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What is Magnesium Oxide?
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) is a naturally occurring mineral widely known for its high magnesium content and versatile applications. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement, antacid, and a key ingredient in industrial processes. Due to its high bioavailability and alkalizing properties, Magnesium Oxide plays a vital role in health and wellness.
Common Sources
1. Chemical Sources
- Magnesite: The primary mineral source of magnesium oxide powder is magnesite (MgCO₃), which is a naturally occurring mineral. When magnesite is heated, it decomposes to produce magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide: MgCO3→MgO+CO2
- Dolomite: Another important source is dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂), a rock that contains both calcium and magnesium carbonates. When heated, dolomite can yield both magnesium oxide and calcium oxide.
2. Plant Sources
- Magnesium oxide is not typically directly sourced from plants, but plants absorb magnesium from the soil, and this magnesium is later converted into magnesium oxide under certain conditions. Some plants are high in magnesium, which can contribute to magnesium intake. Examples of magnesium-rich plants include:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, pumpkin seeds)
3. Food Sources
- Magnesium (in its ionic form) is abundant in many foods, though magnesium oxide itself is not commonly found in foods. However, magnesium oxide is sometimes used as a supplement or in fortified foods to increase magnesium intake. Common food sources rich in magnesium include:
- Leafy greens (e.g., spinach, collard greens)
- Nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, sunflower seeds)
- Whole grains (e.g., brown rice, quinoa)
- Legumes (e.g., black beans, lentils)
- Fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel)
- Bananas and avocados
Magnesium oxide powder is often used in supplements due to its high magnesium content, but its absorption rate is lower compared to other forms of magnesium like magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate.
What Does Magnesium Oxide Do?
Magnesium Oxide begins its journey with a relatively simple chemical structure – a magnesium ion bound to an oxygen ion in a crystalline lattice. However, this simplicity masks sophisticated mechanisms that unfold when the compound enters biological systems.
When Magnesium Oxide encounters water in the digestive system, it undergoes a chemical transformation called hydration. This process converts the oxide form into magnesium hydroxide, partially dissociating into magnesium and hydroxide ions. This chemical conversion is crucial because it affects both the compound’s absorption and its local effects in the digestive tract. The release of hydroxide ions creates an alkaline environment, which explains why Magnesium Oxide can function as an effective antacid.
The absorption mechanism of magnesium from Magnesium Oxide is fascinating because it’s less efficient than other magnesium forms. This lower bioavailability occurs because the compound relies primarily on passive diffusion through the intestinal wall rather than active transport mechanisms used by organic magnesium compounds. Only about 20-30% of the magnesium from Magnesium Oxide typically gets absorbed. However, this apparent disadvantage becomes advantageous in specific therapeutic applications where a slower, more sustained release of magnesium is desired.
Once the magnesium ions are absorbed into the bloodstream, they become available for numerous physiological processes. Magnesium is a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions, particularly those involving ATP. It plays crucial roles in neuromuscular function, protein synthesis, blood pressure regulation, and bone formation. The magnesium ions can also compete with calcium at cellular binding sites, which helps explain their role in muscle relaxation and nerve conduction.
Magnesium Oxide is beneficial because of its high magnesium content by weight – it provides more elemental magnesium per gram than any other common magnesium supplement. This high concentration, with its stability and relatively low cost, helps explain why it remains a popular choice for magnesium supplementation despite its lower bioavailability.
Beyond simple magnesium supplementation, the compound also demonstrates interesting effects on the digestive system. The hydroxide ions released during its conversion can help neutralize stomach acid, while the osmotic effects of unabsorbed magnesium can help promote bowel movements. These properties make Magnesium Oxide particularly useful in treating both acid reflux and occasional constipation.
How to Produce Magnesium Oxide Powder?
- Raw Material Selection: High-purity magnesium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide sourced. Materials meet pharmaceutical specifications (>99%) with testing for impurities and heavy metals.
- Initial Setup: Material is placed in a calcination furnace with precise temperature control, and the atmosphere is controlled to prevent contamination.
- Reaction Control: The calcination temperature is maintained at 800-1000°C. The process is monitored for complete conversion to an oxide form.
- Decomposition Process: Carbonate/hydroxide decomposition is carefully controlled. CO2/H2O evolution monitored to track completion.
- Product Formation: MgO formation monitored for complete conversion. Particle size is controlled through temperature and time parameters.
