Myth or Reality-Transdermal Magnesium?
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review evaluating existing literature without systematic review methodology or new human data.
PubMed 28788060 · doi:10.3390/nu9080813
What was done
Authors conducted a review evaluating current literature and evidence-based data regarding transdermal magnesium applications (such as sprays, flakes, and salt baths) compared to oral magnesium supplementation.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical findings or quantitative metrics. The authors conclude that commercial and promotional claims asserting transdermal magnesium is effective, better absorbed, or superior to oral supplementation are scientifically unsupported.
Why it matters
Despite aggressive commercial marketing promoting transdermal magnesium sprays and baths to bypass gastrointestinal side effects, current literature does not substantiate these absorption claims.
Limits
The abstract provides no search methodology, selection criteria, or study counts, indicating a narrative rather than systematic review. No quantitative data, pharmacokinetic measurements, or direct trial comparisons are reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports There is no scientific evidence demonstrating that soaking in Epsom salt increases plasma magnesium levels or improves muscle cramps.