Vitamins & Minerals: Magnesium Phosphate

Magnesium phosphate is a mineral compound that occurs naturally in the body and in foods. It is manufactured for use in food by reacting magnesium compounds with phosphoric acid.

Magnesium phosphate is added to foods as a nutrient supplement, providing magnesium. It also functions as an anti-caking agent, helping to keep powdered ingredients from clumping. It can be found in baked goods, dairy products, and processed beverages.

In the U.S., magnesium phosphate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a nutrient supplement and anti-caking agent. Magnesium is an essential mineral for human health, involved in many bodily functions. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated magnesium compounds, and they are generally considered safe when consumed within typical dietary levels. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from magnesium phosphate when consumed in amounts typically found in fortified foods.