They are used as an magnesium substitute yet the wiki says Magnesium Oxide isnt even soluble in water. How do they work?
In: Chemistry
There are four primary applications for magnesium oxide pills: as a magnesium supplement, as an antacid, as a laxative, and for high blood pressure.
Magnesium oxide reacts in an aqueous solution to form magnesium hydroxide. The magnesium hydroxide reacts with acid to neutralize or buffer serving as an antacid.
It’s laxative function occurs because it is is os osmotically active. This means that when it is in the gut it attracts water into the gut. The promotion of water to be drawn into the gut softens or even liquifies stool making it easier to pass. Additionally, the retention of water in the gut causes it to distend which stimulates nerves that promote peristalsis or contraction of the bowel to move along and facilitate the passage of stool.
It’s function in high blood pressure is by stimulating the relaxation and increased diameter of blood vessels. This mechanism is more complex than the ones previously described. In summary, calcium acts in smooth muscle cells to cause them to contract. Magnesium acts as an antagonist blocking the stimulation of calcium therefore resulting in relaxation of the muscles.
Magnesium oxide is soluble in acid (like stomach acid). It reacts slowly with water producing magnesium hydroxide.
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