Magnesium Chloride: Uses, How to Take & Side Effects

Magnesium chloride is a supplement available in capsule or powder form that’s typically recommended when magnesium levels are low. This deficiency can cause symptoms like frequent cramps, muscle spasms, and tremors.

A doctor or registered dietitian may suggest magnesium chloride when the body doesn’t have enough magnesium to support essential functions, especially if food alone isn’t enough to restore healthy levels.

Magnesium plays an important role in many body processes. It helps regulate muscle and nerve activity, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure.

Indications for use

Magnesium chloride can help:

• Prevent muscle cramps

• Improve bowel movements and relieve constipation due to its natural laxative effect

• Increase energy during workouts and support muscle recovery

• Support the immune system

• Reduce the risk of heart problems

• Regulate blood glucose levels and support insulin function

Magnesium is essential for overall health. When levels are too low, symptoms like tremors, frequent cramps, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, and muscle spasms may appear. If these symptoms occur and low magnesium is confirmed, a doctor or dietitian may recommend supplementation.

Read more about the benefits of magnesium and how to take it.

How to take

The way magnesium chloride is used depends on whether it comes in capsules or powder.

1. Magnesium chloride capsules

Magnesium chloride P.A. (Pure for Analysis) is available in capsule form containing chlorine and magnesium.

The typical adult dosage is 1 capsule twice a day, or as recommended by a doctor or dietitian.

2. Powder magnesium chloride

For powdered magnesium chloride, which is often used for its laxative effect in adults, one 33 g packet should be dissolved in 1 liter of filtered water.

The usual recommended dose is 60 mL of this solution, which is equivalent to about one small coffee cup. It can be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, for the length of time advised by a healthcare professional.

After preparation, the solution should be stored in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Any remaining solution after this period should be discarded.

Side effects

Side effects from magnesium chloride are uncommon, but they can include dizziness, nausea, digestive changes, irregular heartbeat, tingling, increased gas, and abdominal pain.

Some people may also experience allergic reactions, such as skin redness, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

These reactions tend to occur more often in people who are allergic to an ingredient in the formula or who take more than the recommended dose.

Who should not use it

Magnesium chloride should not be used by people under 19 years of age or by pregnant women, as the supplement can cross the placenta and may affect fetal development.

It is also not recommended for people with allergies to any ingredient in the supplement, those with severe kidney failure, or those taking antibiotics, since it may interfere with how these medications work.