Synopsis

Magnesium is a vital mineral and electrolyte involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body. It plays essential roles in energy production (ATP synthesis), DNA and RNA stability, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and regulation of blood pressure and blood glucose levels. The element is stored mostly in bones (about 60%) and soft tissues, with less than 1% circulating in the blood, making serum levels a poor indicator of total magnesium status.

Dietary sources of magnesium include leafy greens (especially spinach), legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and mineral-rich water. In supplement form, magnesium is available in several bioavailable forms, such as magnesium citrate, glycinate, malate, threonate, and oxide. Each form has differing uses: magnesium citrate is used for constipation; glycinate for calming and sleep; threonate for cognitive support; and oxide for general repletion, though it has lower absorption.

In clinical settings, magnesium is commonly used to address deficiency symptoms such as muscle cramps, fatigue, irritability, and irregular heartbeat. It is also used preventively or therapeutically for migraines, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), insulin resistance, hypertension, arrhythmias, and depression. Intravenous magnesium sulfate is a life-saving treatment for eclampsia in pregnant women, and it also plays a role in managing asthma attacks and certain types of cardiac arrhythmias.

Magnesium deficiency is relatively common due to modern dietary patterns, soil depletion, chronic stress, certain medications (like proton-pump inhibitors and diuretics), and alcohol consumption. Low magnesium levels can contribute to systemic inflammation, vascular calcification, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Historical Use
Historically, magnesium’s therapeutic use dates back to Epsom salts, discovered in Epsom, England, in the 17th century. These salts are composed of magnesium sulfate and were originally obtained from natural mineral springs. Epsom salts became widely used for their laxative, anti-inflammatory, and relaxant effects. Physicians of the 18th and 19th centuries prescribed them for digestive disorders, detoxification, and musculoskeletal ailments.

In traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and European folk medicine, magnesium-rich mineral waters and clays were used to ease muscle pain, calm the nerves, and improve elimination. Bathing in magnesium-rich water (a practice still common today) was recommended to ease stress, relieve aches, and soothe skin conditions.

By the early 20th century, magnesium compounds were being isolated and studied more rigorously. Magnesium oxide was introduced as a common antacid and laxative, while injectable magnesium sulfate gained traction in hospital medicine. With the emergence of orthomolecular and integrative medicine in the mid-20th century, magnesium was recognized not just for acute care but as a cornerstone of nutritional therapy.

Today, magnesium is among the most widely used nutritional supplements worldwide and remains a foundational element in both conventional and holistic health protocols.

Other names

Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium Malate
Magnesium Threonate