Trimagnesium Citrate

Introduction

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.

Functions

This ingredient offers you the following excellent functions.

• Bioavailability/improved mineral absorption​
• Chelation​
• Direct compression​
• Flavour modulation​
• Improved flowability​
• Mineral fortification​
• Off-note masking​
• pH-Regulation​
• Stabilisation

Specifications

Trimagnesium citrate meets the requirements of the US Pharmacopeia (USP) or the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.) always in their latest versions.

The following granulation types are available:

Trimagnesium citrate anhydrous:

• Powder
• Granular

Trimagnesium citrate nonahydrate:

• Powder
• Micronised

Trimagnesium citrate is supplied in polyethylene lined paper bags. Net quantity is 20kg (anhydrous) 25kg (nonahydrate) or 15kg (nonahydrate, micronised).

Legal aspects

In Europe, trimagnesium citrate is allowed in food supplements (Directive 2002/46/EC) and in foods for particular nutritional uses (Regulation (EC) No 609/2013). In addition to existing national allowances in some countries, trimagnesium citrates are on the positive list of Regulation (EC) No. 1925/2006 on food fortification.

Magnesium salts of citric acids are listed as mineral salts in the regulation (EC) No. 609/2013 on food intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes, and total diet replacement for weight control.

Additionally, trimagnesium citrate anhydrous is listed as a permitted food additive (E345(i)) as stabiliser and anti-caking agent in solid food supplements up to 100 000mg/kg.

In the USA, trimagnesium citrates can be used for fortification of foods. Jungbunzlauer trimagnesium citrate anhydrous and nonahydrate are self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) and in full compliance with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).