E345 – Magnesium citrate

Description

White or slightly yellowish granules or powder

Risks

Notes

Magnesium citrate is made by combining magnesium (a mineral) with citric acid, which can be extracted from citrus fruits or produced through fermentation using sugar and specific microorganisms. The manufacturing process involves mixing these two ingredients in the right proportions and then crystallizing the resulting compound into white or slightly yellowish granules. You can think of it as creating a mineral salt using the same type of acid that gives lemons and oranges their tartness. In food production, magnesium citrate functions as both an acidity regulator and a mineral supplement, helping to control the pH levels in foods while also boosting their magnesium content. It's commonly found in dietary supplements, fortified beverages, sports drinks, and various processed foods where manufacturers want to add nutritional value or control acidity. You might also see it in some antacid products and laxatives due to magnesium's natural effects on the digestive system. This additive can be produced using natural or synthetic sources of citric acid, though most commercial production uses the fermentation method. It's suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets since no animal products are involved, and it aligns with most religious dietary laws. Since magnesium is an essential mineral that supports muscle function, bone health, and hundreds of enzyme reactions in the body, this additive often serves a dual purpose as both a food processing aid and a nutritional supplement.