Presentation

As its name suggests, magnesium chloride (chemical formula MgCl2) is composed of two main minerals that are essential for the proper functioning of the body: magnesium and chlorine.

It belongs to the soluble inorganic salts.

There are several forms of magnesium: lactate, aspartate, glycerophosphate, hydroxide, citrate... Magnesium chloride is often used because it is easily assimilated by the body.

Its high solubility also makes it easy to use.

Another advantage is that its price is very reasonable.

Health claims validated by EFSA

In 2012, the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) clarified the benefits that can be claimed by manufacturers of magnesium-based food supplements, in whatever form.

According to the European body, research confirms that magnesium contributes to:

• Energy metabolism
• Protein synthesis and cell division
• Electrolyte balance
• Maintenance of bone and tooth substance
• Optimal functioning of the nervous system and muscles
• Mental balance
• Fight against fatigue

Research has reported other beneficial effects.

However, the AFSA does not believe that there is sufficient evidence to claim these benefits to consumers.

Let's take a look at the benefits and then the dosages of magnesium chloride.

Virtues and characteristics

Magnesium chloride can be useful in a number of situations.

• Compensating for magnesium deficiency

Magnesium deficiency is common. The National Agency for Health, Food, Environment and Occupational Safety (ANSES) has defined a satisfactory intake (SI) of magnesium.

This corresponds to 420 mg per day for men and 360 mg per day for women.

According to the SU.VI.MAX study, 23% of men and 18% of women consume less than 2/3 of this daily value.

Signs of magnesium deficiency

Hypomagnesemia can be silent, but it can also cause certain pathologies.

A mild deficiency may cause fatigue and/or loss of appetite, accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

If the deficiency is pronounced, serious damage can occur: muscle weakness, cramps or cardiac arrhythmias.

Note that hypomagnesemia can be associated with other electrolyte disorders, such as low potassium (hypokalemia) or low calcium (hypocalcemia).

In addition, adequate magnesium would be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (including type II diabetes, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and coronary heart disease).

It should also be noted that magnesium deficiency contributes to the onset of osteoporosis.

What factors contribute to magnesium deficiency?

Certain diseases can cause hypomagnesemia: those that cause absorption disorders such as Crohn's disease, endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism or aldosteronism, or even chronic renal failure.

Treatment can also cause magnesium leakage. This phenomenon is seen with certain chemotherapy drugs, but also with certain antibiotics, diuretics and proton pump inhibitors.

More generally, prolonged exercise and stress cause the body to draw on its magnesium reserves.

Older people are more likely to be deficient in this mineral.

How can hypomagnesemia be prevented or treated?

Injectable magnesium chloride ampoules are used in hospitals to correct severe deficiencies.

It can also be used to prevent hypomagnesemia, for example during parenteral nutrition.

If the patient has no symptoms, oral supplements are prescribed.

Note that magnesium chloride salts can also be used in baths. According to some researchers, this route of administration would allow optimal magnesium levels to be maintained, limiting potential side effects related to gastrointestinal absorption. Others say that further research is needed to prove its effectiveness, although they recognise its interesting potential.

• Improve the condition of your skin
• Boost your immune defences
• Relieve depression
• Fight constipation
• Improve insulin sensitivity in type II diabetes
• Relieve muscle tension

The different forms

Various magnesium chloride specialities are available in pharmacies, health food stores and online stores specialising in natural health products.

Pharmaceutical specialities

Sodium chloride is available in various pharmaceutical forms. Pharmacies can dispense it in these forms:

• injectable vials
• sachets of powder or tablets for oral use
• solutions for use on the skin

Nigari Salt

Also known as nigari, this natural magnesium chloride is of marine origin. It comes directly from Japan, where it has been used in cooking for many years. It can therefore be taken orally or applied to the skin.

Note that nigari salt is controversial: since the Fukushima disaster, some people fear that it may contain harmful radiation. However, Nigari producers must ensure that the particulate content of heavy metals is checked, as well as testing for radioactivity.

Himalayan Magnesium Crystals

Magnesium chloride can also be sourced from lakes in the Himalayan Mountains. Such a source guarantees that the product is free from any harmful substances. In addition, the crystals have a particularly high magnesium content and contain some traces of other minerals essential to the body.

Himalayan magnesium crystals are mainly used externally (baths, soaked compresses, but also magnesium oil). They can also be used to prepare a food supplement.

Zechstein salt

Zechstein magnesium chloride is extracted from the pristine depths of the North Sea. It is renowned for its unparalleled purity. Zechstein Salt distributors recommend its external use.

Dosage and use

Now that we know the benefits of magnesium chloride, let's talk about dosage. We will focus mainly on oral and dermal use.

However, it is important to remember that it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to give you personalised advice and tell you about the precautions to take when using magnesium chloride.

Oral supplementation

First of all, let us recall the concept of a satisfactory magnesium intake defined by ANSES: 420 mg per day for men and 360 mg per day for women.

In order to benefit from the advantages of magnesium chloride, doctors advise not to take more than 350 mg per dose. This dosage prevents a pronounced laxative effect and thus the occurrence of diarrhoea.

Finally, many nutritionists believe that the dosage of magnesium should be calculated on the basis of an individual's weight.

The ideal intake would therefore be between 4 and 6 mg per kilogram per day.

For example, a person weighing 60 kg could take between 240 and 360 mg of magnesium a day.

Cutaneous use

There are no official recommendations for external use. It is therefore necessary to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Delbiase, magnesium cyto-balm cream

The laboratory recommends using the preparation in the morning and evening. It can also be used indefinitely.

Magnesium chloride solution

The dilution often recommended is 20 g of MgCl2 in one litre of water.

Use as needed: when changing a dressing, after bathing to relieve skin irritation, in the morning and/or evening to cleanse the skin of the face...

Nigari, Himalayan or Zechstein salt baths

To take full advantage of the benefits of magnesium chloride, the dosage recommended by the manufacturer should be followed.

Recommendations vary according to the speciality chosen.

Manufacturers often formulate different recommendations in order to produce baths with more or less concentrated magnesium chloride.

On the other hand, they all recommend that the water temperature should be 37°C and that you should stay in the bath for at least 20 minutes, preferably half an hour.