Magnesium citrate

Magnesium citrate (CAS 7779-25-1), also known as trimagnesium dicitrate and listed as E345 in food applications, is the magnesium salt of citric acid used across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care manufacturing. It functions primarily as a pH buffer, sequestrant, and bioavailable magnesium source in finished formulations. In dietary supplements and functional foods, it serves as a preferred magnesium source due to its high elemental content.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as an active ingredient in laxative preparations and as a buffering agent in tablet and powder formats. Food producers incorporate it as an acidity regulator and sequestrant to stabilize color. It helps extend shelf life and control mineral interactions in processed products. In personal care formulations, it acts as a pH adjuster and chelating agent in rinse-off and leave-on products where mineral control affects stability.

Magnesium citrate is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules, with granulated forms favored for direct compression in tablet manufacturing. Standard grades include food-grade (FCC), USP, and Ph. Eur. Each grade carries distinct purity and heavy metal specifications relevant to end-use compliance. Anhydrous and hydrated forms are both commercially available, and selection typically depends on regulatory requirements.