Magnesium
What is Magnesium?
Magnesium is a mineral naturally found in the earth, sea, and body. It is an essential nutrient for human health, playing a role in over 300 bodily processes. In food, it is often added in purified mineral forms, such as magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate.
Is Magnesium vegan?
Magnesium is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Magnesium gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Magnesium a major allergen?
Not a major allergen.
What is Magnesium used for?
Magnesium is most often added to foods as a nutrient supplement, particularly in fortified beverages, cereals, and bars.
Is Magnesium safe?
Magnesium is recognized as safe and essential by regulatory bodies.
Why it's used
Magnesium is most often added to foods as a nutrient supplement, particularly in fortified beverages, cereals, and bars. It is also used as an acidity regulator in some processed foods. Its presence can enhance the nutritional profile of products aimed at health-conscious consumers.
Health notes
Magnesium is recognized as safe and essential by regulatory bodies. The U.S. National Academies have established a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for magnesium from supplements and fortified foods, as excessive intake can cause adverse effects like diarrhea. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated magnesium and its compounds, and it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. Evidence suggests adequate magnesium intake is linked to various health benefits, but research is ongoing.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen. Magnesium itself is a mineral and not derived from any of the FDA's major allergens. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Magnesium
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