Magnesium Citrate Supplement - Benefits and Usage

Magnesium citrate is a magnesium supplement that combines magnesium with citric acid for better absorption in the body. It is commonly used to support muscle function, nerve function, and overall health.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Available in the form of tablets, capsules, or powders in pharmacies and health food stores
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Magnesium Citrate FAQ


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Can you buy magnesium citrate without a prescription?

Magnesium citrate is commonly used as an osmotic laxative or mineral supplement. You can buy this medication at a drugstore without a prescription. Liquid formulations are used to treat occasional constipation or clean out your bowels before a colonoscopy. Magnesium citrate supplements typically come in the form of a tablet or powder.

Is magnesium citrate a good source of Supplemental magnesium?

Studies suggest magnesium citrate is one of the most well-absorbed forms of supplemental magnesium. “Magnesium citrate is one of the most popular forms of magnesium,” says Sara Barthel, a clinical nutritionist and functional medicine health coach in California.

Is magnesium citrate good for constipation?

Magnesium citrate is commonly used as a supplement to relieve constipation, but it has also been studied for other potential health benefits, says Sarah Gordon, a California-based registered dietitian nutritionist and integrative health coach. Below are some of the proven and potential benefits of magnesium citrate.

How does magnesium citrate work?

Magnesium citrate works by pulling more water into the intestines. This process is called osmosis. When there is more water in the intestines, the stool becomes softer or even watery. It then becomes easier to pass. Magnesium citrate is available over the counter in many drugstores under brand names and as generics.

What is magnesium citrate?

Magnesium citrate is a form of magnesium often taken in supplement form. Magnesium citrate is a salt, an ionic compound, that contains positive magnesium ions and negative citrate ions — the same negative ions that form citric acid when combined with positive hydrogen ions.

Is magnesium citrate safe?

When taken in appropriate doses, magnesium citrate is safe for most people. That said, taking excessively high doses of magnesium can lead to adverse side effects and can even cause life-threatening symptoms in rare cases.

Why is magnesium citrate called a salt?

The name is ambiguous and may refer to salts that have these ions in a 1:1 ratio, a 3:2 ratio, or other ratios. Magnesium citrate is formed by combining magnesium oxide with citric acid, a reaction that creates magnesium citrate and water. Magnesium citrate dissolves readily in water, so it may be used in powder, capsule, or liquid form.

Magnesium Citrate References

If you want to know more about Magnesium Citrate, consider exploring links below:

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