Magnesium Citrate
One unit of:White or yellowish powder
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:
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