Hatfield university research reveals simple way to potentially combat hypertension

A study into the effectiveness of magnesium creams on humans, published in the journal PLOS One, has found that topical application does boost magnesium levels in the blood.

The University of Hertfordshire research shows that transdermal magnesium creams could be a viable addition or alternative to oral supplementation, to combat the range of health problems linked to low magnesium levels, including high blood pressure and poor immune function.

Only 86% of the population currently meets recommended magnesium levels in their diet and oral magnesium is commonly used to support a low magnesium diet.

Supplementation is proven to improve various health factors, including blood pressure, immune function, cardiovascular system and metabolic syndrome.

Researcher Lindsy Kass from the University of Hertfordshire, alongside Andrea Rosanoff from the Center for Magnesium Education & Research in Hawaii, studied a group of healthy adults.

Lindsy said: “This study is the first to look at the absorbency of transdermal magnesium creams in human subjects, so is a significant step in determining whether or not these creams could potentially be used as an alternative to oral supplements.

“Our initial findings indicate that magnesium creams could well be a viable and effective alternative to taking oral magnesium supplements in tablet form, although further studies are now needed to look at a higher dose of magnesium over a longer period of time.

“Low magnesium intake has been shown to cause many health problems, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues, so these creams could potentially be a good way to contribute to the increase in magnesium levels and therefore help in reducing the associated health problems.

“Many people do not like taking pills or have difficulty ingesting them, whereas a cream could be used easily on a daily basis - for example by rubbing it into the skin after showering.”