Magnesium Citrate combines magnesium with citric acid, creating a water-soluble compound that finds wide use in the health, food, and chemical industries. The product appears as a white to slightly off-white solid, usually odorless, with a mildly tart taste. Its solubility in water, coupled with the neutral pH of its solutions, leads to magnesium citrate being chosen for many formulations, including laxatives, nutritional supplements, and more. In terms of regulated trade, the HS Code for magnesium citrate typically falls under 2918.15, tracking shipments at global borders.
The chemical formula of magnesium citrate is C6H6MgO7, with a molecular weight of 214.41 g/mol. The compound’s structure forms when magnesium ions coordinate with the citrate anion, resulting in a molecule with three carboxylate groups binding to the magnesium atom. This structure gives it high water solubility and stability. The arrangement of atoms in the lattice varies by hydration state: the most commercially relevant form is magnesium citrate nonahydrate, which includes nine water molecules per formula unit and presents as fine crystals or powder.
Magnesium citrate comes in a range of physical forms: crystalline solids, powder, fine granules, larger flakes, and sometimes as liquid concentrate or pearls for specialty applications. Crystalline and powder forms remain the most common, with density ranging from 1.8 to 2.0 g/cm³ depending on the level of hydration. As a solid, magnesium citrate appears white to off-white; in the laboratory or production settings, the exact density becomes important for handling and dosing. When dissolved, it produces a clear, colorless solution. The powder dissolves easily in water, but only sparingly in alcohol, leading it to be favored for water-based applications. Its melting point exceeds 150°C, but under high heat, it may decompose before melting, releasing water and causing a change in structural integrity.
The creation of magnesium citrate relies on well-established chemical reactions. Sourcing begins with magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, or magnesium hydroxide combined with citric acid, producing the neutralized salt in a controlled, aqueous environment. These raw materials work for food and pharmaceutical grades, with strict standards set for purity. Impurities and contaminants must be avoided, especially for supplement or medical use, so manufacturers operate under cGMP regulations. This focus on source quality protects the value chain and guarantees the safety of finished products. Global production sites span from Europe to North America and Asia, with each region following its own documentation regarding purity thresholds, moisture level, and permissible contaminants.
Magnesium citrate functions differently based on its form. The solid powder, recognizable for its ease of handling, stands out in supplement capsules, tableting formulations, and as an additive for food fortification. Flakes or pearls serve specialty mixing requirements, but the composition remains consistent. When converted to a solution, either in water or other polar solvents, magnesium citrate maintains stability and transparency over long periods, which is crucial for liquid supplements and pharmaceutical syrups. Liquid concentrate forms get formulated to specific magnesium concentrations, measured in mg per mL, to meet precise dosage demands in the health sector. As industrial suppliers manage the logistics, the form demanded depends entirely on the intended application: rapid dispersion, extended shelf stability, or easy solubility guide which material gets packed and shipped.
Magnesium citrate generally carries a reputation for safety, especially in small amounts, which are typical in foods or supplements. The compound is not flammable and presents low reactivity under standard storage conditions. Still, storage areas need to be dry, since the substance tends to absorb ambient moisture—over time, this clumping or caking could reduce shelf life or disrupt dosing accuracy. Spills wash away with water, but dust formation should be avoided during handling to prevent inhalation. Though not traditionally labeled as hazardous, high oral intake can bring about undesirable gastrointestinal effects: diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or electrolyte imbalances. Regulatory agencies consider it non-toxic for the environment, since both magnesium and citrate ions naturally occur in soils and waterways, and do not accumulate or bio-magnify as some heavy metals do. Safety Data Sheets outline the specifics for labeling, storage, and transport, confirming that standard chemical hygiene practices control any minimal risks involved.
The importance of magnesium citrate stretches from industrial production lines to daily nutritional needs. Pharmaceutical manufacturers rely on its consistency for producing bulk laxatives, either in powder or syrup forms. Nutrition brands count on its rapid solubility and mild taste to formulate powders and tablets for dietary supplementation—delivering magnesium to individuals with dietary insufficiency, muscle cramping, or increased mineral requirements. Food technologists use it as a firming agent or nutritional fortifier in processed foods, beverages, and infant nutrition. Laboratories appreciate its reliability for making reference solutions or as a buffering agent in analytical chemistry. These diverse roles underscore why the physical and chemical characteristics of magnesium citrate matter so much: manufacturers and consumers both rely on its predictable profile to solve a range of health and production challenges.
