Magnesium Citrate
Research reviewed: 2024-2026
Magnesium Citrate (C₆H₆MgO₇) is a dietary supplement with 9 published peer-reviewed studies involving 553 participants, researched for General, Sleep & Bowel Function, Constipation and 4 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
General
ModerateSleep & Bowel Function
ModerateConstipation
ModerateAnti-Inflammatory
ModeratePain Relief
ModerateMineral Replenishment
ModerateMood & Mental Health
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
General
To evaluate the effects of magnesium in individuals with metabolic syndrome and have normal magnesium levels.
Study Type
Pilot study
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of magnesium in individuals with metabolic syndrome and have normal magnesium levels.
Dose
400 mg/day of magnesium in the form of magnesium citrate or placebo
Participants
42 men and women with metabolic syndrome and have an average age of 66 years (24 completed the study)
Duration
12 weeks
Results
The researchers observed a significant drop in both the top and bottom blood pressure numbers in the group taking magnesium for 12 weeks compared to their blood pressure at the beginning of the study. The top number, which shows the pressure when the heart beats, decreased from 145 to 120.8 mmHg, and the bottom number, which shows the pressure when the heart rests, went down from 85.4 to 78.5 mmHg. They also noticed a significant decrease in blood sugar levels after taking magnesium compared to the placebo group. These findings suggest that magnesium supplementation might help manage certain aspects of metabolic syndrome, especially blood pressure and blood sugar.
To evaluate drug-drug interactions of levothyroxine with magnesium citrate and magnesium aspartate in healthy subjects
Study Type
Randomized, crossover trial
Purpose
To evaluate drug-drug interactions of levothyroxine with magnesium citrate and magnesium aspartate in healthy subjects
Dose
Levothyroxine 500 mcg + Magnesium citrate vs aspartate
Participants
Healthy subjects
Duration
Crossover study periods
Results
Evaluated magnesium citrate bioavailability and drug interactions compared to magnesium aspartate
How They Measured It
Pharmacokinetic parameters, levothyroxine bioavailability
Sleep & Bowel Function
To evaluate magnesium citrate effects on sleep quality and constipation in older adults
Study Type
Randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate magnesium citrate effects on sleep quality and constipation in older adults
Dose
Magnesium citrate (varied, typically 300-400 mg elemental)
Participants
Older adults with sleep complaints and constipation
Duration
8-12 weeks
Results
Magnesium citrate improved sleep quality and promoted regular bowel function, though laxative effects noted in some subjects.
How They Measured It
Sleep quality (PSQI), bowel function, magnesium levels
Constipation
To assess magnesium citrate bioavailability and efficacy compared to other magnesium forms for constipation
Study Type
Randomized controlled trial
Purpose
To assess magnesium citrate bioavailability and efficacy compared to other magnesium forms for constipation
Dose
Magnesium citrate 400 mg elemental daily
Participants
Patients with functional constipation
Duration
4-8 weeks
Results
Magnesium citrate demonstrated good bioavailability and effective laxative effect for constipation management.
How They Measured It
Bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, magnesium absorption
Anti-Inflammatory
Effect of neutropenic diet with or without magnesium supplementation on inflammatory factors and outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transp
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Effect of neutropenic diet with or without magnesium supplementation on inflammatory factors and outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transp
Dose
See study
Participants
25 participants
Duration
3 weeks
Results
Study results available at linked source.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41174685. Trials
Pain Relief
Comparative Cleansing Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Bowel Preparation Agents in Pediatric Patients: A Network and Proportional Meta-Analyses o
Study Type
Meta-Analysis
Purpose
Comparative Cleansing Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Bowel Preparation Agents in Pediatric Patients: A Network and Proportional Meta-Analyses o
Dose
See study
Participants
468 participants
Duration
Not specified
Results
CONCLUSION: Sodium picosulfate with magnesium citrate offers the most favorable balance of efficacy, safety, and tolerability for pediatric colonoscopy preparation.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41042416. Dig Dis Sci
Comparative Clinical Study on Magnesium Absorption and Side Effects After Oral Intake of Microencapsulated Magnesium (MAGSHAPE(TM) Microcapsules) Vers
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Comparative Clinical Study on Magnesium Absorption and Side Effects After Oral Intake of Microencapsulated Magnesium (MAGSHAPE(TM) Microcapsules) Vers
Dose
See study
Participants
40 participants
Duration
7 days
Results
CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, this clinical study introduced MAGSHAPETM microcapsules as a bioavailable and well-tolerated alternative to existing Mg-based ingredients used in food supplements.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 39770988. Nutrients
Mineral Replenishment
Comparing the Bioavailability of Two Seawater-Derived Magnesium Preparations.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Comparing the Bioavailability of Two Seawater-Derived Magnesium Preparations.
Dose
See study
Participants
20 participants
Duration
Not specified
Results
We found that both seawater-derived magnesium preparations significantly increased magnesium absorption compared with placebo (>97% change) but did not differ from each other when standardized on m.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 40955524. J Med Food
Mood & Mental Health
Effectiveness and safety of polyethylene-glycol-4000 versus sodium picosulphate plus magnesium oxide and citric acid for bowel cleansing before colono
Study Type
Meta-Analysis
Purpose
Effectiveness and safety of polyethylene-glycol-4000 versus sodium picosulphate plus magnesium oxide and citric acid for bowel cleansing before colono
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Results
conclusion, PEG and SPMC are equally effective in obtaining an adequate bowel cleansing with a comparable AE rate; moreover, split-dose administration may be preferable to day-before one in terms of.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 39400405. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Magnesium Citrate research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Magnesium Citrate (C₆H₆MgO₇), involving 553 total participants. Research covers General. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (9 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Magnesium Citrate has been researched for: General. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 9 out of 9 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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