Magnesium is having its well-deserved moment in the wellness spotlight, but with the buzz comes a lot of misinformation. At Abundant Natural Health, we're passionate about cutting through the noise to deliver ocean-sourced, sustainable and science-backed magnesium products that you can trust. Let's unpack some of the biggest myths around magnesium and set the record straight.
Myth 1: "Magnesium Can't Be Absorbed Through the Skin"
A common misconception out there. While magnesium is often consumed through diet or supplements, topical application has been shown to be an effective way to support healthy magnesium levels. Your skin, the body's largest organ, is highly absorbent, especially when it comes to minerals dissolved in water or applied in concentrated formulations.
That's why ocean-sourced magnesium is more than just soothing, it's a direct way to deliver magnesium chloride. At Abundant Natural Health, we work with sustainably harvested ocean water, carefully purified to retain its natural magnesium chloride content. It's clean, it's concentrated and its effective.
Myth 2: "If Magnesium Stings Upon Application, You're Magnesium Deficient"
Ever felt a tingling or slight sting after applying magnesium oil? A common myth around is that this means your magnesium deficient, but science simply doesn't support this.
Magnesium chloride is a salt and just like when you swim in the ocean with a cut or dry skin, it can cause a stinging or tingling sensation. Magnesium is also a relatively large molecule and has difficulty absorbing into the skin. When applied topically, magnesium often dances on the skin surface rather than soak in, without a transdermal agent to help it move through the skin barrier. We solve this by blending our magnesium with cucumber stem cell, naturally high in citric and lactic acid. This gentle fruit extract acid acts as a natural carrier, supporting magnesium absorption while calming and hydrating the skin. The result? Better uptake, less sting and a soothing magnesium experience.
Myth 3: "The More Magnesium, the Better"
It's easy to assume that the higher the magnesium content in a product, the more effective it will be. But the truth is, if magnesium isn't delivered in a form your body can absorb, the numbers don't matter.
Bioavailability, the body's ability to access and use magnesium, is key. A product packed with magnesium that sits on the skin without absorbing won't outperform one formulated for effective uptake. That's why sourcing and formulation matter so much.
Myth 4: "We Don't Really Need Magnesium Supplements"
It's true that magnesium is found in foods such as leafy greens, legumes, nuts and whole grains, however, modern diets and farming practices can make it difficult to get enough. Soil depletion processed foods, and busy lifestyles mean many people fall short of their daily magnesium needs.
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical processes in the body, supporting everything from energy production and muscle function to nervous system regulation and healthy sleep. A deficiency may leave you feeling tired, restless or dealing with muscle tightness. Supporting your intake through high quality supplements or topical applications can make a meaningful difference.
Myth 5: "All Magnesium Is the Same"
Not all magnesium sources are created equal. The form, purity and source all impact how effective and safe a magnesium product really is. While some magnesium is mined from the earth, harvested from ancient ponds or mass imported. These sources are a hit and miss as they lack traceability, are not sustainably managed and contain impurities and contaminants depending on the soil and extraction method.
Myth 6: "Rubbing Magnesium on Your Feet Helps You Sleep Best"
Popular belief that applying magnesium to the soles of your feet at night will help you sleep better. While magnesium does play an important role in supporting relaxation and rest, there's no scientific evidence that your feet absorb magnesium better than other parts of your body.
In reality, topical magnesium works where you apply it. Think of it in terms of physically experiencing symptoms of anxiety, some feel it in their chest, others in their neck and others in their stomach. We recommend applying magnesium directly to those areas for experience the calming and relaxation effect.
Myth 7: “Supplements are Better Than Topicals”
It's certainly not a competition and in fact, supplements and topicals work in different ways. Oral magnesium supports internal magnesium levels through digestion, while topical magnesium delivers it directly through the skin. Both approaches are effective and go through different systems in the body. Finding the combination or balance for your body and lifestyle is key rather than pinning them against each other.
Myth 8: “Magnesium Glycinate is the Best”
Different forms of magnesium have their trending days and rightly so, Magnesium Glycinate is the hot topic. But it's not the only effective form of magnesium. Magnesium citrate, chloride and chelate all have their place, each with slightly different benefits and absorption profiles.
The Truth About Magnesium
When it comes to magnesium, it's important to do your own research and separate fact from fiction. Here's what we know for sure:
- Magnesium enhances everyday wellbeing.
- Topical application is an effective way to support magnesium intake.
- Tinging or stinging after application is linked to skin sensitivity, not deficiency.
- More magnesium does not automatically mean better results - absorption is what actually counts.
- Sourcing matters. Ethical, ocean-sourced magnesium is a cleaner, safer and sustainable option.
- Many of us aren't getting enough magnesium from food alone.
Don't let myths hold you back from discovering the benefits of magnesium. Whether you prefer to soak, spray and massage it in, magnesium can play an important role in your daily routine. With the right source and formulation, it's a simple step towards feeling more balanced, supported and even aligned with nature.
The said, everyone's body is different. It's always worth speaking to your healthcare professional and doing your own research to understand how magnesium can best support you. A thoughtful, informed approach will go further that quick tips or comment sections. Focus on what helps you feel calm, energised and nurtuered.