What Is Magnesium Chloride?

Magnesium chloride is a magnesium salt available in supplement form. It tends to be easily absorbed by the digestive tract and is used to help boost levels of the mineral in the blood. Magnesium is needed for muscle and nerve function, regulating blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and making protein, bones, and DNA.

Magnesium is naturally present in many foods, including whole grains, leafy vegetables, nuts and legumes, fortified foods, and dairy. However, many people do not get enough in their diets.

Magnesium chloride is just one type of magnesium supplement. Others types include magnesium aspartate, magnesium citrate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium lactate, magnesium malate, magnesium oxide, and magnesium sulfate.

This article explains magnesium chloride's uses, benefits, side effects, dosages, and precautions.

Uses of Magnesium Chloride

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or doctor. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. 

People mainly use magnesium chloride to boost their dietary intake of magnesium. While it doesn't treat conditions by itself, it can help those with low magnesium levels improve certain bodily functions.

In addition, magnesium chloride supplements have well-documented uses in type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and migraines. 

Type 2 Diabetes

Researchers have noted a strong correlation between type 2 diabetes and magnesium deficiency. They estimate that 14% to 48% of people with type 2 diabetes are deficient in magnesium.

In a 2015 double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial published in Diabetes and Metabolism, researchers evaluated whether magnesium supplements improved glucose (blood sugar) levels in 116 participants with prediabetes and low magnesium blood levels.

The experimental group received 382 mg of magnesium daily for four months, while the control group received a daily placebo. At the end of the study, 50.8% in the magnesium group improved their glucose levels compared to 7% in the placebo group.

Another study conducted in 2017 and published in Nutrition looked at how magnesium supplementation impacted insulin resistance in people with low magnesium levels. Of the 12 articles included in the systematic review, researchers found the following:

• Eight clinical trials showed that magnesium supplementation impacted serum fasting glucose concentrations.
• Five trials found an impact on fasting insulin levels.
• Seven studies showed reduced insulin resistance.

Even so, the American Diabetes Association does not recommend routine magnesium supplementation for everyone with diabetes, especially those who do not have a magnesium deficiency.

High Blood Pressure

Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure. Therefore, some people with hypertension (high blood pressure) take magnesium supplements to reduce their blood pressure. While some research supports that theory, the effect is usually small.

A 2016 meta-analysis of 34 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving 2,028 participants evaluated the effects of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure. Compared to placebo groups, those who received 368 mg of magnesium per day over three months reduced the systolic (upper) blood pressure by 2 mmHg and the diastolic (lower) blood pressure by 1.78 mmHg.

In addition, a 2012 meta-analysis of 22 trials and 1,173 participants looked at the impact of magnesium supplements on blood pressure. Researchers found that three to 24 weeks of magnesium supplementation with a mean dose of 410 mg decreased systolic blood pressure by 3–4 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2–3 mmHg.

Despite these findings, the evidence is not conclusive, and further research is needed.

Osteoporosis

Since magnesium is involved in the formation of bones, it makes sense that people would turn to magnesium for bone health. In addition, there is evidence that magnesium deficiency may be a risk factor for osteoporosis (low bone density).

However, studies have found that both low and high concentrations of magnesium may have a negative impact on bones. Therefore, researchers believe that maintaining a correct balance is key to bone health.

So, while magnesium is essential for overall bone health, more research is needed before supplementation can be recommended to prevent or treat osteoporosis.

Migraines

Nerves and blood vessels play a role in headaches. Therefore, some research has focused on the relationship between migraines and magnesium.

In a 2015 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, researchers evaluated magnesium, vitamin B12, and Q10 as a migraine treatment. The study randomized 130 participants who experienced three or more migraines a month into a control or placebo group. For three months, the control group received a daily supplement containing 400 mg vitamin B12, 600 mg magnesium, and 150 mg coenzyme Q10.

After three months, the control group reduced their migraine frequency from 6.2 days per month to 4.4 days, compared to the placebo group, which reduced theirs from 6.2 to 5.2 days. In addition, migraine intensity was decreased in the control group by 4.8 points, whereas the placebo group's was reduced by 2 points. However, since this study involved a combination of ingredients, it's difficult to say how much magnesium played a role.

However, in an evidence-based guideline update by the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society, researchers analyzed 15 non-traditional headache therapies. They concluded that magnesium was probably an effective therapy for preventing migraines.

Other

In addition to the potential health benefits listed above, some people use magnesium to support:

• Sleep
• Mood
• Energy
  

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium deficiency is uncommon in otherwise healthy people. That's because the kidneys limit how much of it your body excretes in urine. However, some situations can lead to magnesium deficiency, including:

• Alcohol use
• Burns over a large part of the body
• Malnutrition
• Some medications
• Severe diarrhea or vomiting
• Malabsorption diseases, such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation)
• Kidney disease
• Excessive sweating

How Do I Know If I Have a Magnesium Deficiency?

A magnesium deficiency may need to be correctly identified and diagnosed by a healthcare provider through specific lab tests. Although magnesium deficiency may not have obvious symptoms, some people may experience:

• Appetite loss
• Nausea
• Exhaustion
• Weakness
• Depression
• Fasciculations (involuntary twitches)
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)

Some people may develop a magnesium deficiency when intakes are lower over time than recommended levels, they have a specific risk factor for lower than normal levels, or there is a particular reason they are unable to absorb magnesium.

