Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate

Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (CAS 10034-99-8), commonly known as Epsom salt and approved as E518, is a hydrated inorganic salt supplying bioavailable magnesium across food, agricultural, and industrial applications. It functions as a nutrient source, process aid, and stabilizer depending on the end-use sector. In agriculture, it corrects magnesium deficiency in soils and is applied as a foliar spray or soil amendment.

This compound helps to improve crop yield in magnesium-depleted growing conditions. Food and beverage manufacturers use it as a mineral fortifier and brewing process aid, where it adjusts water hardness. This adjustment influences yeast activity and flavor development. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulators incorporate it as a magnesium supplement active in oral and topical preparations, including bath salts.

It is also used in laxative formulations. Water treatment operations use it to adjust mineral balance in process water, supporting consistent output in industrial and municipal systems. Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is supplied as white crystalline granules or powder. Established grades include food-grade (FCC), pharmaceutical-grade (USP, BP, Ph. Eur.), and technical-grade.

These grades are suitable for agricultural and industrial use. Packaging typically ranges from 25 kg bags to bulk quantities, with grade selection driven by end-use regulatory requirements.