Magnesium sulfate

Magnesium sulfate is an inorganic salt composed of magnesium and sulfate ions. Its heptahydrate, MgSO₄·7H₂O, is commonly called Epsom salt.

Epsom salt: The mineral epsomite, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, commonly sold for baths and other uses. This familiar crystalline form is magnesium sulfate joined with seven water molecules.
Magnesium ion: The divalent cation Mg²⁺, an essential mineral involved in numerous biological and chemical processes. Dissolved magnesium sulfate separates into magnesium ions that drive many of its biological effects.
Epsomite: A naturally occurring mineral consisting of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. This mineral is the natural counterpart of the compound sold as Epsom salt.
Magnesium chloride: An ionic compound composed of magnesium cations and chloride anions. It supplies magnesium without sulfate, distinguishing the effects of the salt’s anion.
Preeclampsia: A pregnancy disorder involving new-onset hypertension and possible damage to organs after 20 weeks of gestation. Intravenous magnesium sulfate is used to prevent or treat seizures in severe cases.
Sulfate: The polyatomic anion SO₄²⁻, formed from sulfur and oxygen atoms. Sulfate is the negatively charged ion paired with magnesium in the salt.
Epsom: A town in Surrey, England, historically associated with mineral-rich spring water. The name Epsom salt comes from magnesium sulfate obtained from waters near this town.
Sodium sulfate: An inorganic salt composed of sodium cations and sulfate anions. It shares sulfate with magnesium sulfate but has a different cation and biological profile.
Magnesium deficiency: A state in which the body has too little magnesium to maintain normal physiological function. Magnesium sulfate can supply magnesium when deficiency requires medical treatment.
Hydrate: A compound containing water molecules incorporated into its crystal structure. Magnesium sulfate forms several hydrates, including the familiar seven-water crystal.

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