Dietary Recommendations
In the UK, the Recommended Daily Values for magnesium are 300 mg for men and 270 mg for women. In the United States, the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are 400 mg for men ages 19–30 and 420 mg for older; for women, 310 mg for ages 19–30 and 320 mg for older. However, these levels do not reflect how much Mg is required to maintain good health in today’s stressful world. True dietary recommendations vary, depending on many factors, such as age, body type, lifestyle, health, medications, environment, and biochemical individuality.
Mg supplements come in many forms:
• magnesium aspartate
• magnesium chloride
• magnesium citrate
• magnesium glycinate
• magnesium lactate
• magnesium malate
• magnesium oxide
• magnesium sulfate/Epsom Salts/
• magnesium taurate
Each form has it merit. Cheaper forms such as Mg oxide and Mg carbonate are less bioavailable than other forms.
Excess Mg is a rarity as it is necessary for hundreds of body functions and is often deficient. Plus, excess Mg is cleared from the body by the kidneys. However, people with renal problems, kidney failure, or Addison’s disease are more likely to absorb too much magnesium.
Symptoms of excess Mg (hypermagnesemia) include lethargy, facial flushing, diarrhea, nausea, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, urine retention, and breathing difficulties.
Magnesium Chloride (MgCL2), is well absorbed and has many benefits. In North America, it is produced primarily from Great Salt Lake brine. Other sources are the Dead Sea brine in the Jordan Valley or the evaporation of seawater. It comes in higher concentrates as the mineral bischofite (MgCL2.6H2O) from ancient seabeds such as the Zechstein seabed in NW Europe. Hydrated Mg chloride (MgCL2.nH2O) is highly soluble in water.
Transdermal Magnesium Chloride is the most bioavailable form of Mg chloride. It also bypasses problems associated with oral Mg supplements (e.g., loose bowels).
Elektra uses Mg chloride in its transdermal creams, lotion, and oil, making it superior to other brands. They are available in the USA at: MagnesiumViaSkin.com
Terra Aqua and Mia Aqua, by Masters of Health Spa, are two divine, chakra-balancing body spray mists that nourish with Mg chloride and essential oils while producing a heavenly experience.
Magnesium Sulfate/Sulphate (MgSO4) crystalizes as hydrates and loses water upon heating. Mg sulfate monohydrate is the form most used in agriculture. Mg sulfate heptahydrate is Epsom Salts. The WHO recommends Mg sulfate heptahydrate for medical injection.
Since 1618, practitioners have used Mg sulfate (MgSo4) to treat arrhythmia, constipation, high blood pressure, injuries, poisoning from lead, barium, and chloride, seizures, aches, muscle pain, sore feet, and other ailments. Also, it is used as a bronchodilator for asthma and is on the WHO’s list of essential medicines.
Epsom Salts (MgSO4.7H2O) are crystals of hydrated Mg sulfate heptahydrate that come from a bitter saline spring in Epsom in Surrey, England. It is a natural source of both magnesium and sulfur. Epsom salts are a purgative, exfoliant, muscle relaxer, and pain reliever in baths. However, these are different from Epsom salts used for gardening because they contain aromas and perfumes which are unsuitable for plants.
© 2022 Lady Carla Davis www.NourishingBasics.com
Read Magnesium Extraordinaire - Part 2 in the November issue of
Masters of Health Magazine