Chronic magnesium deficiencies are closely related to many health problems, including asthma, migraine, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and colon cancer. Given the range of diseases that magnesium deficiency can cause, there are some who believe that magnesium supplements like magnesium chloride can not only prevent certain diseases, but also actively treat them. This is a controversial issue that is under constant debate.
See also: Amino acids – what are their functions in the body?
Magnesium chloride and type 2 diabetes
One such example is type 2 diabetes, in which early research suggested that magnesium supplements were able to increase insulin sensitivity and improve glucose control. The results led some to believe that magnesium supplements like magnesium chloride were somehow independently related to glucose control.
A 2017 review published in the journal Nutrition evaluated 12 clinical trials and found that a magnesium supplement actually improved insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes – but only in people with magnesium deficiency. There is no evidence of benefits outside of this group, and it is not known what level of deficiency is needed to reap the benefits of magnesium supplementation.
Magnesium chloride and high blood pressure
There is some evidence, though uncertain, that magnesium supplements like magnesium chloride can help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
According to a 2016 review of high blood pressure studies, 368 milligrams of magnesium per day over a three-month period lowered systolic (upper) blood pressure by 2 mmHg and diastolic (lower) blood pressure by 1,78 mmHg, compared to placebo. Moreover, the effect seemed to improve month by month. Despite the positive results, it is unclear whether your blood pressure will continue to improve to normal levels with prolonged treatment or it will just drop.
Moreover, it is not known whether supplementation would benefit healthy people, given that the studies analyzed mainly looked at people with cancer, severe infectious disease, active liver or kidney disease, or other serious medical conditions. So more research is needed. So far, there is no evidence that magnesium supplements like magnesium chloride can prevent hypertension.
Magnesium chloride and sports performance
Magnesium is often added to sports supplements, assuming it can help boost energy levels and increase athletic performance. Despite many anecdotal reports supporting such use, the current evidence remains contradictory.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Medicine found that 13 athletes prescribed a one-week or four-week “loading” dose of magnesium (300 milligrams per day) experienced a nominal 7,7% increase in daytime bench press performance, directly after the end of treatment.
However, on the second day, those who received the four-week course of magnesium experienced a 32% drop in performance compared to those treated for one week with no change.
Magnesium likely contributes to athletic performance (especially in situations where electrolytes are depleted through sweat). However, given the conflicting results in the study mentioned above, it is unclear exactly what physiological mechanisms play a role.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.