Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is required in over 300 different metabolic reactions. Magnesium is essential for the synthesis of ATP or energy, it allows our muscles to contract and relax, it helps regulate our blood pressure and keeps our immune system strong. Without magnesium, we would not be able to properly regulate and absorb potassium and calcium, which are critical for a healthy heart and strong bones. Lastly, without enough magnesium, Vitamin D cannot be metabolized and will remain low. Magnesium is considered an essential mineral, because our bodies cannot make it and must be obtained through food, supplementation or topical (transdermal) application. 1
“Magnesium deficiency can produce symptoms of anxiety or depression, including muscle weakness, fatigue, eye twitches, insomnia, anorexia, apathy, apprehension, poor memory, confusion, anger, nervousness, and rapid pulse.” 1
Carolyn Dean, MD., ND
Over 50% of the US population does not meet the recommended dietary intake for Magnesium. 2 Unfortunately, this is just one part of the problem. Being under chronic stress will also cause you to use up your magnesium. Additionally, our soil is becoming more and more deficient, which lowers the magnesium content in the healthy food we do eat. There is a long list of medications that interfere with magnesium absorption and anyone with impaired absorption abilities such as those with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and celiac are also at risk.
Magnesium is utilized by almost every cell in the body and is one of the most important nutrients needed by athletes. Without it, the body cannot make ATP, which is where the athlete gets their strength, endurance, and power. Magnesium is also involved in other processes that affect how our muscles function, including electrolyte balance and the uptake of oxygen. A deficiency reduces metabolic efficiency and increases both oxygen consumption and heart rate. Magnesium is lost during exercise through increased energy metabolism and sweat, which may increase the athlete’s requirements by 10 20%. Inadequate magnesium can adversely affect muscle function and lead to muscle tension and cramping and make the athlete susceptible to pulled muscles and tears. 3,4
“ Lactic acid, which causes post-exercise pain,
is decreased by Magnesium” 3
Benefits of Magnesium Supplementation:
Topical magnesium, also known as transdermal magnesium, is an easy, convenient and safe way to increase the amount of magnesium in the body, without the potential side effects oral magnesium can cause. Magnesium taken in pill form is poorly absorbed and can cause GI upset and diarrhea. When we put magnesium on our skin through sprays or gels, we bypass the stomach and liver, allowing the active ingredient to go straight into the muscle and then to the bloodstream, where it is quickly transported to cells throughout the body. Daily use of topical magnesium has also been shown to help with detoxification, by binding and eliminating toxic chemicals such as arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead and aluminum from the body.5
“If there is too much calcium and too little magnesium, muscle cramps and a buildup of lactic acid can
result” 3
Carolyn Dean, MD, ND
Applying Charley directly to the skin can bring targeted and effective pain relief and supply much needed Magnesium to the body without the risks that come with a pill. Rub or spray on to cramping or sore muscles and achy joints. Massage in for maximum benefit and absorption. May cause a slight tingling or itching sensation on initial use. After application, you may notice a slight salt-like mineral residue remaining when the solution dries. This is normal, especially in dry climates or heated indoor areas, and varies with skin type.
Do not use on broken, damaged or irritated skin.
American Osteopathic Association. "Low magnesium levels make vitamin D ineffective: Up to 50 percent of US population is magnesium deficient." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 26 February 2018.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180226122548.html>.
Pao EM, Mickle SJ. Problem nutrients in the United States. Food Technology. 1981:35:58-79.
Dean C. The Magnesium Miracle. New York: Ballantine Books; 2014
Sircus, M. Transdermal Magnesium Therapy. iUniverse Books; 2011
Watkins K, Josling, PD “A pilot study to determine the impact of transdermal magnesium treatment on serum levels and whole body CaMG ratios”. The Nutrition Practitioner. Spring 2010