Magnesium

• The human body contains large amounts of the element magnesium. Magnesium is involved in more than 300 chemical reactions. The first reported medicinal use of magnesium occurred in the 17th Century, after a farmer found that well water, which contained magnesium sulfate, had soothing and healing properties when applied to the skin. Since then, Epsom salts, which contain magnesium sulfate, have been commonly applied to the skin and added to baths. Magnesium salts in various forms have been used for centuries as laxatives.
• Magnesium sulfate has a long history of use for the treatment of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine) and eclampsia (a toxic condition that can lead to seizures) in pregnant women.
• Studies on magnesium have shown it to be effective for the treatment of acute childhood asthma. Some studies have also shown benefit from magnesium for the treatment of several heart disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes, hearing loss, leg cramps during pregnancy, and side effects from the drug succinylcholine (a neuromuscular blocker). At higher doses, magnesium may control high blood pressure, although study findings are unclear.