An investigation to determine the absorption of magnesium through the skin using a magnesium cream

INTERVENTION: The participants were randomly assigned to one of the following two treatments: 1. The magnesium cream (intervention) 2. An aqueous cream (placebo) Thirty pieces of paper were placed into a bag, 15 stating Mg and 15 stating placebo. On recruitment of a participant onto the trial an independent colleague pulled one of the pieces of paper from the bag and the participant was assigned to that group. Participants administered the cream for 14 days at a dose of 2 x 5ml/day (a measured spoon being provided) containing either 56mg magnesium or placebo. The cream was rubbed into the torso and legs. Food diaries were collected for 4 days at the beginning of the trial and 4 days at the end of the trial and analysed for dietary magnesium intake. A health questionnaire was administered pre and post intervention to determine feeling of well being and general health. CONDITION: Absorption of magnesium through a transdermal cream ; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Serum magnesium levels, measured through venepuncture blood collection at baseline and again within the last 2 days of the intervention.; 2. Urinary excretion, measured using 24h collection and analysed at baseline and again within the last 2 days of the intervention SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Habitual dietary magnesium intake, assessed via 2 x 4 day food diaries, of which 4 days were collected at the beginning of the trial and a further 4 days at the end of the trial; 2. General feeling of well being, assessed using a EQ‐5D Health survey and short questionnaire before and after the intervention INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Males and females 2. Aged 18‐60 3. In good health 4. Not taking any medication (with the exception of the contraceptive pill and asthma inhalers) 5. Not taking a magnesium supplement in any form 6. Not having a blood borne disease