You may have been advised by your doctor that you are magnesium deficient or in a high risk category.  So you are here to find out just what is Magnesium Oxide, and if is it right for you.

Maybe you are suffering from high blood pressure, stress, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps or another classic symptom of magnesium deficiency.

Read further:

• Magnesium and Sleep
• Magnesium and Energy
• Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms

So you have a look at the massive amount of options out there for magnesium supplements.   They come in so many shapes, sizes, flavours and modes of delivery.

There are magnesium oils, magnesium flakes and magnesium bath salts for absorption directly into the skin.

The  choices of oral liquids, tablets, capsules and powders are seemingly endless.

So Which Magnesium Supplement do you Choose?

The most common forms of magnesium widely available in supplements are:

• Magnesium Oxide
• Magnesium Chloride
• Magnesium Gluconate
• Magnesium Glycinate
• Magnesium Citrate
• Magnesium Sulphate

This is just to name a few!

Click on the links above to learn more about the different types of magnesium.

One of the most common ingredients in a lot of supplements that are readily available in your local supermarket or pharmacy is magnesium oxide.

But What is Magnesium Oxide?

Magnesium oxide is a mineral compound which occurs when magnesium molecules are bound with oxygen.

What is Magnesium Oxide Used For?

Medicinal

Magnesium oxide is found in supplements for magnesium deficiency.  It is also used as an antacid and is an ingredient in these medications that are used to reduce stomach acids to improve symptoms of indigestion.

Other

• Magnesium oxide is an important ingredient in cement.
• Treatment of drinking water
• Fertilizer
• Animal feed
• Insulation of electrical cables
• Used in construction materials for its fire, termite, moisture and mold resistance
• Source: Wikipedia

Pros of Magnesium Oxide

The main thing about magnesium oxide when it is used as a supplement, is that is the preferred form of magnesium for many pharmaceutical companies.  This is due to it being so cost effective.

It has a high magnesium content relative to a low mass.  This means that you are getting a lot of bang for your buck – you only have to swallow 1 magnesium oxide tablet to consume the same magnesium as 4 magnesium citrate tablets for example.

That is where the good stuff about magnesium oxide stops.

Cons of Magnesium Oxide

When you are looking at the back of that magnesium supplement bottle and scratching your head wondering just what is magnesium oxide, consider this: magnesium oxide has the lowest bioavailability of all the magnesium supplements.  This means if you are taking a tablet that contains 100mg of magnesium for example, your body only absorbs a staggering 4% of the magnesium.  (source: The Magnesium Miracle by Dr Carolyn Dean)  That’s only 4mg.  That is a lot of tablets you need to take before you reach the recommended daily magnesium intake of 320mg – 420mg! (NIH)

A lot of magnesium oxide supplements also contain an additive called stearate which is usually considered unnecessary, and is actually harmful in large quantities.

Learn more about magnesium stearate here.

What is Magnesium Oxide Doing?

Not much actually.

96% of magnesium oxide is digested and excreted by the kidneys without going anywhere near the places it is needed most.  What it is not doing is being absorbed and used by the body (source: The Magnesium Miracle By Dr Carolyn Dean)

If you are magnesium deficient like 75% of Americans today, then you need a better supplement to fulfil your needs.

Magnesium is required in over 300 enzyme functions.  It keeps the electrolytes in balance, the skeleton strong and regulates your heartbeat.  Magnesium produces energy and regulates the hormones needed for sleep.  It digests and metabolises the food we eat, while reducing stress and facilitating smooth muscle and nerve actions.

Sufficient levels of magnesium is vital for everyone’s health and wellbeing.

Therefore, magnesium oxide is not an appropriate or recommended magnesium supplement.

Have a look at the most recommended magnesium supplements.

The magnesium supplements listed here are the top 3 for convenience.

Or you could try applying magnesium oil directly onto the skin if you don’t like to swallow tablets or capsules and want a more pure and organic form of magnesium chloride.

Click here for more information on magnesium chloride oils.

Now that your question of what is magnesium oxide has been answered, you should be able to tackle your choice of magnesium supplement with much more information at hand.

Please comment below with your magnesium deficiency experience.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are under 18, on any medications or suffer from chronic disease, please consult with your doctor prior to commencing on magnesium therapy.

DISCLAIMER The author of this article is not a doctor and the medical/dietary advice that is provided herein is not to replace users of the sites current medical situation or advice that may have been given by their GP or legal consultant.  Whatismagnesiumdeficiency.com is here solely for support as an optional alternative.  In no way does the information contained within www.whatismagnesiumdeficiency.com advise anyone to use this knowledge as a replacement for any medical condition.  

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