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Re: [RC] More on magnesium - Sisu West RanchThe question about the MgSO4 laxative effect is mostly one of chemistry.If the ionic strength of the material in the gut is above that of the blood water tends to move into the gut. Ionic strength is the product of the concentration of the positive and negative ions in the blood. Since both Mg and Sulfate are double charged, for a given number of moles (a measure of the numbers of atoms/ions) it has a much higher ionic strength. Thus it takes a smaller amount to draw water into the gut than some other ions. There probably are a bunch of biological effects also. I suspect that there is some sort of an irritating effect going on here. Medical personel can chime in here. (An example of a different mode of action of a salt is Calomel which is Mercurous Chloride. It used to be used as a potent laxative. The reason that all the members of Lewis and Clark expedition did not die from Hg poisoning was that it is extremely insoluble and thus passes (quickly) right through.) My bottom line: Moderation in all things. Small amounts of MgSO4 are a fine source of Mg++ ions in the diet, to much and you see the laxative effect. Ed Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower Road Victor, MT 59875 (406) 642-9640 ranch(at)sisuwest(dot)us =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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