What is Magnesium Carbonate?
Magnesium carbonate is an inorganic salt formed by magnesium and carbonic acid (MgCO3, CAS 546-93-0). It is slightly soluble in water and requires stomach acid for absorption. As a food additive with the code E504, it is used as an anti-caking agent, acidity regulator, and leavening agent.
- Molecular formula: MgCO₃
- CAS number: 546-93-0
- Form: Powder / Inorganic Magnesium Salt
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Anhydrous MgCO3 contains ~28–29% elemental Mg; commercial basic/hydrated forms contain ~24–25%.
What is Magnesium Carbonate Used For? Why is it Used?
Magnesium carbonate is a cost-effective raw material due to its high elemental magnesium content and dual function as a food additive (E504). Its absorption depends on stomach acid; organic salts are more suitable when high bioavailability is prioritized, while carbonate is preferred in formulations requiring high doses or specific technological functions.
Main areas of use: Dietary Supplements, Antacid, Laxatives, Magnesium Supplements, Cosmetic Filler, Rubber Industry.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- High elemental content: As an inorganic salt, it provides high elemental magnesium per unit weight (~24–28%); allowing for high doses in small tablets/capsules.
- Acid-dependent absorption: Requires stomach acid for absorption; absorption may decrease in individuals using acid-suppressing medications (PPIs).
- Dual antacid function: Due to its ability to neutralize stomach acid, it can be used both as a magnesium source and as an antacid; it releases CO2 in effervescent formulations.
- Tolerance: High doses may cause osmotic diarrhea; the EFSA UL (250 mg) applies. Labels must declare elemental Mg.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Food additive E504: Used in the EU under code E504 as an acidity regulator, anti-caking agent, and leavening agent (in salts, cocoa, baked goods, chewing gum).
- Permitted magnesium source: EU Regulation (EC) 1170/2009 lists magnesium carbonate among permitted magnesium sources.
- Flowability and moisture control: Its anti-caking properties improve flowability and shelf life in powder mixtures.
Effects on Health
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a role in many fundamental functions in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Normal muscle function: Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function (EFSA).
- Reduction of fatigue: Magnesium contributes to the reduction of fatigue (EFSA).
- Nervous system: Magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and psychological function (EFSA).
- Energy metabolism: Magnesium contributes to normal energy metabolism (EFSA).
- Electrolyte balance: Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance and protein synthesis (EFSA).
- Bones and teeth: Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of bones/teeth (EFSA).
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): Mg NRV is 375 mg (Regulation 1169/2011).
- Tolerable Upper Intake Level (EFSA): EFSA/SCF: UL for added magnesium is 250 mg/day.
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): The TR list of permitted magnesium compounds is compatible with EU 1170/2009; carbonate is permitted. For additive functions, the conditions for E504 in the Food Additives Regulation apply. A specific numerical upper limit for carbonate could not be verified.
Since absorption depends on stomach acid, the effectiveness may be reduced in individuals using acid-suppressing medications.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Magnesium Content | ≥ 28 |
| Appearance | White Powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Insoluble in Water |
Scientific Studies
The following independent studies relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (levels of evidence are indicated):
- PubMed 35041150 — Study examining the effect of short-term magnesium supplementation on electrolyte levels (including magnesium carbonate effervescent form).
- PubMed 29679349 — Human study comparing the hourly bioavailability of different magnesium compounds.
- PubMed 20862466 — Study evaluating bioavailability from different pharmaceutical magnesium formulations.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA, and supply conditions for Magnesium Carbonate.
References
- ods.od.nih.gov
- ec.europa.eu
- eur-lex.europa.eu
- resmigazete.gov.tr
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institutional sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material and is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease.