Magnesium Citrate (Tribasic)
Minerals & Trace Elements
Nutritional Enhancers
Acidity Regulators
3344-18-1
C₁₂H₁₀Mg₃O₁₄
$3.73 ~ $5.59
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
Product Info
What is Magnesium Citrate (Tribasic)?
Magnesium Citrate (Tribasic) is a highly bioavailable magnesium salt of citric acid, primarily used as a dietary supplement to treat magnesium deficiency, as a laxative, and sometimes as a firming or acidity-regulating agent in foods.
How is Magnesium Citrate (Tribasic) made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Charge a reactor with purified water and dissolve a stoichiometric amount of food-grade Citric Acid. | Control Point: Purity and precise weight of raw materials (Magnesium source, Citric Acid) and water quality. Note: Accurate measurement is critical to ensure a complete reaction and the formation of the correct tribasic salt. |
| 2 | Reaction & Neutralization | Slowly and gradually add a Magnesium source (e.g., high-purity Magnesium Oxide) to the citric acid solution under continuous agitation. | Control Point: Rate of addition, agitation speed, and reactor temperature. Note: This is an exothermic reaction. Controlled addition is vital to manage the temperature rise and ensure the reaction goes to completion. |
| 3 | Filtration | Filter the resulting Magnesium Citrate slurry or solution to remove any unreacted materials or insoluble impurities. | Control Point: Filter pore size and integrity. Note: This step ensures a clear, pure solution, which is fundamental to the final product's quality and low impurity profile. |
| 4 | Drying | Feed the purified solution into a spray dryer, atomizing it into a hot air stream to rapidly evaporate water and form a powder. | Control Point: Inlet/outlet air temperature and atomization pressure. Note: Spray drying is the preferred method as it yields a fine, homogenous powder with consistent particle size and moisture content. |
| 5 | Sieving & Sizing | Pass the dried powder through a vibrating sieve or mill to classify the material and achieve the target particle size distribution. | Control Point: Sieve mesh size and integrity. Note: This step guarantees the product meets physical specifications for bulk density and flowability, which are important for tableting or blending applications. |
| 6 | Quality Control | Take representative samples from the final batch and conduct comprehensive testing against established specifications. | Control Point: Conformance to standards (e.g., USP, FCC) for assay (Mg content), heavy metals, arsenic, and microbial limits. Note: Rigorous final testing is the ultimate verification of product safety, purity, and identity before release. |
| 7 | Packaging | Pack the approved Magnesium Citrate powder into sealed, moisture-proof, food-grade containers in a controlled-humidity environment. | Control Point: Packaging material integrity, accurate net weight, and ambient humidity. Note: Proper packaging is essential to prevent moisture absorption and contamination, ensuring product stability and shelf-life. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 3344-18-1 |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₂H₁₀Mg₃O₁₄ |
| Solubility | ≈100+ g/L in water (anhydrous); lower in hydrate forms, soluble in dilute acids; insoluble in ethanol |
| Storage Conditions | store in cool, dry, ventilated area protected from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | 36 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
used in dietary supplements
fortified foods/beverages
pharmaceutical osmotic laxatives
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Magnesium Citrate (Tribasic) |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutrient Fortificant; Acidity Regulator; Anti-caking Agent; Firming Agent. |
| Key Ingredients | Trimagnesium dicitrate (C12H10Mg3O14). |
| Mechanism of Action | Provides a bioavailable source of elemental magnesium for fortification. The citrate anion acts as a buffering agent by accepting protons to regulate pH. As a firming agent, the divalent magnesium ions (Mg2+) cross-link with anionic hydrocolloids like pectin to reinforce gel structures. As an anti-caking agent, it absorbs moisture and coats particles to prevent agglomeration in dry blends. |
| Application Effect in Product | Increases magnesium content in dietary supplements and fortified foods. Stabilizes pH in beverages and confectionery. Maintains free-flowing characteristics in powdered mixes, salt, and spices. Enhances textural firmness and structural integrity in canned vegetables and processed fruits. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnesium Citrate (Tribasic) | Organic Magnesium Salt | Good bioavailability; strong osmotic laxative effect; bonded with citric acid. | Cost-effective for its absorption level; widely available; highly effective for constipation. | High likelihood of causing digestive upset or diarrhea, especially at higher doses. | Relieving occasional constipation; general magnesium supplementation for non-sensitive stomachs. | For a balance of decent absorption and a reliable laxative effect at a good price point. |
| Magnesium Glycinate | Chelated Magnesium | Magnesium bonded to glycine amino acid; very high bioavailability; minimal laxative effect. | Extremely gentle on the digestive system; highly absorbable; glycine offers calming properties. | More expensive; lower elemental magnesium per capsule; ineffective as a laxative. | Correcting deficiency without digestive issues; improving sleep; reducing anxiety. | For maximum absorption with the lowest chance of stomach upset; ideal for relaxation and sleep. |
| Magnesium Oxide | Inorganic Magnesium Salt | High elemental magnesium content (approx. 60%); very low bioavailability; potent laxative and antacid. | Very inexpensive; high magnesium dose per pill; effective for heartburn relief. | Poorly absorbed by the body, making it ineffective for correcting systemic deficiency. | Short-term, potent laxative use; occasional relief from indigestion or heartburn. | For a low-cost, powerful antacid or laxative, not for raising the body's magnesium levels. |
| Magnesium Malate | Organic Magnesium Salt | Magnesium bonded to malic acid; good bioavailability; gentle on the stomach. | Well-absorbed; malic acid is involved in cellular energy production; may help with muscle soreness. | Less common and can be more expensive than citrate or oxide. | Supporting energy levels; alleviating muscle fatigue and pain (e.g., fibromyalgia). | For general magnesium needs with a potential added benefit for energy and muscle function. |
| Magnesium L-Threonate | Patented Magnesium Chelate | Uniquely able to cross the blood-brain barrier; developed for cognitive function. | Specifically increases magnesium levels in the brain, potentially improving memory and cognition. | Significantly more expensive than all other forms; patented (Magtein); less effective for muscle or laxative effects. | Supporting brain health, memory, and cognitive function. | When the primary goal is specifically to support cognitive and neurological health. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, TDS, monographs available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MSDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications