Magnesium Chloride - The Master Magnesium Compound

Magnesium, like other minerals of definitive nutritional value, occurs as various inorganic and organic forms in nature and with varying degrees of efficiency in human biochemistry. And yet, while magnesium remains undeniably therapeutic to the human body in its own right, much is left unsaid to address the type and quality of magnesium being utilized to provide the user with recognizable benefits. Magnesium oil, liquid magnesium, and magnesium spray – all names which invariably refer to a concentrated solution of magnesium chloride, recognized by many medical professionals as the “Master Magnesium Compound” for both dietary and topical use.

Why Magnesium Chloride?

According to Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, author of the Magnesium Miracle and world renowned expert on magnesium therapy, magnesium chloride and other inorganic magnesium salts occur as metal-ligand complexes. These metal-ligand compounds are assigned a value, called a stability constant, which can range from less than one, into the teens. Essentially, the stability constant of a metal-ligand complex defines its relative ability to dissociate into ionic form (e.g. free magnesium and chloride ions). The closer the stability constant is to zero, the more soluble the complex is, and the more easily the complex can break down into ionic form for bioavailability. After all, we are not assimilating magnesium as the magnesium chloride compound, but rather, as free magnesium and chloride ions. Magnesium chloride has a stability constant of zero, allowing it to be totally ionized across a wide pH range, from a low pH of 2 to 3 as one would find in stomach acid, to as high as the slightly alkaline physiologic pH of 7.4 (the pH of the main extracellular body fluids such as serum and lymph).¹ Of notable importance, is that the natural pH of the skin mantle is a mildly acidic 4.5 to 6, creating an ideal environment for total ionization of magnesium chloride, and optimal uptake into underlying tissues when used as a transdermal magnesium therapy.

Efficacy of Topical Magnesium Chloride Preparations

There is certainly no shortage of positive reports from medical professionals and consumers regarding the health benefits achieved from using magnesium chloride topically. In fact, many of the unique experiences that have been shared from supporters of Ancient Minerals describe in detail the immediate and profound impact the use of topically applied magnesium chloride has had on their health, where oral dosages of various magnesium compounds in the past have fallen short of their expectations.

With respect to documented research on the effect topically applied magnesium chloride has on blood chemistry, a small study conducted by Dr. Norman Shealy, M.D., is often the most cited. Dr. Shealy enlisted sixteen individuals with low intracellular magnesium levels who were instructed to perform a 20 minute foot-soak with magnesium chloride flakes, in additional to spraying their entire body once daily with magnesium oil. Intracellular magnesium levels were assessed on all participants after 4 weeks, utilizing a diagnostic called EXA™ Test. The results – 12 of the 16 participants in the study showed marked improvements in their intracellular magnesium levels.

Magnesium Absorption and Assimilation

A commonly asked question among professionals and consumers is exactly what percentage of the magnesium contained in Ancient Minerals is being absorbed by the skin? And, how effectively are topical preparations of magnesium chloride absorbed, in direct applications of magnesium oil and gel, or in foot soaks – and in comparison to oral use?

Fick’s Law of Diffusion states that the amount of any solute (e.g. magnesium chloride) absorbed is directly dependent upon the concentration of the solution, and the length of time the solute is in contact with the membrane (e.g. the skin). Additional variables should also be taken into account, including application sites on the body, temperature of the solution, etc. While these points do provide insight into the conditions which would favor effective uptake of magnesium by the skin, a definitive answer as to precisely how many milligrams are absorbed is of course unattainable in vivo; exact values are similarly unattainable when oral dosages are called into question. Far too many intrinsic factors exist to influence exactly how much and how fast magnesium is assimilated and subsequently sent into circulation, whether it be the oral or topical route called into question.

However, the clear-cut efficiency of the skin for mineral uptake coupled with the broad effectiveness of magnesium chloride in topical applications, certainly provides a well laid foundation for rapid benefits to the user. What is measurable, are the effects on blood chemistry as demonstrated in Dr. Shealy’s study above, along with immediate improvements in one’s health from restoration of magnesium deficient cells. And, what is generally acknowledged by those who have experience with topical magnesium therapy – magnesium chloride arguably delivers more usable magnesium to cells than any other form, especially when the skin is used as a primary path of entrance.

