Magnesium Chloride Benefits for Sleep & Depression

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Did you know that there are actually many different kinds of magnesium supplements? One of several options is magnesium chloride, which is sometimes referred to as the &#;master magnesium compound.&#;

Magnesium is absolutely vital to good health. We need it to have proper muscle and nerve function. It also helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

According to the National Institutes of Health, not every magnesium supplement is created equal, and some forms are more bioavailable than others. If you compare magnesium chloride vs. magnesium citrate or magnesium sulfate or magnesium oxide, chloride and citrate forms are believed to be better absorbed by the body than the magnesium sulfate or oxide forms.

Not many supplements give you a topical option, but in addition to taking a magnesium chloride supplement internally, there&#;s also the option of using topical magnesium chloride.

What Is Magnesium Chloride?

Magnesium chloride is a type of salt that is a combination of magnesium and chloride.The magnesium chloride formula is MgCl2. This means it consists of one magnesium atom and two chloride atoms.

It can naturally be obtained via the solar evaporation of seawater.

Is magnesium chloride soluble? Magnesium chloride solubility in water or another liquid is high, which means it is more completely absorbed in the gut compared to less soluble forms of magnesium.

Magnesium chloride can be found in supplements that can be taken orally or used topically to increase levels of magnesium in the body.

Benefits

Used both internally and topically, magnesium chloride benefits and uses are known to include:

1. Treat or Prevent a Magnesium Deficiency

As we age, absorption of magnesium by the gut decreases and magnesium excretion by the kidneys increases. Older adults are also more likely to have chronic diseases that affect magnesium levels and increase the risk for a magnesium deficiency.

You can obtain magnesium in your diet through eating healthy magnesium-rich foods like dark leafy greens, but if you&#;re still struggling to get enough then you may consider supplementing with magnesium.

It&#;s not uncommon to experience diarrhea as a result of taking magnesium supplements internally, which is why many people turn to magnesium chloride in topical form (such as an oil or lotion) to boost their magnesium levels.

2. Increase Low Stomach Acid

MgCl2 is sometimes used to offset a decline of gastric acid secretion in the stomach.

Gastric acid is produced by the stomach, and it&#;s absolutely essential to proper digestion because it helps break down foods into smaller absorbable units. Without enough gastric acid, we not only can have suboptimal digestion, but we can also experience a malabsorption of essential nutrients.

Gastric acid also helps prevent infectious bacteria from entering and populating the intestinal tract.

3. Energy Booster and Muscle Relaxer

Many people, such as athletes, use topical magnesium oil to boost energy and endurance. Topical magnesium can also help relax muscles and reduce muscle soreness, pain or cramping. Studies show that magnesium may improve physiological markers of athletic performance but more research is needed.

4. Relaxation and Better Sleep

Sleep problems can sometimes be linked to a magnesium deficiency. Meanwhile, studied indicate that magnesium can help relieve insomnia, such as sleep efficiency, sleep time and sleep onset latency.

By increasing levels of magnesium with the use of a magnesium supplement like MgCl2, you just may be able to get a better night&#;s sleep.

5. Helps Alleviate Depression

Research into the connection between magnesium and depression continues today, but a few years ago a study examined whether supplementing with magnesium chloride can help improve the symptoms of depression.

With 126 adults, the study ran for six weeks of daily magnesium supplementation (248 milligrams of magnesium chloride) compared to a control group without any treatment. Participants in the magnesium group experienced &#;clinically significant net improvement&#; in their depression symptoms as well as their generalized anxiety disorder scores. Meanwhile, the supplements were well tolerated and most participants reported that they would use magnesium supplements in the future.

Supplement and Dosage Info

If you&#;re in the market for a magnesium chloride supplement, you have several options, including:

• Magnesium chloride tablets: Taken orally with a liquid (typically water).
• Magnesium chloride liquid: If you prefer supplements in liquid form, this another internal option. Read packaging carefully because it often needs to be diluted in eight ounces of a beverage of your choice.
• Magnesium chloride powder: Taken orally once it&#;s diluted in a beverage.
• Magnesium chloride oil: An oil form of magnesium that can be applied to the skin.
• Magnesium chloride lotion: A topical option for external use.
• Magnesium chloride flakes: Another external way to use magnesium chloride salt in fully body baths or foot baths.

