Magnesium sulfate (medical use) ionic strength prevents some of the temporary skin wrinkling (partial maceration) which is caused by prolonged immersion of extremities in pure water. Magnesium and sulfate ions are naturally present in some mineral waters. The claimed health benefits of Epsom Salt baths have not been proven. A magnesium sulphate paste is also available which is claimed to be useful for small boils or localised infections. The standard British Pharmacopoeia composition is dried Magnesium Sulfate 47.76 % w/w, Phenol 0.49 % w/w. and glycerol (E422). Magnesium sulfate has been used as an experimental treatment of Irukandji syndrome caused by envenomation by certain
Magnesium in biology Magnesium in biology Magnesium is an essential element in biological systems. Magnesium occurs typically as the Mg ion. It is an essential mineral nutrient (i.e., element) for life and is present in every cell type in every organism. For example, ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main source of energy in cells, must bind to a magnesium ion in order to be biologically active. What is called ATP is often actually Mg-ATP. As such, magnesium plays a role in the stability of all polyphosphate compounds in the cells, including those associated with the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Over 300 enzymes require