[mskari85]

I have noticed a curious thing when it comes to magnesium. Ever since my neuropathy started, I've been taking a magnesium supplement. I take 400 mg of high quality 100% chelated Magnesium. Haven't noticed a real difference, but I recently purchased a magnesium lotion and NIGHT AND DAY difference. I put that on my feet and they feel 80% better if I keep applying it morning and night.

It's almost like the magnesium is the missing piece, but why isn't the supplement bringing the same positive results? I do have an autoimmune disease (RA) and a gluten intolerance. Is there a chance that the supplement isn't absorbing well with my messed up gut?

I don't understand enough about it, but hopefully MrsD OR anybody else who might now can shed some light! Is it possible I have a magnesium deficiency or any other deficiency because I am not absorbing vitamins? I haven't had that gene testing done yet, but have been taking a folate with my methotrexate for my RA.

[mrsD]

It is the same for me. I use topical now only, besides foods rich in mag.

I think it is a circulation issue. The body has high needs for magnesium and I don't think people with PN (or others for that matter, like smokers etc) get the mag into the periphery. The little blood vessels are either constricted, or it is sucked up elsewhere before it gets to the feet.

This is why I tend to recommend only topical now. I suppose some oral works for some people however, but it is difficult to prove that. The oral form also would take longer IMO, if only a little bit manages to get to the hands and feet.

[JimJamJones]

ive been having similar suspicions about magnesium absorption too actually. I have been orally taking 600mg daily of magnesium citrate for over a month now and I was expecting it to have a much stronger effect on my body, in regards to it often being given as a laxative, but theres been zero change on that side of things. This is making me suspect that my body isnt actually absorbing it that efficiently. Maybe I should try and switch over to topical as well now...

[codyc]

I have also found that using Magnesium oil on my feet has helped a lot.

I also take 300mg chelated magnesium tabs at bedtime and it really helps me sleep.

[mrsD]

Magnesium is not a drug. It is a nutrient that works on many biological targets in the body. It enables, it helps the general metabolism.

If you are not getting loose stools from your oral mag, I think you are absorbing it. Absorption however is not 100% orally.

Essential Nutrient Interactions: Does Low or Suboptimal Magnesium Status Interact with Vitamin D and/or Calcium Status?

Magnesium | Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University

[EdmundUK]

Originally Posted by JimJamJones

ive been having similar suspicions about magnesium absorption too actually. I have been orally taking 600mg daily of magnesium citrate for over a month now and I was expecting it to have a much stronger effect on my body, in regards to it often being given as a laxative, but theres been zero change on that side of things. This is making me suspect that my body isnt actually absorbing it that efficiently. Maybe I should try and switch over to topical as well now...

Topical? Please explain. I have severe pain with PN.

[LouLou1978]

Originally Posted by EdmundUK

Topical? Please explain. I have severe pain with PN.

Hi there Edmund.

I'm in the UK too. Have you tried Lidocaine patches,you should be able to get these on the NHS.

[mrsD]

Edmund....if you are still using that capscacin cream topically, have you tried stopping it for a month or so to see if it is a factor in your severe pain? Many of us here cannot tolerate it...but some do.

Magnesium is a NMDA pain receptor blocker. So applying to the skin of the feet (the tops mostly) may reduce pain there. Magnesium opens the tiny blood vessels also to allow the blood to circulate better, and therefore carry toxins from metabolism away and fresh blood can then come in and nourish the cells of your feet. Taking oral magnesium may not get past the constricted blood vessels as well.

Pain can be ischemic...meaning due to poor oxygenation of a tissue or area. If you have this, then the magnesium topical products can be helpful.

For UKers, go to Amazon UK and type in "topical magnesium" and choose one.

[jon mark]

Originally Posted by mrsD

It is the same for me. I use topical now only, besides foods rich in mag.

I think it is a circulation issue. The body has high needs for magnesium and I don't think people with PN (or others for that matter, like smokers etc) get the mag into the periphery. The little blood vessels are either constricted, or it is sucked up elsewhere before it gets to the feet.

This is why I tend to recommend only topical now. I suppose some oral works for some people however, but it is difficult to prove that. The oral form also would take longer IMO, if only a little bit manages to get to the hands and feet.

mrsD I just purchased a brand of magnesium lotion called life flo magnesium lotion .. Here is their discription..Magnesium lotion is a highly concentrated lotion of pure magnesium chloride mined deep from under the earth's surface from the Zechstein Sea in the Netherlands. Formulated with rich shea butter and coconut oil.. Since mortons lotion has been discontinued I was hoping to find a suitable alternative .. Do you think this is a good magnesium and will it properly penetrate... I recently tested low in vit d (19) and I am currently taking 8000 iu daily for 3 months to bring it up.. I currently am not supplementing magnesium and I understand I should have magnisum with that.. Do you think the lotion will provide that and do you think getting my vit d level up to optimal will help with my neuropathy... Many thanks

[mrsD]

I don't think fancy descriptions of where the nutrient is mined lend to credibility and allow them to up the price to consumers thinking it is special in some way. . Oils are typically not transdermal either. They are "organic" and "natural"but not likely to penetrate the skin enough. The magnesium is water soluble and hence the transdermal forms carry it chemically to the deep layers of the dermis where the blood vessels are.

One can only try the item and see if it works.Research on this topic remains scanty, still.

You can try Kirkman's cream...it has been around a long time...and even has a measuring scoop included. (100 mg per scoop)

Amazon.com: Kirkman Magnesium Sulfate Cream 4 oz Cream: Health & Personal Care
Or you can ask your doctor to order a compounded magnesium product made with a transdermal base.

The RX route most likely will cost more than Kirkman's.

I apply my lotion to my inner wrists and arms where the skin is thinnest and the veins show. In return it has lowered my high blood pressure so I don't need 3 drugs anymore. (only a small dose of one)

Aim for 200mg a day if you get a cream/lotion of quality that has a measuring device.

If you get a personally compounded one make sure the magnesium is ionic (chloride or sulfate). Magnesium hydroxide or oxide will not ionize in the blood to offer the magnesium to your tissues.

I know it is frustrating... but the topicals do work when you get one that crosses into the skin. Epsom salts work some, because the pore of the skip open in the warm water and the magnesium gets inside that way. Also staying in the salts for at least a 1/2 hr gives it time.