Daily magnesium needs vary by age, gender and health status so an appropriate magnesium chloride dosage depends upon several factors.

Read product recommendations carefully, and always check with your health care provider on best dosage.

Risks, Side Effects and Interactions

As with all magnesium supplements, magnesium chloride side effects may include stomach upset and diarrhea. These potential side effects can be reduced or avoided by not taking more than what is recommended and also by taking with a meal.

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Topical forms of magnesium are less likely to cause digestive side effects, but it&#;s not uncommon for skin to feel itchy after application of a magnesium oil. If this occurs, the itching should go away once you wash the product off.

You can try a magnesium lotion, which is often combined with other skin soothing ingredients like aloe. Another option is to use magnesium flakes in a bath or foot bath.

The following drugs are known to interact with magnesium chloride:

• demeclocycline
• doxycycline
• eltrombopag
• lymecycline
• minocycline
• oxytetracycline
• tetracycline
• ciprofloxacin
• fleroxacin
• gemifloxacin
• levofloxacin
• moxifloxacin
• norfloxacin
• ofloxacin
• penicillamine
• rilpivirine

This is not an exhaustive list so check with your health care provider before combining magnesium chloride with any other medications or supplements.

Health care provider sometimes give magnesium chloride as an injection, but this is not recommended for anyone who is allergic to it or has severe heart or kidney disease. There are more potentially serious side effects of receiving an injection of magnesium chloride, such as respiratory depression or substantial decreases in blood pressure.

Can you overdose on magnesium?

As with any supplement, it is possible to overdose, which is why it&#;s important you read product labels carefully and seek your health care provider&#;s advice on an ideal magnesium chloride dosage for your needs and health goals.

In general, check with your health care provider before taking MgCl2 in any form if you have are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition or currently take medication.

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, and/or throat.

Final Thoughts

• Magnesium can be obtained through the diet by consuming healthy foods like dark leafy green vegetables, but in certain situations (such as a magnesium deficiency), magnesium chloride is a supplemental form that can be taken to boost levels of this key mineral.
• What is magnesium chloride used for? A top use is to overcome a magnesium deficiency.
• Other common magnesium chloride uses including its use to improve sleep, digestion, endurance and muscle complaints. It can also help to generally promote relaxation.
• If you put it in water, it dissolves easily. This is why it&#;s said to be more easily absorbed than some other forms of magnesium that do not dissolve as well in liquids.
• Magnesium chloride benefits can be obtained from using it internally as a tablet, liquid or powder supplement, or externally as a magnesium spray oil or lotion.

Magnesium, with its lightweight nature and high strength-to-weight ratio, offers several advantages, particularly in industries like aerospace and automotive. It also exhibits excellent thermal conductivity, making it suitable for applications requiring efficient heat dissipation. However, magnesium's susceptibility to corrosion, especially in aqueous environments, is a significant drawback. It readily reacts with water and oxygen to form magnesium hydroxide and magnesium oxide, compromising its structural integrity. Additionally, when in contact with certain metals like steel or aluminum, magnesium can induce galvanic corrosion, further accelerating its degradation. Pitting corrosion and stress corrosion cracking are other concerns, particularly in environments containing chlorides or corrosive substances. To address these weaknesses, various strategies such as surface treatments, protective coatings, alloying, and careful design considerations are employed, ensuring the material's long-term performance and durability in the intended application.

What Are Some of the Applications of Magnesium?

Listed below are some common applications of magnesium:

1. Pyrotechnics

Magnesium is commonly used in fireworks and flares due to its intensely bright, white light when burned. It enhances the visual effects of pyrotechnic displays.

2. Luggage

Some high-end luggage manufacturers use magnesium alloys to create lightweight yet durable suitcase frames. The lightweight nature of magnesium helps reduce the overall weight of the luggage.

3. Sports and Recreation Equipment

Magnesium alloys are used in the production of sports equipment such as: tennis rackets, golf clubs, and bicycle frames. The lightweight and stiffness properties of magnesium contribute to improved performance.

4. Cameras

Magnesium is used in the production of camera bodies, particularly in high-end cameras, due to its light weight and durability.

