Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium Citrate is a pure, unflavored powder of magnesium bound to citric acid, chosen because the citrate form dissolves readily in water and is among the better-absorbed magnesium salts. It is a simple daily way to keep your magnesium stores topped off, stirred into water or juice, with nothing added. Offered in 2oz, 4oz, 8 oz, Pound and Kilo sizes.

At a glance

• Pure magnesium citrate powder, nothing added
• Citrate form, water-soluble and among the better-absorbed magnesium salts
• Mildly tart, dissolves clear with a little stirring
• Stir into water or juice, once daily
• Sizes: 2oz, 4oz, 8 oz, Pound and Kilo

The compound. Magnesium is an essential mineral the body cannot make and must take in through food. It sits at the center of hundreds of enzyme reactions, including those behind muscle contraction and relaxation, nerve signaling, the production of cellular energy and the mineralization of bone. Magnesium citrate is the salt formed when magnesium reacts with citric acid, widely used because it is water-soluble and gentle on the stomach in ordinary amounts.

What's in it. Magnesium citrate powder, nothing else. Because the mineral is carried by citrate, the powder tastes mildly tart and dissolves clear with a little stirring, unlike chalky magnesium oxide. We do not state a percentage of elemental magnesium, so measure by powder weight.

Dosage, first time. The listing does not state a serving size, so begin with a small amount stirred into a full glass of water with a meal, and see how your digestion responds over the following day. Its most immediate signal is in the gut, so the first day tells you most of what you need to know.

Regular use. Most people take magnesium consistently, once daily at the same time, because the body stores it slowly. Splitting it between morning and evening is easier on the stomach. Keep to the amount that leaves your digestion comfortable.

What to expect. This is a nutrient, not a botanical with a felt effect. Users describe taking it in the evening as part of a wind-down routine, or after training. It is not a laxative product in ordinary amounts, though larger amounts will act like one.

Side effects. The best-known side effect of magnesium citrate is loose stools, because citrate draws water into the bowel; larger amounts can cause cramping, nausea and diarrhea. Reduce the amount or split it across the day. Very high intakes can cause weakness and an irregular heartbeat, particularly when the kidneys do not clear magnesium well, so stay modest.

Interactions and cautions. Magnesium binds to certain medications and reduces their absorption, so take it at least two hours apart from tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics and from bisphosphonates. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you have a kidney or heart rhythm condition, take diuretics or any other medication, or are pregnant or nursing. Keep out of reach of children.

Ingredients and storage. Magnesium citrate. Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place; the powder pulls moisture from the air and clumps if left open.

Common questions

• Does Magnesium Citrate powder dissolve in water? Yes, it dissolves clear with a little stirring and tastes mildly tart.
• Why does magnesium citrate loosen the stool? The citrate draws water into the bowel, which is why larger amounts have a laxative effect and smaller amounts usually do not.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Magnesium is an essential mineral, and supplementation does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Offered by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.