The power of magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral, playing an important role as a catalyst for many enzyme reactions. Especially in regard to cellular energy production for the health of the nervous system and muscular contraction. Magnesium can help calm nerves and reduce the symptoms associated with the stresses of modern living.
Magnesium is one of seven essential macro-minerals. These are minerals that we need to consume in relatively large amounts, at least 100mg per day. There are many reasons why our bodies can’t access sufficient quantities of Magnesium from our food (that’s a whole other article) and since our bodies simply flush out the excess daily and only use Magnesium on a as-needed basis, an overdose is highly unlikely.
Our bodies also have a list of priorities, vital functions such as cardiovascular and respiratory functioning which take preference over digestion for example. This allows the body to keep the most vital organs functioning at the expense of the less important ones. And towards the bottom of this list, is the Musculoskeletal system (MSK) and in particular our skin, hair, teeth and joints. Which is why these tissues make for a great assessment of our health. In other words, if your body is going to ignore or send less of its “attention” (in the form of well-oxygenated, nutrient dense blood) to any system, it will unfortunately be the MSK.
Topical application of a readily absorbed form of magnesium such as magnesium chloride can provide targeted relief to your tired muscles and joints. By bypassing the digestive tract, this direct application allows for faster absorption and effectiveness. However, please note that while magnesium is an essential mineral for overall health and wellness, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before using any new supplement or product.
Some Benefits of Magnesium
Topical/ transdermal magnesium may help:
Improve physical performance
Promote sleep
Prevent migraines & headaches
Reduce muscle pain
Increase energy
Alleviate Restless legs
Speed up recovery
Benefit anxiety
Reduce stress
Reduce menopausal symptoms
Help with period pain
Improve mood
Promote overall wellbeing
This water-soluble, macro-mineral is essential for muscle and nerve function, energy production and mood regulation to name just a few. While our bodies naturally produce magnesium, it is also available in some foods and can be taken in the form of supplements. But magnesium can also be applied topically and may be better for those that have gastrointestinal issues. Our pure magnesium cream formulation may offer increased ability for absorption due to the carrier oil closely mimicking the skin’s natural sebum (oil) allowing enhanced penetration by travelling through hair follicles.
The various forms of magnesium
Magnesium supplements are available in a variety of forms, each with its unique benefits and uses. The absorption of the various forms of magnesium varies. Some dissolve well in liquid, others are absorbed well in the gut and some are less soluble. It’s a fairly complex science so it’s no wonder we struggle with poor absorption and magnesium deficiency. Here is a bit more information on some of the various forms and bio-availability of magnesium:
Magnesium Chloride:
One of the most bio-available forms of magnesium. Magnesium chloride, as the name ‘chloride’ / ‘salt’ suggests, is derived from the evaporation of seawater. It’s often used in supplementation and as a treatment for magnesium deficiency. Magnesium chloride is water-soluble making is wonderful and easy to use in topical/ transdermal applications. This is the form of magnesium we use in all our formulations.at Aroma Lab.
Magnesium Glycinate:
The most popular and beneficial form of magnesium for anxiety and people who have trouble sleeping. Magnesium glycinate is highly bio-available and readily absorbed in the gut, especially as a water-soluble drink.
Magnesium Oxide:
Probably one of the most well-known forms of magnesium, highly concentrated but with low bio-availability. Magnesium Oxide absorbs relatively poorly in the body. It’s frequently used as a dietary supplement but it may nor the most effective.
Magnesium Citrate:
Interestingly this form of magnesium is found in citrus fruits, giving it that tart, sour flavour that I associate with making Sherbert. Magnesium citrate is one of the most common supplement formulations found in stores worldwide. Also being fairly bio-available it’s typically ingested to replenish low magnesium levels and due to it’s laxative effect, is sometimes used to treat constipation.
Magnesium L- Threonate:
Most well-known form of magnesium to support brain health and cognitive function largely due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Research has also found that Magnesium Threonate may help reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Magnesium L-threonate is yet another salt-form, derived from mixing magnesium and threonic acid, a water-soluble substance obtained from the metabolic breakdown on vitamin C.
Magnesium lactate:
Another salt variety of magnesium found when magnesium binds with lactic acid. Frequently used as a food additive to fortify beverages and regulate acidity. It’s less popular as a dietary supplement, yet is easily absorbed in the digestive tract and gentler on the digestive system than other forms of magnesium. Some studies have even revealed that this form magnesium may help treat stress and anxiety.
Then there are even more forms of magnesium including Magnesium Malate, Sulfate, Taurate and Orotate (more on these a little later). As you can see the study of the magnesium and its various forms is fairly complex and although magnesium is abundant, we remain notoriously deficient due to it’s complicated bio-availability and intricate nature. Possibly the best answer, as always is “variety is key”. - Until later- Michelle Ackerman (Clinical Aromatherapist)