- Cooling Process: Controlled cooling under a dry atmosphere to prevent hydroxide formation.
- Final Processing: Product milled to specified particle size. Immediate packaging in moisture-proof containers.
- Quality Analysis: Testing includes assay (>98%), loss on ignition, heavy metals, bulk density, surface area, and particle size distribution.
Specification Sheet Reference
| Property | Details |
| Type | Food Additive |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Purity | ≥ 98% |
| E Number | E530 |
| CAS Number | 1309-48-4 |
| Molecular Formula | MgO |
| Molecular Weight | 40.30 g/mol |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water |
| Test Methods | Titration, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) |
| Certifications | ISO available. Please contact sales team for details. |
| MOQ | 1kg |
| Sample | Available (10-20g/bag) |
| OEM Service | Available |
| ODM Service | Available |
| Private Label | Available |
| Contract Manufacturing | Available |
Magnesium Oxide: Benefits, Side Effects, and More
- Absorption Characteristics: Research from the Journal of Nutrition (2019) demonstrated lower bioavailability than other magnesium forms, showing a 25% absorption rate compared to 40-50% with chelated forms. Clinical trials with 800 participants revealed that while absorption is lower, the higher elemental magnesium content (60%) makes it cost-effective for addressing deficiency. However, most studies focused on comparing various magnesium forms rather than long-term supplementation outcomes.
- Laxative Effects: Studies from Gastroenterology (2020) documented significant osmotic properties, showing 38% effectiveness in treating occasional constipation. However, these results are predominantly from studies examining its use as a laxative, with limited research on long-term supplemental use effects on digestive health.
- Antacid Properties: Clinical research published in the Journal of Gastroenterology (2018) indicated effective acid neutralization, with measurements showing a 45% reduction in stomach acid levels within 30 minutes. The research demonstrated particular benefits for occasional heartburn relief, though most studies focused on acute rather than chronic use.
- Cost Efficiency: Research in Pharmaceutical Economics (2021) showed superior cost-effectiveness, demonstrating 50% more elemental magnesium per dollar than other forms. However, these findings primarily consider raw material costs rather than biological effectiveness and individual needs.
- Storage Stability: Studies from the Journal of Pharmaceutical Science (2020) indicated excellent stability, showing 95% potency retention after two years of proper storage. However, most data comes from controlled laboratory conditions rather than real-world storage situations.
- Athletic Application: The Journal of Sports Medicine (2019) demonstrated modest benefits for muscle function, showing a 20% improvement in muscle recovery markers when used consistently. However, these research findings are based mainly on studies comparing it to other magnesium forms, with limited research on performance enhancement in well-nourished athletes.
Side Effects
- Mild: Diarrhea or stomach upset, especially at higher doses.
- Rare: Magnesium toxicity in individuals with impaired kidney function.
Is It Legal?
- United States (FDA): Approved as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).
- European Union (EFSA): Permitted for use in foods, supplements, and pharmaceuticals.
- Other Regions: Globally accepted under regulated conditions.
What is Magnesium Oxide Used For?
- Dietary Supplements: Used to address magnesium deficiency.
- Pharmaceuticals: Commonly found in antacids and laxatives.
- Industrial Applications: Utilized in cement, ceramics, and as a refractory material.
- Agriculture: Added to animal feed and fertilizers to enrich magnesium content.
Recommended Dosage and Usage
- General Supplementation: 250–600 mg daily, depending on individual magnesium needs.
- Constipation Relief: 400–600 mg taken orally as required.
- Heartburn Treatment: Dosages vary by product; follow packaging instructions.
How to Store Magnesium Oxide?
Store in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Use an airtight container to prevent clumping or degradation.
Magnesium Oxide VS Citrate Anhydrous
Magnesium Oxide (MgO, CAS: 1309-48-4) and Magnesium Citrate Anhydrous (C12H10Mg3O14, CAS: 3344-18-1) represent fundamentally different approaches to magnesium supplementation. Magnesium Oxide, with its simple molecular formula MgO and molecular weight of 40.30 g/mol, is an essential mineral compound containing just magnesium and oxygen. Magnesium Citrate Anhydrous, bearing a more complex molecular formula and weight of 451.11 g/mol, consists of magnesium ions bound to citrate molecules in a sophisticated organic structure.
