Bioavailability of Magnesium Malate Vs. Magnesium Chloride

More than 300 processes in the body depend on magnesium. For example, synthesizing a hormone requires magnesium to complete it. So does relaxing a muscle or transmitting a nerve signal.

Worldwide Deficiency

• Magnesium is critical to well-being, yet members of the World Health Organization agree that most people, including many Americans, are deficient in this mineral, contributing to deaths and debilitating illnesses worldwide.

Bioavailability Concerns

• Choosing to supplement with magnesium appears to be a wise move. “The Magnesium Miracle," a book on the subject, says not to count on magnesium oxide because the body doesn’t absorb up to 96 percent of it. Instead, author Carolyn Dean recommends magnesium malate or magnesium chloride for better bioavailability.

Magnesium Malate

• Malic acid, an organic acid from fruits such as apples, acts as the chelating agent in magnesium malate. A weak bond forms between magnesium and malic acid, making it easier for the body to break it down and absorb it. Malic acid is a key component of energy production in the body, so health experts prefer this form to treat fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Magnesium Chloride

• Individuals with digestive problems should consider magnesium chloride. Frequent cases of gas and bloating indicate a sub-par level of hydrochloric acid. However, magnesium requires significant amounts of this stomach acid to digest it, and magnesium chloride contains enough extra chloride to produce it.

Magnesium Oil

• The skin readily absorbs transdermal magnesium chloride suspended in water, also known as magnesium oil. According to Dean, it's the ideal form for high potency requirements because it does not produce a laxative effect.