Magnesium+sulfate

Magnesium Sulfate is a chemical compound with the formula MgSO4. Magnesium Sulfates are common minerals in geological environments. It can be manufactured but is usually obtained directly from natural sources. It has a molar mass of 120.366 g/mol and a density of 2.66 g/cm3.

Magnesium Sulfate is often encountered as epsom salt. It is used in bath salts particularly in flotation therapy where high concentrations raise the bath water's specific gravity, effectively making the body more buoyant. Traditionally, it is also used to prepare foot baths, intended to soothe sore feet. The reason for the inclusion of the salt is partially cosmetic: the increase in ionic strength prevents some of the temporary skin wrinkling. It is also sometimes found in bottled mineral water, and accordingly is sometimes listed in the contents.

=Health Benefits =

Researchers and physicians suggest these health benefits from proper magnesium and sulfate levels, as listed on the web site of the Epsom Salt Industry Council:
 * Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
 * Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
 * Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
 * Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
 * Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of wellbeing and relaxation.
 * Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
 * Improved oxygen use.
 * Improved absorption of nutrients.
 * Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
 * Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.



Hydrates
Almost all known mineralogical forms of MgSO4 occur as hydrates. [|Epsomite] is the natural analogue of "Epsom salt". Another heptahydrate, the [|copper] -containing mineral alpersite (Mg,Cu)SO4·7H2O, [|[2]] was also recently recognized. Both are however not the highest known hydrates of MgSO4, due to the recent terrestrial find of [|meridianiite], MgSO4·11H2O, which is thought to also occur on Mars. [|Hexahydrite] is the next lower (6) hydrate. Three next lower hydrates - [|pentahydrite] (5), [|starkeyite] (4) and especially [|sanderite] (2) are more rarely found. [|Kieserite] is a monohydrate and is common among evaporitic deposits. Anhydrous magnesium sulfate was reported from some burning coal dumps, but never treated as a mineral. The pH of hydrates is average 6.0 (5.5 to 6.5). Magnesium [|hydrates] have, like [|Copper(II) sulfate], [|coordinated water]. [|[3]]

Properties
Magnesium sulfate is the primary substance that causes the absorption of [|sound] in [|seawater]. [|[1]] //Absorption//, in this case, means the conversion of acoustic energy to heat energy. The conversion is a strong function of frequency. Lower frequencies are less affected by the [|salt], so that the acoustic energy travels much farther in the ocean. [|Boric acid] also contributes to absorption, but the most abundant salt in seawater, [|sodium chloride], has no known effect on sound absorption.

Magnesium sulfate reduces striated muscle contractions and blocks peripheral neuromuscular transmission by reducing acetylcholine release at the myoneural junction. In emergency care, magnesium sulfate is used to manage seizures associated with pregnancy. Other uses include uterine relaxation (to inhibit contractions of premature labor), as a bronchodilator after beta-agonist and anticholinergic agents have been used, replacement therapy for magnesium deficiency, as a cathartic to reduce the absorption of poisons from the Gl tract, and in the initial therapy for convulsions. Magnesium sulfate is gaining popularity as an initial treatment in the management of various dysrhythmias, particularly torsades de pointes, and dysrhythmias secondary to a tricyclic antidepressant overdose or digitalis toxicity. The drug is also considered as a class Ila agent (probably helpful) for refractory ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia after administration of lidocaine or bretylium doses.