Magnesium Research Library
Selected research on magnesium, magnesium status, and topical magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of biological processes, including normal muscle and nerve function, energy metabolism, electrolyte balance and maintenance of healthy bones.
Our research library brings together selected scientific studies and reviews exploring magnesium, magnesium deficiency, magnesium chloride and topical magnesium.
The research on magnesium is extensive. Research specifically examining topical and transdermal magnesium is more limited and continues to evolve. We present these studies for educational purposes and encourage readers to review the original research rather than relying on headlines or simplified claims.
Magnesium Deficiency: What the Research Shows
• Cramps & Restless Legs
• Skin Problems
• Constipation or Leaky Gut
• Chronic Fatigue
• Irritability / Headaches
• Inflammation / Pain
• PMS / Hormone Issues
• Anxiety / Depression
• Disturbed Sleep
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Insulin Resistance
• Heart Arrhythmia
• Hypertension / Heart Disease
• Stiff joints / Arthritis / Osteoporosis
• Auto Immune Disorders / Allergies
• Acidosis / Candida Overgrowth
Transdermal Magnesium Research
What does the research tell us?
Research into topical and transdermal magnesium is still developing.
The studies below examine different questions — including magnesium permeation through skin, changes in magnesium measurements after topical application, and the effect of topical magnesium preparations on skin.
Selected studies
2000 — Intravenously and Topically Applied Magnesium in the Prevention of Arterial Thrombosis
A study examining the potential effects of magnesium applied intravenously and topically in relation to arterial thrombosis.
Intravenously and Topically Applied Magnesium in the Prevention of Arterial Thrombosis (2000)
2012 — Preliminary Study of Transdermal Permeation of Magnesium Cream Formulations Across Skin
An early investigation into magnesium permeation from topical cream formulations.
Preliminary Study of Transdermal Permeation of Magnesium Cream Formulations Across Skin (2012)
2015 — Effect of Topical Magnesium Application on Epidermal Integrity and Barrier Function
Examines the effects of topical magnesium on skin integrity and barrier function.
Effect Of Topical Magnesium Application On Epidermal Integrity And Barrier Function (2015)
2016 — Permeation of Topically Applied Magnesium Ions Through Human Skin Is Facilitated by Hair Follicles
Investigates possible pathways through which magnesium ions may interact with the skin.
Permeation of Topically Applied Magnesium Ions Through Human Skin is Facilitated by Hair Follicles (2016).
2017 — Effect of Transdermal Magnesium Cream on Serum and Urinary Magnesium Levels in Humans: A Pilot Study
A small human pilot study examining whether topical magnesium cream affected serum and urinary magnesium measurements.
Effect of Transdermal Magnesium Cream on Serum and Urinary Magnesium Levels in Humans: A Pilot Study (2017)
Effects of Magnesium Deficiency – More Than Skin Deep (2014)
Magnesium and Connective Tissue (2003)
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Severely Low Serum Magnesium Is Associated With Increased Risks Of Positive Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibody And Hypothyroidism: A Cross-Sectional Study (2018)
Cell (patho)Physiology of Magnesium (2008)
METABOLIC HEALTH
Magnesium Intake and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Men and Women (2004)
Magnesium Intake in Relation to Systemic Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and the Incidence of Diabetes (2010)
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
The Role of Magnesium Deficiency in Cardiovascular and Intestinal Inflammation (2010)
Possible Roles Of Magnesium On The Immune System. (2003)
Dietary Magnesium Deficiency Induces Heart Rhythm Changes, Impairs Glucose Tolerance, And Decreases Serum Cholesterol In Post Menopausal Women. (2007)
Magnesium and the Risk of Cardiovascular Events: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies (2013)
Magnesium Causes Nitric Oxide Independent Coronary Artery Vasodilation In Humans (2001)
Low Intracellular Magnesium Levels Promote Platelet-Dependent Thrombosis In Patients With Coronary Artery Disease. (2000)
Dietary Magnesium Intake And Risk Of Stroke: A Meta-Analysis Of Prospective Studies (2012)
Comparison of Mechanism and Functional Effects of Magnesium and Statin Pharmaceuticals (2004)
Note: These studies investigate magnesium and cardiovascular biology. They do not establish that Magnesium Via Skin products treat cardiovascular disease.
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH
Critical Role of Magnesium Ions in DNA Polymerase ’s Closing and Active Site Assembly (2004)
NERVOUS SYSTEM / MENTAL WELL-BEING
Dietary Magnesium Deficiency Alters Gut Microbiota And Leads To Depressive-Like Behaviour. (2015)
Magnesium in Major Depression (2009)
Magnesium Supplementation In Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (2016)
What should we conclude?
These studies are interesting, but they do not establish that transdermal magnesium is superior to oral magnesium or that topical magnesium reliably raises systemic magnesium levels in everyone.
The evidence remains limited, and further research is needed.
A Note About Scientific Research
The studies presented here are provided for educational purposes and represent research into magnesium, magnesium status, magnesium chloride and related biological processes.
Individual studies may have different designs, populations, limitations and conclusions. The presence of a study on this website does not mean that the study tested an Elektra Magnesium® product or established that topical magnesium can prevent, diagnose or treat a disease.
Research specifically examining transdermal magnesium remains limited and is continuing to develop.
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical conditions, medications, supplementation or concerns about magnesium deficiency.