Magnesium Chloride: A Mineral For Bone Health

Magnesium chloride is a mineral compound that can be found naturally in different foods. Although it is true that it is available as a supplement in pharmacies, it is best to take advantage of it through food, unless the doctor indicates otherwise.

According to the Spanish Heart Foundation, magnesium can be found in dairy products, fish, green leafy vegetables, certain nuts, and seeds.

What is magnesium chloride for?

Just as calcium contributes to maintaining bone health, among other functions, magnesium chloride is a substance that helps improve the transmission of nerve impulses and optimize muscle performance, according to the source cited above.

In fact, among the benefits of magnesium chloride cited by specialized sources such as Medline or Mayo Clinic, are:

• Helps maintain bone health.
• It helps with muscle relaxation and the maintenance of a good heart rate.

• Contributes to maintaining a healthy immune system.
• According to the Spanish Heart Foundation, it favors mineral balance (by improving calcium absorption), which contributes to bone health.
• It works as an activator of many coenzymes in the body and as a protein synthesizer.
• Its lack can produce irritability and weakness.

Beyond all its benefits, the cited sources highlight the importance of a healthy and varied diet to maintain optimal levels of this mineral. Supplements, meanwhile, are only recommended if a professional considers them essential.

Ideal for athletes

Popular belief indicates that a teaspoon of magnesium chloride dissolved in water can help regulate neuromuscular activity and improve the transmission of nerve impulses. In this sense, athletes could be greatly favored by having this element in their body.

In addition, magnesium chloride would help improve nutrition and energy production by metabolizing carbohydrates and proteins. For this reason, it is said that it is advisable for both children and adults with high caloric expenditure per day, although this depends on each person and must be evaluated by a professional.

For all ages

The vast majority of people can benefit from magnesium chloride, and there are no contraindications for any age group, according to the Mayo Clinic.

However, the amount to be ingested may vary depending on the needs, and is even different in several countries such as the United States or Canada, according to the same report previously mentioned. Therefore, it is important to have a doctor’s approval before starting to include it in the diet.

How and when to take it?

Over time, various ways of using magnesium supplements have become popular. Although the doctor will be the only one capable of determining the best option for each person (as well as the proportions), these are some possibilities:

• Dissolve the chloride in water and take it in the amount that is necessary. The time of day may vary according to the characteristics and preferences of each person.
• By capsules or tablets. 
• There are also other forms of magnesium for those who do not digest chloride well: citrate (often used for constipation), lactate (with proven functions for the digestive system and metabolism) or carbonate.

The deficiency of this mineral is, according to Medline, rare. The most frequent symptoms of these cases include vomiting, nausea, weakness, fatigue and general malaise.

Also, there may be muscle complications such as numbness, tingling and cramps or even seizures when the deficiency is moderate. Finally, a lack of calcium (hypocalcinemia) or an excess of potassium (hypokalemia) can result from severe magnesium chloride deficiencies.