Magnesium aspartate is a

magnesium Magnesium is a chemical element; it has Symbol (chemistry), symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It is a shiny gray metal having a low density, low melting point and high chemical reactivity. Like the other alkaline earth metals (group 2 ...

salt In common usage, salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl). When used in food, especially in granulated form, it is more formally called table salt. In the form of a natural crystalline mineral, salt is also known as r ...

of L-

aspartic acid Aspartic acid (symbol Asp or D; the ionic form is known as aspartate), is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. The L-isomer of aspartic acid is one of the 22 proteinogenic amino acids, i.e., the building blocks of protei ...

, an amino acid, with the chemical formula . It is used as a mineral supplement, and as an ingredient in manufacturing of

cosmetics Cosmetics are substances that are intended for application to the body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance. They are mixtures of chemical compounds derived from either Natural product, natural source ...

and household products. As magnesium is an essential

micronutrient Micronutrients are essential chemicals required by organisms in small quantities to perform various biogeochemical processes and regulate physiological functions of cells and organs. By enabling these processes, micronutrients support the heal ...

, the use of magnesium aspartate as a supplement is intended to increase magnesium levels in the body. It is primarily used as a dietary supplement to address magnesium deficiency and is an ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products as a buffering agent. Magnesium aspartate is investigated for its potential in managing conditions such as chronic fatigue, cardiac surgery electrolyte balance, and other magnesium deficiency-related disorders, though it is not approved as a standalone medical treatment in major jurisdictions like the United States or European Union.

Bioavailability

Absorption of magnesium from different preparations of magnesium supplements varies, with some studies indicating that magnesium in the aspartate (and several other) forms has more complete absorption than

magnesium oxide Magnesium oxide (MgO), or magnesia, is a white hygroscopic solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase and is a source of magnesium (see also oxide). It has an empirical formula of MgO and consists of a lattice of Mg2+ ions and O2− ions ...

and

magnesium citrate Magnesium citrates are metal-organic compounds formed from citrate and magnesium ions. They are salts. One form is the 1:1 magnesium preparation in salt form with citric acid in a 1:1 ratio (1 magnesium atom per citrate molecule). It contains ...

forms. In its evaluation in 2005, a scientific panel of the

European Food Safety Authority The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the agency of the European Union (EU) that provides independent scientific advice and communicates on existing and emerging risks associated with the food chain. EFSA was established in February 2002 ...

concluded that the bioavailability of magnesium L-aspartate was similar to that from other organic magnesium salts and the more soluble inorganic magnesium salts. Overall, it was concluded that organic salts of magnesium have the greatest water solubility and demonstrate a greater oral absorption and bioavailability compared to less soluble magnesium preparations such as magnesium oxide,

magnesium hydroxide Magnesium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Mg(OH)2. It occurs in nature as the mineral brucite. It is a white solid with low solubility in water (). Magnesium hydroxide is a common component of antacids, such as milk o ...

magnesium carbonate Magnesium carbonate, (archaic name magnesia alba), is an inorganic salt that is a colourless or white solid. Several hydrated and Base (chemistry), basic forms of magnesium carbonate also exist as minerals. Forms The most common magnesium car ...

and

magnesium sulfate Magnesium sulfate or magnesium sulphate is a chemical compound, a salt with the formula , consisting of magnesium cations (20.19% by mass) and sulfate anions . It is a white crystalline solid, soluble in water but not in ethanol. Magnesi ...

Chemical structure and properties

Magnesium aspartate is a compound formed by the combination of the divalent magnesium cation (Mg²⁺) and the aspartate. The chemical formula for this compound is quoted as "", but detailed chemical analysis reveals a more complicated formula that also includes water bonded to the magnesium.

Supplemental use

Magnesium deficiency is unlikely to occur from low dietary intake because magnesium is abundant in the food supply and the kidneys restrict its excretion via the

urine Urine is a liquid by-product of metabolism in humans and many other animals. In placental mammals, urine flows from the Kidney (vertebrates), kidneys through the ureters to the urinary bladder and exits the urethra through the penile meatus (mal ...

. Long-term deficiency of magnesium may result from chronic alcoholism or some

prescription drug A prescription drug (also prescription medication, prescription medicine or prescription-only medication) is a pharmaceutical drug that is permitted to be dispensed only to those with a medical prescription. In contrast, over-the-counter drugs c ...

s. Signs of deficiency that may require magnesium supplementation include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness.

Dosage

*Adequate Intake (AI) Magnesium supplements and other magnesium containing products, such as antacids, can bind with prescription medicines, reducing their effectiveness.

Safety

Adverse effect An adverse effect is an undesired harmful effect resulting from a medication or other intervention, such as surgery. An adverse effect may be termed a "side effect", when judged to be secondary to a main or therapeutic effect. The term compli ...

s from magnesium occurring naturally in food have not been described. However, excessive magnesium supplementation causes

diarrhea Diarrhea (American English), also spelled diarrhoea or diarrhœa (British English), is the condition of having at least three loose, liquid, or watery bowel movements in a day. It often lasts for a few days and can result in dehydration d ...

— a side effect used by prescription as a

laxative Laxatives, purgatives, or aperients are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements. They are used to treat and prevent constipation. Laxatives vary as to how they work and the side effects they may have. Certain stimulant, lubri ...

. Individuals with

kidney disease Kidney disease, or renal disease, technically referred to as nephropathy, is damage to or disease of a kidney. Nephritis is an Inflammation, inflammatory kidney disease and has several types according to the location of the inflammation. Infla ...

have higher risk for adverse effects with magnesium supplementation. Excessive magnesium supplementation may cause a fall in blood pressure.

References

External links

Magnesium in the diet
- MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, January 2023 {{Mineral supplements Magnesium compounds Metal-amino acid complexes Salts of carboxylic acids