What is Magnesium Citrate Anhydrous (Magnesium Citrate Anhydrous · Food & Supplement)?
Magnesium citrate is an organic salt formed by magnesium and citric acid (CAS 3344-18-1). It has relatively high solubility in water and is absorbed with less dependence on stomach acid; it is one of the most common organic magnesium forms in supplements. As a food additive, it is also recognized as an acidity regulator under the code E345.
- Molecular formula: Mg₃(C₆H₅O₇)₂
- CAS number: 3344-18-1
- Form: Powder
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Anhydrous magnesium citrate contains approximately 16% elemental Mg; commercial hydrated/acidic forms contain ~11–16%. Labels always state the amount of elemental Mg.
What is Magnesium Citrate Anhydrous · Food & Supplement Used For? Why is it Used?
Due to its high solubility and low dependence on stomach acid, magnesium citrate has shown consistently higher bioavailability in clinical studies compared to magnesium oxide. Its suitability for clear liquid and effervescent formulations, along with good tolerability, makes it a practical and balanced choice for daily magnesium supplementation.
Main areas of use: Dietary Supplements, Liquid Formulations, Powdered Drinks, Beverage Acidulant, Mineral Source, Technical Use.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- High solubility and absorption: Magnesium citrate exhibits high solubility in water; studies based on urine and serum measurements have shown it provides higher bioavailability compared to magnesium oxide.
- Tablets, capsules, and effervescent forms: Thanks to its good solubility, it is suitable for effervescent tablets, powder sachets, capsules, and syrup formulations. The label must declare the amount of elemental magnesium.
- Tolerance and laxative effect: At high doses, it can cause loose stools due to osmotic effects; this is a dose-limiting factor for all easily soluble magnesium salts.
- Divided dose usage: To improve gastrointestinal tolerance, the daily dose is usually taken in divided amounts spread throughout the day.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Food additive E345: Magnesium citrates are listed in the EU under code E345 as acidity regulators; they are used for pH adjustment and buffering in beverages and processed foods.
- Permitted magnesium source: Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1170/2009, magnesium salts of citric acid can be added to supplements and fortified foods as a source of magnesium.
- Fortification and functional beverages: Due to its high solubility, it is preferred in liquid/effervescent supplements and clear beverages fortified with magnesium.
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 and tiredness (EFSA ID 244).
- Nervous system: Magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and normal psychological functions (EFSA).
- Energy metabolism: Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism (EFSA).
- Electrolyte balance and protein synthesis: Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance and normal protein synthesis (EFSA).
- Bones and teeth: Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth (EFSA).
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): Mg NRV 375 mg (Annex XIII of 1169/2011).
- Upper Level of Intake (EFSA): EFSA/SCF: UL 250 mg/day for added magnesium (easily soluble salts; excluding natural Mg in food).
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): The list of permitted magnesium compounds in the TR Regulation is compatible with EU 1170/2009; citrate is permitted. A specific numerical upper limit for citrate could not be verified in the regulation.
The UL applies to added magnesium from easily soluble salts; exceeding it can lead to osmotic diarrhea.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | 15.0 - 16.5% |
| Appearance | White Powder (Hygroscopic) |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Soluble in Water |
| E Code | E345 |
Scientific Studies
The following independent researches relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (levels of evidence are specified):
- PubMed 2407766 — Human study demonstrating that magnesium citrate shows higher solubility and bioavailability compared to magnesium oxide via urinary magnesium.
- PubMed 35253448 — 24-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study comparing magnesium citrate, oxide, and sulfate on arterial stiffness.
- PubMed 20862466 — Human study evaluating magnesium bioavailability from different pharmaceutical formulations.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Magnesium Citrate Anhydrous.
References
- ods.od.nih.gov
- efsa.europa.eu
- eur-lex.europa.eu
- resmigazete.gov.tr
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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.