Magnesium in the blood stream is excreted by the kidney.

Without a "trigger" like diabetes, it is conserved to some extent.

I have not found any other information about serum levels that promote excretion. So other medical conditions may exist and not be researched yet.

But diuretics promote excretion to such an extent that people may die from that loss. Many on diuretic therapy for congestive heart failure who take high dose Lasix end up in ERs and some may die. When Propulsid was on the market there were deaths from prolonged QT events of the heart that occurred from low mag levels. This was the main reason it was removed.

There are many drugs on the QT lists, that can cause heart rhythm anomalies, when magnesium is low.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/246489-overview
This article explains hypermagnesemia.
The two major ways it can occur is thru IV supplements (used in treating Eclampsia of pregnancy this way, some IV chemo replacement), or rectal overuse of enemas containing magnesium like Fleets.

Thank you so much Mrs.D. Your help to us is not left unnoticed.

Thanks, l think l will go an purchased some magnesium cream.

Sue:

Just need to clarify before ordering.
What is the difference between MSulfate cream and the Epsom-It?

And can l use on hot hands?

Thanks so much
Sue

I believe that the lotions also have Magnesium sulfate in them.

The difference is that the Kirkman cream has the concentration listed on the label, and provides a little measuring tool.

The lotions do not give the concentration in them.

However, we don't know how much IS absorbed, only that some is.

The plus side of the topicals is that they don't cause loose stools, which some people do get with oral products.

I posted this article recently, I found on the net concerning epsom salts and absorption potential thru the skin:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post864114-32.html

I know from my reactions to the lotion, I absorb nicely. I apply about a nickel sized dollop of my lotion on each arm and rub it in on the undersides of my forearm where the skin is thin and sensitive. I also do the wrists well, as blood vessels are near the surface there. (and I can have hand issues too)
I always sleep deeply when I do this. When I don't I notice it right away. Also applied to my left foot when it swells, the swelling goes down by the next morning and stays down for a couple of days. It is really helping with this problem that hurts me.

Can anyone tell me about a supplement called SlowMag? My neuro suggested that I take it, although I'm not sure why. I forgot to ask him. Is it a good product?

SlowMag is good. It was designed to be targeted to doctors.

Two a day in divided doses is the typical dose.

SlowMag is magnesium chloride, and well absorbed, so the amount in each tablet is smaller than the larger chelates.

Thanks! That's good to know. Is it better to take it with food? Would it be ok to take the SlowMag with my Omega 3? Does it cause constipation? Just checking.

You can take it with food. The last thing it could be is constipating!

My problem with Slow Mag is it also has calcium:

http://www.slowmag.com/

Not only that, the ratio isn't good. Dr. Carolyn Dean has plenty to say about Calcium supplements.

Why I Hate Calcium | Dr Carolyn Dean MD ND

Cancel the Calcium | Dr Carolyn Dean MD ND

An alternative slow-release Mg supplement is offered by Jigsaw:

http://www.jigsawhealth.com/supplements/magnesium

As far as I can tell, it has no calcium.

I tried it once, but couldn't tell one way or the other if it helped. I contacted them once to ask for data about absorption rates. No answer.

I remain committed to Magnesium Chloride bath salt.