Trimagnesium Citrate

Trimagnesium citrates are produced by complete neutralisation of citric acid with a high purity magnesium source, subsequent precipitation and dehydration. The two commonly available forms are trimagnesium citrate anhydrous and trimagnesium citrate nonahydrate. In some countries such as USA, trimagnesium citrate is simply denominated magnesium citrate.

Trimagnesium citrate is mainly used as mineral source in food supplements, foods for particular nutritional purposes, and pharmaceutical preparations. Comparable to other magnesium salts, it shows a laxative effect at higher dosage levels.

A granulated trimagnesium citrate anhydrous is available for direct compression of tablets. Being an excellent desiccant, it is commonly used to stabilise dry blends and to protect water sensitive ingredients.

Magnesium citrates are organic mineral sources and are preferred in many applications to inorganic sources because of their superior bioavailability and physiological compatibility.

Trimagnesium citrate anhydrous has the highest magnesium content (16%) among the organic magnesium sources commonly used, the magnesium content of the nonahydrate is 12%.

Trimagnesium citrate is supplied as a white to almost white powder. It is practically odourless, soluble in water, freely soluble in diluted acid and practically insoluble in ethanol (96%). Generally, hydrated forms of trimagnesium citrates are less soluble than the anhydrous type.