Unlocking the power of magnesium: your ultimate guide to this essential mineral
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes in the human body. Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions which include energy production, muscle and nerve function as well as RNA and DNA synthesis.
Why magnesium matters
- Magnesium acts as electrolyte and is a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.
- Magnesium plays an important role in synthesis and activation of vitamin D.
- More than 50% of the population does not reach the daily recommended value for magnesium.
The purpose of this article is to highlight the critical role of magnesium as an essential mineral, the growing demand for high quality magnesium supplements and position Cambridge Commodities Limited as a leading and trusted supplier of premium magnesium sources/ingredients. By showcasing our commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation, we aim to establish strong customer relationships and support the formulation of top-tier supplements that meet the stringent regulatory standards and health needs of consumers.
Magnesium in food and food supplements
In the European Union, only specific forms of magnesium are permitted for use in food and food supplements. These forms have been evaluated for safety and bioavailability ensuring that they meet the stringent standards set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Magnesium forms which can be added to foods (fortified foods): -regulation (EC) no 1925/2006
- Magnesium acetate
- Magnesium carbonate
- Magnesium chloride
- Magnesium salts of citric acid
- Magnesium gluconate
- Magnesium glycerophosphate
- Magnesium salts of orthophosphoric acid
- Magnesium lactate
- Magnesium hydroxide
- Magnesium oxide
- Magnesium potassium citrate
- Magnesium sulphate
Magnesium forms which can be added to food supplements - food supplement directive
- Magnesium acetate
- Magnesium L-ascorbate
- Magnesium bisglycinate
- Magnesium carbonate
- Magnesium chloride
- Magnesium citrate malate
- Magnesium salts of citric acid
- Magnesium gluconate
- Magnesium glycerophosphate
- Magnesium salts of orthophosphoric acid
- Magnesium lactate
- Magnesium L-lysinate
- Magnesium hydroxide
- Magnesium oxide
- Magnesium L-pidolate
- Magnesium potassium citrate
- Magnesium pyruvate
- Magnesium succinate
- Magnesium sulphate
- Magnesium taurate
- Magnesium acetyl taurate
Popular forms include magnesium acetate, magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate, known for their effectiveness and minimal side effects.
Magnesium as an additive
While magnesium compounds are primarily used for fortification and as nutrients rather than as conventional food additives, certain magnesium salts may also be used as additives for specific technical functions e.g. anti-agents, acidity regulators etc.
Popular ones currently on the EU market include:
- Magnesium salts of fatty acids (E 470b) – often used as an emulsifier and stabiliser.
- Magnesium carbonate (E 504) – often used as an acidity regulator and anti-caking agent.
- Magnesium oxide (E 530) – often used as an anti-caking agent as well as a source of magnesium.
The magnesium market
The global magnesium supplement market is on the rise, expected to grow from $12.83 billion in 2023 to $24.15 billion by 2032. Innovative delivery methods like liposomal and nanotechnology-based formulations are enhancing efficacy and consumer engagement. Capsules and gummies, particularly with magnesium citrate and glycinate are favoured for their convenience.
Current market trends
As of 2024, the magnesium supplement market in Europe is experiencing several notable trends which include but are not limited to the below:
- Liposomal delivery- Magnesium Glycinate/Magnesium L threonate
- Nanotechnology-based
- Effervescent powders – magnesium citrate/ magnesium oxide
- Gummies – magnesium citrate
- Liquid formulations – magnesium citrate/magnesium gluconate
- Functional beverages – magnesium chloride/magnesium glycinate
- Capsules – magnesium glycinate/magnesium citrate/magnesium oxide
- Tablet – magnesium glycinate/magnesium citrate/magnesium malate/magnesium oxide
- Personalised supplements with integrated technology such as digital platforms and apps – magnesium citrate/magnesium glycinate/magnesium malate
- Transdermal – magnesium choride
- Topical creams, lotions and sprays – magnesium sulphate
- Organic magnesium
These innovations reflect ongoing efforts to improve efficacy, convenience and consumer engagement in the magnesium supplement market.
