Though some people think it can add to our bodily magnesium supplies, it generally is not the best or most effective way to do so. When taken orally as a laxative, the osmotic force of the magnesia suspension acts to draw fluids from the body and to retain those already within the lumen of the intestine, serving to distend the bowel, thus stimulating nerves within the colon wall, inducing peristalsis and resulting in evacuation of colonic contents, including the magnesium! But it has happened, though rarely, that toxicity can occur if too many laxative doses of MOM are taken.

Small amounts of magnesium hydroxide (MOM) are sometimes used for cosmetic purposes, as an underarm deodorant, and it is even used as a common ingredient of home made magnesium bicarbonate.

We at IMVA feel strongly that magnesium chloride, applied transdermally, is the best way to increase magnesium levels in the body.

There should not be any skin discoloration from the use of transdermal magnesium chloride.

Some sensitive people report some irritation initially (itchiness), which ususally goes away after a period of adjustment. Magnesium chloride can be applied at a more dilute solution to overcome this (mixed 50-50 with pure water)

Sincerely,
Claudia French RN, LPHA