Open AccessMagnesium citrate malate as a source of magnesium added for nutritional purposes to food supplements
Author(s) -
Turck Dominique,
Castenmiller Jacqueline,
De Henauw Stefaan,
HirschErnst Karen Ildico,
Kearney John,
Knutsen Helle Katrine,
Maciuk Alexandre,
Mangelsdorf Inge,
McArdle Harry J,
Naska Androniki,
Pelaez Carmen,
Pentieva Kristina,
Siani Alfonso,
Thies Frank,
Tsabouri Sophia,
Vinceti Marco,
Dean Tara,
Engel KarlHeinz,
Hein Marina,
Marchelli Rosangela,
NeuhäuserBerthold Monika,
Poulsen Morten,
Pöting Annette,
Sanz Yolanda,
Schlatter Josef Rudolf,
Germini Andrea,
van Loveren Henk
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
efsa journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.076
H-Index - 97
ISSN - 1831-4732
DOI - 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5484
Subject(s) - magnesium , bioavailability , chemistry , nutrient , food science , calcium , biology , pharmacology , organic chemistry
Abstract The present scientific opinion deals with the assessment of the bioavailability of magnesium, from the proposed nutrient source, magnesium citrate malate (Mg CM ), when added for nutritional purposes to food supplements. Mg CM is a mixed salt consisting of magnesium cations and citrate and malate anions, and with a magnesium content of 12–15%. Mg CM is proposed to be used in food supplements that are intended to provide up to 300–540 mg/day magnesium. The data provided demonstrate that the production process results in batches of Mg CM that comply with the product specifications and that the product is stable throughout its proposed shelf life. The human studies provided demonstrate that magnesium from Mg CM is bioavailable. However, the extent of its bioavailability per se or compared to other magnesium sources cannot be established due to the lack of an appropriate magnesium source as a comparator in the studies provided or relevant kinetic data for magnesium. One publication provided in the dossier reported that supplementation with Mg CM decreases calcium absorption, but this finding was not supported by publications on different magnesium salts and therefore the Panel could not draw conclusions from this finding. The Panel concludes that Mg CM is a source from which magnesium is bioavailable, but the extent of its bioavailability cannot be established. The Panel notes that at the proposed maximum use levels of Mg CM , the existing tolerable upper intake level for magnesium in nutritional supplements, water, or added to food and beverages (250 mg/day) is exceeded.