Magnesium reference intake and upper limits
Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers lists the nutrient reference value of magnesium as 375mg per day.
For further information on the intake and upper limit recommendations for different ages and genders please refer to the EFSA DRV finder interactive tool.
According to the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals (EVM) report from 2003, a Safe Upper Level of supplemental intake is recommended to be 400mg/day. This recommendation is based on the careful evaluation of available scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of supplementation. Guidance is limited for total magnesium since the reported adverse effects do not take into account magnesium from dietary sources.
Based on the scientific knowledge and recommendations from EFSA/SCF, the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) for magnesium are as follows:
- *250 mg/day for adults over 18 and pregnant or breastfeeding women
- *250 mg/day for adolescents aged 15-17 years
- *250 mg/day for children aged 11-14 years
- *250 mg/day for children aged 7-10 years
- *250 mg/day for children aged 4-6 years
*Readily dissociable Mg salts (e.g. chloride, sulphate, aspartate, lactate) and compounds like MgO in food supplements, water or added to foods; does not include magnesium naturally present in foods and beverages.
To ensure the compliance of your product please check if the region you are selling in has any specific requirements about the maximum permitted levels as these do vary between member states.
For doses above 400mg/day, the Department of Health UK recommends adding an advisory statement ‘[This amount of magnesium] may cause mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals.’ (DOH, 2011)
Authorised health claims for magnesium in the EU
In the European Union, magnesium supplements can carry specific health claims that are authorised by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These claims are based on scientific evidence and are regulated to ensure consumers receive accurate information.
Here are some key authorised health claims related to magnesium:
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Health relationship
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Authorised health claims
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Reduction of tiredness and fatigue
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Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue
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Electrolyte balance
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Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance
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Energy yielding metabolism
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Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
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Neurotransmission and muscle contraction including heart muscle
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Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
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Protein synthesis
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Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis
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Contribution to normal psychological functions
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Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function
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Maintenance of bones
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Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
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Maintenance of teeth
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Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth
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Cell division
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Magnesium has a role in the process of cell division
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Regulatory updates 2024:
The European Union has recently authorised the marketing of magnesium L-threonate as a novel food. This decision, effective from November 7, 2024, allows its use in food supplements intended for adults excluding pregnant and lactating women. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that magnesium L-threonate is a safe and bioavailable source of magnesium.
Good to know!
- Rising awareness – consumer awareness of magnesium health benefits has increased significantly in recent years, with many seeking supplements to address deficiencies.
- Common health concerns – consumers often turn to magnesium supplements to manage specific health issues such as quality of sleep, muscle health and stress management.
- Demographics – older population (above 50 years) tend to consume more magnesium supplements compared to the younger population.
- Preferred forms – consumers tend to prefer specific forms of magnesium based on perceived effectiveness and tolerability. Magnesium glycinate and citrate are among the most popular due to their high bioavailability and fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
- Research shows consumers are more likely to purchase magnesium supplements from brands that provide transparent ingredient sourcing and third-party testing.
Authors notes:
As someone deeply passionate about the benefits of magnesium supplements, I believe that incorporating this essential mineral into your daily routine can transform your health. At Cambridge Commodities Limited, we are committed to providing high-quality magnesium products that empower you to achieve your wellness goals. Explore our premium magnesium options today and experience the difference for yourself and your intended market of sale – because your health deserves nothing less than the best!
References:
- https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/magnesium-supplements-market-0439)
- https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/8656
- https://www.supplysidesj.com/minerals/trends-and-innovations-in-the-magnesium-market
- https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register
- https://cot.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/vitmin2003.pdf
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
- Marta R. Pardo, Elena Garicano Vilar, Ismael San Mauro Martín, María Alicia Camina Martín, Bioavailability of magnesium food supplements: A systematic review, Nutrition, Volume 89, 2021,111294, ISSN 0899-9007, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2021.111294
- https://nutraceuticalsgroup.com/uk/news/magnesium-as-a-supplement
- https://spriggsnutrition.co.uk/nutrition/magnesium-types-the-same-but-differente-same-but-different