Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium hydroxide is a mineral compound that occurs naturally as the mineral brucite. Industrially, it is produced by reacting magnesium salts with sodium hydroxide or by treating seawater with calcium hydroxide. It appears as a white powder or crystals.

Magnesium hydroxide is used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid and as a laxative. In food, it is primarily used as a nutrient supplement to increase magnesium content and as an acidity regulator to control pH levels. It can be found in dietary supplements and some fortified foods.

In the U.S., magnesium hydroxide is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a nutrient supplement and an acidity regulator. It is also approved for use as an active ingredient in over-the-counter antacid and laxative drug products. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated magnesium hydroxide and established an acceptable daily intake. High doses can cause diarrhea, which is its intended effect when used as a laxative.