Magnesium is an essential mineral for our body, involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions. It is crucial for energy metabolism, the function of heart and muscle cells, as well as for bone health. In nature, magnesium occurs almost exclusively in compounds with various other elements. Similarly diverse is the range of magnesium supplements available.But what makes, for example, magnesium bisglycinate particularly special compared to magnesium citrate ? And why is magnesium oxide preferred for the treatment of constipation, while magnesium sulfate is used in the treatment of hypertension during pregnancy ? In this article series, we will highlight the different magnesium compounds and their specific benefits. Basic information about magnesium can be found in our introductory article "What is magnesium?". In this post, we focus on the properties and applications of magnesium oxide.
What is magnesium oxide?
Magnesium oxide (MgO), known as magnesia, is an inorganic compound made of magnesium and oxygen. Due to its chemical and physical properties, it is widely used in industry, medicine, and as a dietary supplement.
It is a white hygroscopic powder with a high melting point of about 2,800 °C. In the chemical industry, it is produced by calcining magnesium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, resulting in pure MgO.
Under the designation E 530, magnesium oxide is used in the food industry as an acidity regulator and as a release agent .The reason for this are its chemical properties:
Magnesium Oxide as an acid regulator
As an acid regulator, magnesium oxide helps to control the pH level of food. It reacts with acids and neutralizes them, which leads to the stabilization of the pH level within an optimal range. This is important for maintaining the flavor quality, color, and texture of food, as well as for extending shelf life. By regulating the acidity, manufacturers can ensure that their products maintain the desired taste and quality over longer periods. This is especially important in products that tend to sour or where acidity can affect the overall quality of the food.
Magnesium Oxide as a Release Agent
Magnesium oxide is also used as a release agent to prevent powdered or granular foods from clumping together. It works by absorbing moisture, thereby preventing the formation of lumps. This property makes it particularly useful in products such as baking powder, salt, sugar, powdered milk products, and spices, where it helps keep the products free-flowing and easy to measure. Magnesium oxide as a release agent improves the handling and quality of food by maintaining the consistency of the products and facilitating their processing and packaging.
Natural Occurrence
In nature, magnesium oxide is found in the form of the mineral periclase. It is a component of the Earth's mantle and occurs in metamorphic rocks.Due to its stability, MgO is a significant component in the composition of magnesium-rich rock-forming minerals.
Absorption of magnesium oxide
The bioavailability of magnesium oxide is lower compared to other magnesium salts such as magnesium citrate. The body absorbs MgO less efficiently, which must be taken into account when dosing.
Magnesium oxide as a dietary supplement
As a dietary supplement, Mg oxide can be used for various aspects. In this article, we present the research findings and clarify for which purposes magnesium oxide is suitable. For a deeper insight into the functions of magnesium in the body, you can read our "What is magnesium?" article.
Against Constipation
Magnesium oxide is effective in treating constipation by acting as an osmotic laxative . Its mode of action is based on its ability to bind water in the intestine, which leads to an increase in the water content of the stool. This process facilitates bowel movements in several ways:
- Water Binding: Magnesium oxide draws water from the surrounding tissue into the intestine. This increases the volume of intestinal contents and stimulates the intestinal walls, leading to a natural stimulation of bowel activity.
- Softening of the Stool: By increasing the water content in the stool, it becomes softer and thus easier to pass. Softer stool can alleviate the symptoms of constipation and facilitate elimination.
- Stimulation of intestinal motility: The increased intestinal content due to the additional water stretches the intestinal walls and thereby stimulates peristalsis, the wave-like movements of the intestine that move stool through the digestive tract.
Magnesium oxide is often used in higher doses as a laxative, as it may not have the same osmotic effect in lower doses. It is particularly useful for individuals seeking quick relief from constipation, as the effect usually occurs within a few hours to a day after ingestion.
Magnesium oxide for heartburn
Magnesium oxide works against heartburn by acting as an antacid that neutralizes the excess stomach acid and thus alleviates the symptoms of heartburn and stomach discomfort. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid enters the esophagus, causing a burning sensation behind the breastbone. Here are the key aspects of how magnesium oxide helps in treating heartburn:
Neutralization of stomach acid
- Magnesium oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach to form magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and water (H2O).This reaction reduces acidity in the stomach and increases the pH level, thereby decreasing the burning and irritation caused by the acid.
Fast Relief
- As an antacid, magnesium oxide provides quick relief from heartburn. The effect often occurs within minutes after ingestion, as the powder or tablet dissolves quickly in the stomach and reacts with the stomach acid.
Advantages over other antacids
- Compared to other antacids, magnesium oxide has the added benefit of providing magnesium, an essential mineral that many people do not get enough of through their diet. However, caution is advised when using magnesium oxide as an antacid, especially with long-term use, as it may lead to increased magnesium absorption, which could have side effects.
Did you know?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the treatment of choice for reflux disease, that is, for heartburn. They inhibit the cells in the stomach that are responsible for acid production. In some studies it has been shown that people on PPIs often have lower magnesium levels . However, the exact mechanism is not yet understood, as these patients also excrete little magnesium through the kidneys.
In the Everyday Essentials Bundle, you will find three products for the most common deficiency symptoms in humans. These include Vitamin D, Omega 3, and Magnesium.
Magnesium oxide for migraines
Some studies suggest that supplementation with magnesium oxide can prevent migraine attacks. Magnesium plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters and dilating blood vessels, which can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. In a study magnesium oxide was compared to the medication valproate. For this, 63 patients were treated for 8 weeks with 500mg of magnesium oxide daily. The result: Magnesium oxide was similarly effective in migraine prophylaxis as valproate, without significant side effects.
In addition to magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate is also helpful in migraine prevention.
Forms of magnesium oxide
Magnesium oxide is available in various forms, including capsules and powder. The choice of form depends on individual preferences and specific health goals.
Magnesium oxide vs. magnesium citrate
While magnesium oxide has lower bioavailability, it is cheaper to produce than magnesium citrate. Magnesium citrate offers higher bioavailability, making it a preferred choice for the rapid correction of magnesium deficiency. Additionally, magnesium citrate may help with kidney stones.
Side effects of magnesium oxide
The intake of magnesium oxide can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea. These effects occur more frequently at high doses.
Overdose of magnesium oxide
An overdose of magnesium oxide can lead to hypermagnesemia, especially in individuals with impaired kidney function. Symptoms of an overdose may include a drop in blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and heart rhythm disturbances. If you want to know more about the topic, feel free to read the article Magnesium Overdose .
Conclusion
Magnesium oxide is an important source of magnesium and offers valuable health benefits despite its lower bioavailability compared to other compounds such as magnesium citrate.Magnesium oxide seems to be effective, especially in the treatment of constipation and heartburn. When choosing a magnesium supplement, individual absorption rates, possible side effects, and the purity of the molecules should be considered.
