What is Magnesium Sulfate Anhydrous (Magnesium Sulfate Anhydrous · Industrial & Chemical)?
Magnesium sulfate is an inorganic salt formed by magnesium and sulfuric acid (CAS 7487-88-9); its heptahydrate form is known as Epsom (English) salt. It has very high solubility in water. As a food additive, it is used with the code E518 as an acidity regulator, firming agent, and nutrient source.
- Molecular formula: MgSO₄
- CAS number: PubChem CID: 24466
- Form: Powder / Anhydrous magnesium salt
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Heptahydrate (Epsom salt) contains ~9.8–10% elemental Mg; anhydrous MgSO4 contains ~20%.
What is Magnesium Sulfate Anhydrous · Industrial & Chemical Used For? Why is it Used?
Magnesium sulfate is a practical raw material in liquid formulations and food processing due to its very high solubility and dual technological functions (E518 firming agent/acidity regulator + magnesium/sulfur source). The heptahydrate has low elemental magnesium content and acts as a strong laxative when taken orally; it stands out in technological/water treatment and topical applications (intravenous use is a medical matter).
Main areas of use: Formulated Foods & Additives, Water Treatment Chemicals, Fertilizer Production, Textile Dye Auxiliaries, Cosmetic Raw Materials.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- High solubility: Highly soluble in water; suitable for liquid and effervescent formulations and fortification.
- Low elemental content (heptahydrate): Heptahydrate contains only ~10% elemental magnesium by weight; more raw material is required for a specific dose.
- Laxative effect: At high oral doses, it exhibits a strong osmotic laxative effect; this limits dosage in oral supplements (EFSA UL 250 mg).
- Bath/topical and clinical use: Epsom salt is used in bath solutions; intravenous use for preeclampsia/asthma is a medical indication, not a food supplement.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Food additive E518: Used in the EU with code E518 as an acidity regulator and firming agent (canned vegetables, baked goods); also used in beer water treatment.
- Permitted magnesium source: EU Regulation (EC) 1170/2009 lists magnesium sulfate among permitted magnesium sources.
- Water/mineral and fermentation: Due to its high solubility, it serves as a magnesium/sulfur source in water remineralization, fermentation nutrient media, and beverages.
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 and cell division (EFSA).
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): Mg NRV is 375 mg (1169/2011).
- Upper Level of Intake (EFSA): EFSA/SCF: UL for added magnesium is 250 mg/day (magnesium sulfate is included due to its easy solubility).
- Turkish legislation (TSE/TFK): The TR list of permitted magnesium compounds is compatible with EU 1170/2009; sulfate is permitted. Conditions for additive function E518 apply. A specific numerical upper limit for sulfate could not be verified.
High oral doses act as a strong laxative; intravenous medical use is OUTSIDE the scope of food supplements.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Appearance | White or colorless crystalline powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Soluble in Water |
| E Code | E 518 |
Scientific Studies
The following independent researches relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (evidence levels are indicated):
- PubMed 35253448 — A 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the effect of magnesium citrate, oxide, and sulfate supplementation on arterial stiffness.
- PubMed 18029512 — Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of intravenous and nebulized magnesium sulfate in acute asthma (medical use).
- PubMed 12576241 — Randomized study comparing intravenous magnesium sulfate with placebo in mild preeclampsia (medical use).
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Magnesium Sulfate Anhydrous.
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/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material and does not aim to diagnose or treat diseases.