Magnesium is often used in producing power tool housings due to its lightweight nature and good impact resistance. This makes the tools more user-friendly and less fatiguing to use. In addition to this, magnesium's ability to dampen vibrations is an attractive attribute for hand-held power tools. Vibration damping is crucial in power tools because it helps reduce operator fatigue and discomfort during prolonged use.

6. Car Seats

Some car manufacturers use magnesium in the construction of car seat frames. Its lightweight nature helps improve fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance.

7. Laptops

Magnesium is used in the construction of laptop casings, primarily in high-end models. It provides a balance among weight, strength, and heat dissipation, contributing to the overall design and performance of the laptop.

Why Is Magnesium Used in Stainless Steel?

Magnesium is a crucial component in the production of steel, primarily due to its role in desulfurization. Sulfur is typically considered an unwanted impurity in steel rather than an intentional alloying element. Sulfur, when present in steel, can have detrimental effects on its mechanical properties. It is also regarded as detrimental to both the surface and internal quality of steel. With concentrations exceeding 0.05%, sulfur can lead to increased brittleness and reduced weldability of steel. Besides making steel more brittle, it plays a role in reducing its melting point and diminishing its intergranular strength and cohesion. Also, in the presence of elemental sulfur, steel can experience both general and localized forms of corrosion. However, intentionally adding small amounts of sulfur, typically ranging from 0.10% to 0.30%, can actually enhance the steel's machinability.

Magnesium can reduce the sulfur content of steel to extremely low levels, as little as 0.%. 

To learn more, see our guide on the Composition of Stainless Steel.

Why Is Magnesium Not Used in the Building Industry?

Magnesium is not used in the building industry because magnesium and its alloys are prone to galvanic corrosion, particularly when exposed to moisture and corrosive agents prevalent in construction environments. This susceptibility to corrosion raises durability concerns for long-term structural integrity. Moreover, the cost of producing magnesium and its alloys can be relatively high compared to established building materials like steel or aluminum. 

Can Magnesium Be Used in Die Casting?

Yes, magnesium can be used in die casting. Pure magnesium is not used, but magnesium alloys such as AZ91D are very popular die casting material choices. This alloy has castability and toughness, rendering it a good choice for crafting lightweight components with sufficient ductility that demand lasting performance. Other common magnesium die casting alloys include: AM60B, AM20, and AM50A. 

Magnesium die casting designs can incorporate thin walls in regions where strength isn't a critical factor, and sturdier walls in zones necessitating heightened strength. The high-pressure die casting process enables the production of thinner walls with magnesium (ranging from 1 to 1.5 mm) than with aluminum alloys (typically around 2 to 2.5 mm).

To learn more, see our guide on the Die Cast Process.

What Are the Benefits of Magnesium?

Magnesium offers a range of benefits across various aspects of industrial applications:

1. With a density of 1.74 g/cm³, magnesium is the lightest structural metal. Magnesium offers a weight advantage of about 30% over aluminum and an impressive 50% over titanium. 
2. Magnesium is the 8th most plentiful element found on Earth. It is an economical choice when balancing all factors, such as weight in weight-critical applications.
3. Has excellent strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. Magnesium is inherently strong due to its hexagonal, closely packed crystal structure.
4. Exhibits good thermal conductivity.
5. Can provide effective electromagnetic shielding in applications like aerospace and electronics.
6. Can be engineered to offer good corrosion resistance.
7. Offers high specific strength, which is the strength of a material relative to its weight. 
8. Recycling of magnesium requires significantly less energy than  primary extraction.
9. Has the highest known damping capacity among structural metals, outperforming aluminum, titanium, and steel by a factor of ten.
10. Can be easily alloyed with other metals and elements.
11. Certain magnesium alloys are biocompatible and can be used for implants and medical devices.
12. Some magnesium compounds can offer flame-retardant properties, making them useful in applications where fire safety is a concern.
13. When used in contact with other metals, especially in the presence of an electrolyte (like moisture), magnesium can act as a sacrificial anode to protect the other metal from galvanic corrosion.

What Are the Limitations of Magnesium?