Long-term magnesium deficiencies are associated with a variety of health concerns, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension
• Hypomagnesemia (lower than usual magnesium in the blood)
• Osteoporosis
• Migraine headaches

Magnesium chloride supplements may help improve the health of those with magnesium deficiency.

What Are the Side Effects of Magnesium Chloride?

Your healthcare provider may recommend you take magnesium to prevent or help treat a health condition. However, consuming a supplement like magnesium may have potential side effects. These side effects may be common or severe.

Common Side Effects

Magnesium chloride supplements are considered safe if used as directed. However, typical side effects may include:

• Stomach upset
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

You can avoid many of these side effects by taking the supplement with food.

Severe Side Effects

Severe side effects are rare. They occur most often when you take too much of the supplement or have an allergy to it. They include:

• Thirst
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Trouble breathing
• Allergic reactions
• Muscle weakness
• Cardiac issues

Call a healthcare provider or seek emergency care if any of these symptoms develop after taking a magnesium supplement.

Precautions

Magnesium can interfere with certain medications. This interaction can impact how well your body can process them or increase the amount of magnesium in the blood and lead to side effects. Possible interactions include:

• Bisphosphonates (bone-strengthening medication) like Fosamax (alendronate)
• Calcium channel blockers, like nifedipine and amlopidine
• Quinoline antibiotics, like Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Levaquin (levofloxacin)
• Tetracycline antibiotics, like doxycycline and Minocin (minocycline)
• Thyroid medications, like Synthroid (levothyroxine)
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Gabapentin (This must be taken two hours before or after taking magnesium)

Separating the doses may help you avoid medication interactions.

It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients are included and in what amounts. In addition, please review the supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

Who Should Not Take Magnesium?

People with certain conditions should not take magnesium, as it can be dangerous. Speak to your healthcare provider before taking magnesium if you have:

• Neuromuscular disease, such as myesthenia gravis
• Renal impairment (kidney disease)

Pregnant women will have their serum magnesium levels managed closely.

Dosage: How Much Magnesium Should I Take?

Magnesium chloride supplements are available as tablets, capsules, and powders, with doses ranging from 200 mg to 500 mg. They can help meet your recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of magnesium.

Helpful tips to keep in mind when taking a magnesium supplement:

• You can take magnesium supplements with or without food.
• If loose stools occur, try taking a lower dose.
• Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole—do not chew, split, or crush the tablet.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Magnesium?

Magnesium toxicity is rare, but high doses may cause side effects including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness

Remember, the amount of magnesium you take in supplement form adds to the amount you get from food. So, be sure that your magnesium supplements don't exceed the recommended upper intake level of 350 mg per day.

If you are taking a magnesium supplement greater than 350 mg per day, speak with a healthcare provider.

How To Store Magnesium

Store magnesium in a cool, dry place. Keep magnesium away from direct sunlight. Discard any supplement that is past its expiration date or shows signs of damage.

Similar Supplements

In addition to magnesium chloride, magnesium supplements come in other forms, including:

• Magnesium oxide
• Magnesium sulfate
• Magnesium citrate
• Magnesium aspartate
• Magnesium lactate

The body absorbs some forms of magnesium more readily than others. For example, researchers have found that aspartate, citrate, lactate, and chloride forms absorb better.

Sources of Magnesium and What To Look For

The best source of magnesium is food because the body absorbs it better. However, when you don't get enough magnesium in your diet, you can also get additional magnesium with supplements.

Food Sources of Magnesium

In general, nuts, seeds, whole grains, dark leafy greens, dried beans, and low-fat dairy products are the best sources of magnesium. Foods with magnesium include:

• Pumpkin seeds (1 ounce): 168 mg
• Almonds (1 ounce): 80 mg
• Spinach (1/2 cup): 78 mg
• Soy milk (1 cup): 61 mg
• Edamame (1/2 cup): 50 mg
• Dark chocolate (1 ounce): 50 mg
• Peanut butter (2 tablespoons): 49 mg
• Avocado (1 cup): 44 mg
• Baked potato (1 medium): 44 mg
• Brown rice (1/2 cup): 42 mg
• Plain yogurt (8 ounces): 42 mg
• Banana (1 large): 32 mg
• Salmon (3 ounces): 26 mg
• Low-fat milk (1/2 cup): 24 mg
• Whole wheat bread (1 slice): 23 mg
• Chicken breast (3 ounces): 22 mg

Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium chloride can be dissolved in water, making it easier for your body to absorb and use. In addition, magnesium chloride is absorbed almost entirely in the gut. This absorption makes it more readily available in your bloodstream.

Organic salts like magnesium chloride are slightly more effective than inorganic salts because they tend to be easier for the body to absorb, especially if multiple low doses are taken.

Summary

Magnesium chloride is a mineral supplement used to increase your intake of magnesium. Those with low magnesium levels may experience uncomfortable symptoms that a magnesium supplement may help reverse or improve. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medications before you begin a magnesium supplement.