Shortfalls in Oral Magnesium Supplements

Oral magnesium presents unique challenges for many individuals to effectively restore intracellular magnesium levels. Usage of poorly ionized forms of magnesium could be one factor to blame – a study in 2001 indicated that magnesium oxide, an inexpensive magnesium complex included in popular dietary supplements could have a fractional absorption in the gut as small as 4 percent. If one was to ingest the commonly recommended (albeit modest) adult dosage of 300-400mg elemental magnesium per day, this would equate to a usable dosage of only 12-16mg. And yet, realistic absorption rates from oral magnesium supplements are rarely taken into account when dosages recommendations are given.

Inconsistencies in bioavailability from one form of magnesium to the next remains a concern, but nearly all magnesium supplements share a common tendency to create a laxative effect in the bowels. The effect of different magnesium compounds on bowel motility and stool softness is further amplified with the quantity ingested in a single dose. The higher any single dosage, the greater the potential to cause diarrhea, thereby reducing transit time through the bowels. This is of key importance, and as Dr. Shealy indicates in his book Holy Water, Sacred Oil: The Fountain of Youth, there is reliable evidence to indicate that absorption relies heavily on magnesium’s staying power in the intestine – at minimum 12 hours. If transit time is reduced to less than 12 hours, the percentage of magnesium absorbed may be drastically impaired.

When these points of consideration are taken in conjunction with the unpredictability of each individual’s efficiency to absorb magnesium through oral means, the results become unreliable in many cases. In contrast, bypassing the digestive system with topical use of magnesium chloride circumvents the many common drawbacks which would accompany oral supplementation.

Depth and Scope of Application

A quick search of PubMed will yield thousands of scientific studies highlighting the benefits of various magnesium compounds in human biochemistry. From migraines and pain management, to depression, anxiety, sleeplessness and memory, magnesium has clearly demonstrated enormous versatility as a healing mineral. However, magnesium chloride has expressed unique characteristics above and beyond the scope of other inorganic magnesium salts that are of special interest. As discovered in 1915 by French surgeon Pierre Delbet, M.D., the application of a magnesium chloride solution to external wounds had favorable effects over leucocytic activity and phagocytosis, making it ideal for wound cleansing. Dr. Delbet also discovered that oral magnesium chloride was a powerful immuno-stimulant, exhibiting a broad tonic effect on the host. Thirty years later, another French doctor, A. Neveu, M.D., utilized magnesium chloride orally for a broad spectrum of disorders benefiting from the immune bolstering effects that magnesium chloride offered.³

Dr. Jose Perez Albela Beraun, M.D., director of the Instituto Bien de Salud in Lima, Peru, is a zealous supporter of magnesium, where magnesium chloride is the form used almost exclusively in his work. Dr. Albela spreads the word of magnesium chloride through his various radio shows, public lectures, and colleagues, and in fact manufactures and distributes single dose packets of magnesium chloride, often giving them away to the needy. Success stories from the patients of Dr. Albela could fill an entire book.¹

Magnesium Oil, Magnesium Gel, or Magnesium Baths?

Information supporting the use of magnesium chloride as a principal agent for restoration of intracellular magnesium levels is indeed strong, especially in topical applications. But, the often posed question is what application of magnesium chloride is most appropriate for the task at hand. Magnesium oil? Magnesium gel? Magnesium baths? All of the above? The short answer is that it mostly depends on the preference and needs of the user. All of the above mentioned topical preparations hold therapeutic potency, but some are certainly more appropriate based on individual needs. However, Ancient Minerals magnesium oil remains the most versatile and most recommended by professionals, as it has the highest concentration of magnesium and other trace minerals in an easily applied liquid spray. It also does not contain anything other than the pure, raw minerals drawn from deep within the ancient Zechstein Sea, utlizing the exclusive Genuine Zechstein magnesium source. Please consult our product literature for more detailed information.

Expert Opinions

References

1. Dean, C. (2007). The Magnesium Miracle. Ballantine Books.

2. Eby, G. (2006, October 26). Stability Constants of Various Metal Chelates. Retrieved February 2, 2009, from George Eby Research: http://george-eby-research.com/html/stability_constants.html

3. Gupta, C. (2005, September 15). Magnesium Chloride In Acute And Chronic Diseases. Retrieved February 9, 2009, from New Media Explorer: http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/2005/09/15/magnesium_chloride_in_acute_and_chronic_diseases.htm