# Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/magnesium-chloride-hexahydrate **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-29 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Mineral **Also Known As:** MgCl₂·6H₂O, Magnesium dichloride hexahydrate, Hexahydrated magnesium chloride, Magnesium chloride 6-hydrate, Bischofite hexahydrate, E511 hexahydrate ## Overview Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is a highly water-soluble magnesium salt that provides bioavailable magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) for cellular functions. The hexahydrate form contains six water molecules per magnesium chloride unit, enhancing dissolution and potential absorption. ## Health Benefits • No clinical health benefits documented - No human clinical trials or RCTs were found in the research dossier • Potential magnesium supplementation - As a source of magnesium ions (Mg²⁺), though no specific evidence provided • High water solubility - May offer good absorption potential in aqueous formulations, but no clinical data available • Pharmaceutical grade purity - Meets Ph. Eur., BP, FCC standards with ≥99% purity • No evidence-based therapeutic claims - Research dossier contains no clinical efficacy data ## Mechanism of Action Magnesium chloride hexahydrate dissociates in aqueous solutions to release magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). The released magnesium ions serve as cofactors for over 300 enzymatic reactions, including [ATP synthesis](/ingredients/condition/energy), protein synthesis, and calcium channel regulation. The hexahydrate crystalline structure with six bound water molecules facilitates rapid dissolution and ionization in biological fluids. ## Clinical Summary No human clinical trials or randomized controlled trials specifically investigating magnesium chloride hexahydrate have been documented in current research databases. While the compound theoretically provides magnesium supplementation through highly bioavailable Mg²⁺ ions, no clinical evidence supports specific health benefits or efficacy claims. The lack of clinical data represents a significant evidence gap for this particular magnesium form. Research on other magnesium compounds cannot be directly extrapolated to magnesium chloride hexahydrate without specific comparative studies. ## Nutritional Profile Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate (MgCl₂·6H₂O) is a pure inorganic mineral salt with a molecular weight of 203.30 g/mol. Elemental composition: Magnesium (Mg²⁺) content approximately 11.96% by weight (meaning a 1g dose delivers ~120mg elemental magnesium), Chloride (Cl⁻) approximately 34.9% by weight, and water of crystallization approximately 53.2% by weight. Contains no macronutrients (zero protein, fat, or carbohydrates), no dietary fiber, no vitamins, and no organic bioactive compounds. As a mineral source, the sole nutritional contributor is elemental magnesium. Bioavailability notes: Magnesium chloride dissociates readily in aqueous solution into free Mg²⁺ and Cl⁻ ions; the chloride salt form is generally considered to have higher solubility and potentially superior bioavailability compared to less soluble forms such as magnesium oxide (~4% absorption) or magnesium hydroxide. Ionic magnesium absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine via active transport (TRPM6/TRPM7 channels) and passive paracellular diffusion; absorption efficiency is approximately 30–50% under normal physiological conditions but is dose-dependent and decreases at higher intakes. No calories, no organic phytonutrients, no [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, and no fiber content. Chloride ions contribute to normal gastric acid production and electrolyte balance but are not considered a nutritional limitation in typical supplemental doses. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no clinical trials were found in the research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data specific to magnesium chloride hexahydrate supplementation is limited due to lack of clinical studies. General magnesium supplementation may cause gastrointestinal effects including diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping, particularly at doses exceeding 350mg elemental magnesium daily. Magnesium can interact with antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones), bisphosphonates, and diuretics by affecting absorption or excretion. Individuals with kidney disease should avoid magnesium supplementation without medical supervision due to impaired renal magnesium clearance. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses were found in the research dossier for magnesium chloride hexahydrate. No PubMed PMIDs are available for clinical studies on this specific compound. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses for magnesium chloride hexahydrate were documented in the research dossier. ## Synergistic Combinations No synergistic ingredients documented in research ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much elemental magnesium is in magnesium chloride hexahydrate? Magnesium chloride hexahydrate contains approximately 12% elemental magnesium by weight. This means 1000mg of magnesium chloride hexahydrate provides roughly 120mg of elemental magnesium. ### Is magnesium chloride hexahydrate better absorbed than other magnesium forms? While magnesium chloride hexahydrate has high water solubility suggesting good bioavailability potential, no comparative absorption studies exist. The hexahydrate form's superior dissolution properties theoretically enhance absorption, but clinical evidence is lacking. ### What is the difference between magnesium chloride and magnesium chloride hexahydrate? Magnesium chloride hexahydrate contains six water molecules bound to each magnesium chloride unit, making it more water-soluble than anhydrous magnesium chloride. The hexahydrate form dissolves more readily in biological fluids, potentially improving bioavailability. ### Can magnesium chloride hexahydrate cause diarrhea? Like other magnesium compounds, magnesium chloride hexahydrate may cause diarrhea, especially at higher doses. The chloride component may have additional laxative effects compared to other magnesium forms, though specific data is unavailable. ### What is the recommended dosage for magnesium chloride hexahydrate? No specific dosage recommendations exist for magnesium chloride hexahydrate due to lack of clinical studies. General magnesium supplementation guidelines suggest staying below 350mg elemental magnesium daily from supplements, which equals approximately 2900mg magnesium chloride hexahydrate. ### Is magnesium chloride hexahydrate safe for children? Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is a regulated mineral form meeting pharmaceutical standards (Ph. Eur., BP, FCC), but pediatric safety has not been established in clinical trials. Dosing for children should be determined by a healthcare provider based on age and individual needs, as children typically require lower magnesium intakes than adults. Always consult with a pediatrician before giving magnesium supplements to children. ### Does magnesium chloride hexahydrate interact with medications? Magnesium can interact with certain medications including bisphosphonates, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, and some thyroid medications by reducing their absorption. Magnesium chloride hexahydrate, as a soluble magnesium source, may have similar interaction potential and should be taken at least 2 hours apart from these medications. Consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider to assess potential interactions with your specific medications. ### Can I get enough magnesium from food instead of magnesium chloride hexahydrate? Common dietary sources of magnesium include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes, which can provide adequate magnesium for many people. However, many individuals consume insufficient dietary magnesium due to modern food processing and soil depletion, potentially justifying supplementation. Whether supplementation is necessary depends on your current intake and individual health status, which a healthcare provider can assess. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*