Epsom Salt

Magnesium sulfate is a common mineral pharmaceutical preparation of magnesium, commonly known as Epsom salt, used both externally and internally. In a 2004 non-peer reviewed article Dr. Rosemary Waring observed a slight increase in both magnesium and sulfates absorbed through the skin to improve blood levels.[4] A 2009 peer reviewed study of a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind phase I clinical study of a skin protectant lotion with a high magnesium content contradicted Dr. Waring's findings and showed that with repeated application there was no transdermal permeation of magnesium.[5] Magnesium sulfate is highly water-soluble and solubility is inhibited with lipids typically used in lotions. Lotions often employ the use of emulsions or suspensions to include both oil and water-soluble ingredients. Hence, magnesium sulfate in a lotion may not be as freely available to migrate to the skin nor to be absorbed through the skin, hence both studies may properly suggest absorption or lack thereof as a function of the carrier (in a water solution vs. in an oil emulsion/suspension). Temperature and concentration gradients may also be contributing factors to absorption.

Internal uses include:

Oral magnesium sulfate is commonly used as a saline laxative or osmotic purgative.
Replacement therapy for hypomagnesemia[6]
Magnesium sulfate is a antiarrhythmic agent for torsades de pointes in cardiac arrest under the ECC guidelines and for managing quinidine-induced arrhythmias.[7]