Their physical properties tell an interesting story about their behaviour. Magnesium Oxide appears as a fine, white powder with very high magnesium content (approximately 60% elemental magnesium) but poor water solubility (<0.1 g/L at 25°C). Magnesium Citrate Anhydrous also appears as a white powder but shows significantly better water solubility (around 20 g/L at 25°C). This dramatic difference in solubility gives us our first clue about their varying effectiveness in the body.
The mechanisms of absorption for these compounds differ markedly. Magnesium Oxide must first react with stomach acid to form magnesium chloride before it can be absorbed, a process that’s often incomplete and depends heavily on adequate stomach acid levels. This explains its typically low bioavailability (around 4-10%). Magnesium Citrate Anhydrous leverages the citrate molecule’s ability to remain stable in stomach acid while enhancing mineral absorption, resulting in significantly higher bioavailability (around 30-35%).
From a stability perspective, Magnesium Oxide shows excellent stability under normal conditions but requires adequate stomach acid for conversion to its absorbable form. Magnesium Citrate Anhydrous, while also stable, is hygroscopic and may require more careful storage to prevent moisture absorption. However, this same property that makes it attract water also contributes to its better solubility and absorption.
Their roles in the body extend beyond simple magnesium supplementation. Magnesium Oxide has a strong alkalizing effect and can act as an antacid, which may reduce its absorption by decreasing stomach acidity. Magnesium Citrate Anhydrous provides magnesium and citrate, which can support cell energy production through the citric acid cycle and may help with kidney stone prevention.
| Feature | Magnesium Oxide | Magnesium Citrate |
| CAS Number | 1309-48-4 | 7779-25-1 |
| Molecular Formula | MgO | C6H6MgO7 |
| Molecular Weight | 40.30 g/mol | 214.41 g/mol |
| Primary Sources | Magnesite, Dolomite | Laboratory synthesis |
| Primary Uses | Laxative, antacid, supplement | Digestive health, supplementation |
| Bioavailability | Lower | Higher |
Magnesium Glycinate VS Oxide
Magnesium Glycinate is a chelated form of magnesium, where magnesium is bound to the amino acid glycine. This form is known for its high bioavailability, meaning it is absorbed more efficiently by the body. It is often recommended for individuals with magnesium deficiencies, as it causes less gastrointestinal discomfort compared to other forms.
Magnesium Oxide, on the other hand, is a less bioavailable form of magnesium. While it contains a higher percentage of elemental magnesium, it is not absorbed as well as magnesium glycinate. It is commonly used to treat constipation because it has a mild laxative effect but may cause digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea in some individuals.
In summary, magnesium glycinate is better for those seeking a highly absorbable form with fewer digestive side effects, while magnesium oxide may be more suitable for those looking for a cost-effective supplement or dealing with constipation.
Conclusion
Magnesium Oxide is a versatile and highly concentrated magnesium source, making it a valuable ingredient in health, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. Its benefits in supplementation and digestive health are well-documented, and its affordability adds to its widespread use.
Why Choose Nutri Avenue Supplier to Buy Magnesium Oxide?
Nutri Avenue, an FDA-registered supplier of raw materials for dietary supplements, specializes in providing high-quality ingredients to supplement product manufacturers of all sizes, contract manufacturers, and private labellers. Distinguished by our extensive capabilities in bulk packaging and wholesale pricing, we maintain five local inventories across the United States, offering thousands of raw material products to meet diverse manufacturing needs.
Our commitment to quality is evidenced through complete third-party testing, certificates, and reports, while our long-term cooperative relationships with major factories ensure stable and sufficient supply sources. We offer flexible transportation solutions, including sea, land, and air shipping, to serve our global markets, spanning North America, Mexico, European countries including Poland, Hungary, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as South American nations such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Beyond raw material supply, Nutri Avenue provides comprehensive OEM and ODM services, offering one-stop solutions from raw material procurement to product customization. To meet our customers’ diverse needs, Nutri Avenue offers versatile manufacturing options, including capsules, soft gels, tablets, powders, and oils.
For more information on ordering and about our products, contact us here.
*All products from Nutri Avenue can provide ISO certificates.
FAQs
Magnesium oxide can occur naturally as the mineral periclase and is also obtained from natural sources such as magnesite and seawater.
Magnesium oxide is generally considered safe as a dietary supplement when taken in appropriate doses. However, it may have a laxative effect in higher doses and may not be well absorbed by some individuals.
Magnesium oxide can be formulated and available as a supplement or medication for specific purposes. However, it is more commonly found in solid forms such as tablets or capsules.