While magnesium offers numerous benefits in industrial applications, it also has some limitations that need to be considered such as:

1. It is highly flammable, particularly in its pure form as a powder or shaved strips. Bulk magnesium does not pose such a great flammability risk compared to finely divided magnesium material. Certain magnesium alloys are also flammable. 
2. Despite the availability of some corrosion-resistant alloys, magnesium is generally more prone to corrosion than other metals such as aluminum and stainless steel.
3. Processing magnesium can be more complex compared to processing other metals due to its lower melting point and reactive nature. Specialized equipment and techniques are often required for casting, machining, and forming magnesium components. 
4. Some magnesium alloys can exhibit brittleness, particularly at low temperatures.
5. While magnesium compounds are abundant in nature, the extraction and refining process can be energy-intensive.
6. When used in contact with other metals, especially in the presence of an electrolyte (like moisture), magnesium is susceptible to galvanic corrosion.
7. The production and processing of magnesium can be more expensive than for other metals such as aluminum and steel. 
8. Magnesium's relatively low melting point, compared to materials like steel, nickel, and titanium, can be a disadvantage in applications requiring true high-temperature performance.

Is Magnesium Rust Proof?

No. &#;Rusting" is a term that is applied only to the corrosion of iron and steel, whose iron oxide is less dense than the metal itself, and therefore is not tightly adherent or protective. However, both magnesium and its alloys are susceptible to galvanic corrosion, a process that can lead to significant deterioration in the metal. This is especially true in applications where magnesium is exposed to aqueous solutions. This corrosion can lead to diminished mechanical strength and undesirable visual deterioration. In contrast to the reddish-brown rust commonly seen on corroded iron surfaces, magnesium corrosion typically manifests as a subdued gray film. For this reason, magnesium is commonly used as a sacrificial anode, where magnesium corrodes to protect the other metals. 

Can Magnesium Form Alloys?

Yes, magnesium can form alloys. An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal. It has properties distinct from those of its individual components. Magnesium can alloy with various other elements, such as: aluminum, zinc, and manganese. These alloying elements are added to magnesium to create magnesium alloys that exhibit specific properties tailored for various applications. Among the most common cast magnesium alloys, you'll find: Elektron 21, ZE41, QH21, HK31, ZC63, ZK61, AM50, AZ91, AZ81, AZ63, HZ32, QE22, WE54, WE43, and ZK51. On the wrought magnesium alloys side, the frequently used ones are: ZC71, ZE41, HM21, Elektron 675, ZK60, AZ80, HK31, M1A, AZ61, and AZ31.

Is Magnesium a Metal?

Yes, magnesium is a chemical element classified as an alkaline earth metal. Magnesium has the characteristic properties of metals, such as: metallic luster, high thermal and electrical conductivity, malleability (ability to be shaped without breaking), and ductility. It's an important industrial metal and has applications in fields ranging from the aerospace industry to the automotive, due to its lightweight and strong properties.

To learn more, see our guide on What is An Alloy.

Is Magnesium a Solid, a Liquid, or a Gas?

Magnesium is a solid at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure. It is a metallic element with a silvery-white appearance. Like many other elements, magnesium can exist in different states under different conditions and different temperatures and pressures. However, under typical conditions found on Earth's surface, magnesium is solid.

What Is the Difference Between Magnesium and Metal?

Magnesium is one of the metallic elements, meaning it falls under the broad category of metals. Metals are a group of elements characterized by their metallic luster, ability to conduct electricity, and generally high melting and boiling points. Besides being a metal, magnesium is also classified under the group alkaline earth metals. They are found on the left side of the periodic table.

To learn more, see our guide on the Most Common Metalloids.

What Is the Difference Between Magnesium and Aluminum?

The primary difference between magnesium and aluminum lies in their densities. Magnesium boasts a lower density than  aluminum, which contributes to its lighter weight for a given volume of material. Moreover, magnesium has lower melting and boiling points when contrasted with aluminum. 

To learn more, see our guide on What is Aluminum Metal.

Summary

This article presented magnesium, explained it, and discussed its composition and properties. To learn more about magnesium, contact a Xometry representative.

Xometry provides a wide range of manufacturing capabilities and other value-added services for all of your prototyping and production needs. Visit our website to learn more or to request a free, no-obligation quote.

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