Magnesium sulfate is the ingredient in Epsom salt, which can be taken orally or absorbed transdermally (through the skin). It is also used in injectable form in some cases to stop seizures in children and in pregnant women and to stop preterm labor.
When taken transdermally, such as being added to bath water for soaking, magnesium sulfate is safe and can help with achy joints as well as increase magnesium levels in the blood to some extent. However, although many natural medicine practitioners advise people to take magnesium sulfate orally, there are a number of potential side effects to consider.
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Epsom salt is taken orally by mixing it into liquid to supplement dietary magnesium or as a laxative. It is effective as a laxative, but is easy to overdose on when used as a dietary supplement,
Natural News notes.
Having high magnesium levels in the blood can cause serious side effects such as irregular heartbeat, faintness, muscle weakness, and drowsiness,
according to Everyday Health. These side effects are dangerous and usually require immediate medical attention.
Magnesium sulfate is also used in injectable form to treat several conditions. Children and adults who are having seizures can get magnesium sulfate injections to stop the seizure. Women also get the injections to stop preterm labor and to treat pregnancy-related toxemia and pre-eclampsia.
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Although magnesium sulfate is effective at stopping preterm labor, reports began to surface in 2013 that bone abnormalities occurred in babies whose mothers were given magnesium sulfate to stop early labor.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration now recommends women not be given magnesium sulfate for longer than five to seven days to stop preterm labor because of these risks to the baby.
Although magnesium sulfate has shown some positive benefits when used at the correct dosage, risk of overdose and adverse side effects overshadows many of the potential benefits. Following a doctor’s advice and directions is always the best course of action.
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