Topical/Transdermal Magnesium; What's The Hype?

52.2% of the US population does not meet the daily requirement for magnesium, according to Oregon State University. And The Longmont Leader states that 90% of humans are estimated to be deficient in magnesium.

Why Is Magnesium Important?

"Magnesium has been recognized as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions, where it is crucial for adenosine triphosphate metabolism. Magnesium is required for DNA and RNA synthesis, reproduction, and protein synthesis. Moreover, magnesium is essential for the regulation of muscular contraction, blood pressure, insulin metabolism, cardiac excitability, vasomotor tone, nerve transmission, and neuromuscular conduction." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579607/) So in summary, it assists your muscles, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. It also assists in calcium absorption which helps bone formation.

Oral vs. Topical/Transdermal

This is a pretty simple definition. Oral is supplements taken by mouth and topical/transdermal is something that you apply to your skin. But what's the pros and cons of each type of supplement?

Pros of Taking Magnesium Orally

-Convenient to take. You can do it wherever and whenever.

Cons of Taking Magnesium Orally

-It may have a laxative effect

-It may not be absorbed fully due to passing through the system to quickly

-It can be inhibited by other minerals such as calcium, or phytates present in grains and legumes, both of which compete with magnesium for absorption

Pros of Applying Magnesium Topically

-Absorption through skin is faster

-Avoids the digestive system, not likely to have a laxative effect

-Easier to adjust dosage

-It can also be used alongside oral supplements to give you an extra boost

Cons of Applying Magnesium Topically

-There can be a tingly and itchy sensation, more prominent the more deficient you are

How Does Topical/Transdermal Magnesium Work?

The difference between topical and transdermal is, topical is designed to be effective at the application site and transdermal is designed to deliver active ingredients to the blood stream. When applied to the skin, magnesium chloride is absorbed quickly through the intracellular pathway. This means that the active ingredients pass through the small spaces between the cells of your skin to get to the blood vessels and into the bloodstream. Studies show that topical/transdermal application rises cellular magnesium levels in a shorter span of time. If applied on just certain areas, it can ease tension, pain, cramps, restless legs, and tight muscles. By avoiding the gastrointestinal tract, you skip the first step of metabolism.

In a 2010 study published by the European Journal of Nutraceutical Research, it was found that after twelve weeks of applying a 31% saturated magnesium chloride serum, there was an average increase of 59.5% in cellular magnesium levels. To achieve the same results with oral magnesium you would need to take the same concentration of active ingredients for a period of 9-12 months.

Why Does It Sting When I Apply It To My Skin?

Your skin stinging may be the result of

-low levels of cellular magnesium

-the movement of large molecules of magnesium as they are rapidly absorbs across the epidermis

-applying the magnesium lotion or spray on dry or broken skin

It should ease up the more often you use topical magnesium.

In conclusion, magnesium is imperative to have daily. How you choose to take it is up to you.

Legal Disclaimer

Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health conditions.

Studies

https://us.betteryou.com/pages/evidence-transdermal-magnesium-absorption

https://betteryou.com/health-matters/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Watkins-Josling-magnesium.pdf