Magnesium Citrate
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Magnesium Citrate

Nutritional Enhancers Minerals & Trace Elements Acidity Regulators
7779-25-1
C₆H₆MgO₇·H₂O (monomagnesium hydrogen citrate) or C₁₂H₁₀Mg₃O₁₄ (trimagnesium dicitrate)
$3.73 ~ $5.59
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:White or yellowish powder
White or yellowish powder
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Product Info

What is Magnesium Citrate?

Magnesium Citrate is the magnesium salt of citric acid, primarily used as a highly bioavailable nutritional supplement to address magnesium deficiency and as an effective osmotic laxative.

How is Magnesium Citrate made?

Step No. Production Stage Key Action Control Point & Note
1 Raw Material Preparation Qualify and weigh purified water, citric acid, and a magnesium source (e.g., Magnesium Oxide or Carbonate) according to the batch formula. Control Point: Purity and grade of all raw materials. Note: Accurate weighing is critical for achieving the correct stoichiometric ratio and ensuring complete reaction.
2 Synthesis / Reaction Dissolve citric acid in purified water within a glass-lined reactor. Slowly and carefully add the magnesium source under constant agitation. Control Point: Rate of addition and reactor temperature. Note: The reaction is exothermic; controlling the temperature (e.g., below 85°C) prevents side reactions and ensures safety.
3 Neutralization & pH Check Allow the reaction to proceed until it is complete. Monitor and adjust the solution to reach the target pH endpoint. Control Point: Final pH of the solution (typically 7.0-8.5). Note: The pH is a critical parameter that confirms the completion of the reaction and the formation of the desired magnesium citrate salt.
4 Purification & Filtration Filter the resulting magnesium citrate solution while hot to remove any insoluble impurities or unreacted raw materials. Activated carbon may be added for decolorization. Control Point: Clarity and color of the filtrate. Note: This step is vital for ensuring the purity and appearance of the final product.
5 Crystallization Cool the clear, filtered solution in a crystallizer under a controlled temperature profile to induce the formation of magnesium citrate crystals. Control Point: Cooling rate and final temperature. Note: A slow, controlled cooling rate promotes the growth of larger, more uniform crystals, which are easier to separate and purify.
6 Centrifugation & Washing Separate the magnesium citrate crystals from the mother liquor using a centrifuge. Wash the crystal cake with purified water. Control Point: Centrifuge speed and wash water volume. Note: Effective washing is essential for removing residual soluble impurities and achieving high product purity.
7 Drying Transfer the wet crystals to a dryer (e.g., fluid bed or vacuum dryer) and dry them using controlled temperature and airflow. Control Point: Drying temperature and final moisture content (Loss on Drying). Note: Proper drying is crucial for product stability and to prevent microbial growth. Over-drying can damage the crystal structure.
8 Milling & Sieving Mill the dried product to a uniform powder. Sieve the powder through specific mesh screens to achieve the target particle size distribution. Control Point: Sieve mesh size and particle size analysis. Note: This step ensures the product meets specifications for solubility, density, and flowability.
9 Final QC & Packaging Sample and test the finished product for all key specifications (e.g., assay, heavy metals, microbial limits). Package approved product into sealed, labeled containers. Control Point: Final product analysis results against specification. Note: Packaging must be done in a controlled environment to protect the product from moisture and contamination.

Technical Specifications

CAS Number 7779-25-1
Chemical Formula C₆H₆MgO₇·H₂O (monomagnesium hydrogen citrate) or C₁₂H₁₀Mg₃O₁₄ (trimagnesium dicitrate)
Solubility ≈20 g/100 mL (at 20 °C), soluble in water; soluble in dilute acids; insoluble in ethanol
Storage Conditions store in cool, dry, ventilated area protected from light and moisture
Shelf Life 24 Months

Applications & Usage

Common Applications:

used as acidity regulator in foods
magnesium dietary supplement
and osmotic laxative

Mechanism of action:

Parameter Magnesium Citrate
Functional Category Nutrient Supplement; Acidity Regulator; Firming Agent
Key Ingredients Trimagnesium dicitrate (anhydrous or hydrated)
Mechanism of Action As a nutrient, it provides bioavailable magnesium (Mg2+), an essential cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions. As an acidity regulator, the citrate anion buffers pH by neutralizing acids/bases. As a firming agent, Mg2+ ions cross-link with negatively charged pectin chains in plant tissues, reinforcing cell wall structure.
Application Effect in Product Nutritional fortification in beverages and supplements; maintains texture and structural integrity in canned vegetables (e.g., tomatoes); regulates pH to control tartness and stabilize flavor in confections and jellies; prevents discoloration.


Comparison:

Product Name Category/Type Key Features Strengths (vs peers) Weaknesses (vs peers) Best Use Cases Why Choose
Magnesium Citrate Magnesium Salt (with Citric Acid) Good bioavailability; saline laxative effect at higher doses. Cost-effective; well-absorbed; effective for constipation. Can cause gastrointestinal distress or diarrhea. General magnesium replenishment; relieving occasional constipation. You need a well-absorbed form that also promotes bowel regularity.
Magnesium Glycinate Chelated Magnesium (with Glycine) Very high bioavailability; bound to the amino acid glycine. Extremely gentle on the stomach; no laxative effect; calming properties. Often more expensive; lower elemental magnesium per capsule. Improving sleep; reducing anxiety; for sensitive stomachs. You want maximum absorption with minimal digestive side effects.
Magnesium Malate Magnesium Salt (with Malic Acid) High bioavailability; malic acid is involved in cellular energy production. Well-absorbed; may support energy and reduce muscle pain. Can be stimulating for some individuals if taken at night. Addressing fatigue, fibromyalgia symptoms, and muscle soreness. You are seeking magnesium benefits combined with energy support.
Magnesium Oxide Inorganic Magnesium Salt High percentage of elemental magnesium per weight; low cost. Inexpensive; small pill size for a high elemental dose. Very poor bioavailability (~4%); strong laxative effect. Short-term constipation relief; use as an antacid. Your primary goal is a potent, low-cost laxative, not correcting a deficiency.
Magnesium L-Threonate Chelated Magnesium (with L-Threonic acid) Uniquely able to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively. Specifically supports brain health, memory, and cognitive function. Significantly more expensive; limited research on long-term effects. Supporting cognitive health and brain magnesium levels. Your primary focus is on brain function and memory enhancement.

Technical Documents

Available Documentation

COA and monographs available

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

MSDS available

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Quality assurance documentation

Technical Data Sheet

Detailed technical specifications