What is Magnesium Carbonate?
It’s unlikely most people are familiar with the name Magnesium Carbonate but just about everyone has either seen, used or consumed Magnesium Carbonate on a daily basis. While the name conjures up images of volatile compounds bubbling in beakers, in reality Magnesium Carbonate is just chalk.
Rock climbers, weight lifters and gymnasts chalk up every time they need a good grip on something because Magnesium Carbonate is a good drying agent. Magnesium carbonate, and other similar minerals, can also be found in flooring, fireproofing, fire extinguishing compositions, cosmetics, dusting powder, and even your toothpaste. Its ability to function as a drying agent led to Magnesium Carbonate’s use as an additive in salt so it wouldn’t stick together in humid climates. It doesn’t react with food and is basically tasteless so it can also be found as a filler material and as a color retainer in some foods.
Magnesium Carbonate’s versatility means it can be used in countless industrial functions and as a food additive. It is also useful as a dietary supplement because it promotes better protein synthesis and is a natural laxative.
Supplements
On the most basic cellular level, Magnesium is one of the most important elements in the body. Low levels of Magnesium in the blood can cause improper function of the cells, nerves, muscles, bones and the heart. Magnesium is found in a lot of the foods we eat and you should be getting enough in a balanced diet. Those individuals who have Magnesium deficiencies may need a supplement like Magnesium Carbonate to maintain proper health. Magnesium deficiencies can be self-induced or caused by a wide variety of illnesses. If you drink alcohol in excess, use diuretic pills or have a poor diet you could be losing Magnesium faster than your diet can replenish it. Diseases like diabetes, when not properly controlled, or intestinal absorption disorders can also lead to lower than normal levels of Magnesium. Taking a dose of Magnesium Carbonate would replenish the lost stores of Magnesium necessary for proper cell function.
If you don’t have a Magnesium deficiency of some kind you are better off not taking Magnesium Carbonate. The balance of chemicals like Calcium and Magnesium in the blood makes sure muscles and nerves perform properly. If you have too much Magnesium in your system, it could lead to cramps, diarrhea, irritability, drowsiness or depression.
Final Thoughts
Magnesium is a very important part of a healthy body and it’s important you are getting enough of the mineral every day. Most people are getting enough Magnesium without thinking about it but poor diet and illness could mean low Magnesium levels that need to be supplemented. Chalk seems innocent but people should still be careful not to take too much of a good thing, especially given Magnesium Carbonate’s laxative properties. The most common way to get a magnesium supplement is as an ingredient in a multivitamin. Magnesium Carbonate pills exist and may be a better option but consult your doctor before taking large doses of anything.