Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate powder is a chemical supplement used to maintain healthy bowels and magnesium levels. Chemically referred to as a magnesium salt of citric acid, magnesium citrate powder works by absorbing water from surrounding tissues through a process called osmosis. When enough water has been absorbed, the body will move the fluid through the intestines, form feces, and flow out of the bowels. Choosing the best magnesium citrate powder depends on the individual’s magnesium levels, dietary requirements, and personal taste preferences.
When a person has a magnesium deficiency, she may exhibit symptoms such as muscle weakness and fatigue. Severe cases of magnesium deficiency may lead to muscle tremors, changes in appetite, nausea, or even heart failure. Patients suffering from magnesium deficiency are typically required to modify their diet and take a supplement such as magnesium citrate powder or magnesium chloride tablets. A combination vitamin that includes magnesium may also be prescribed.
The benefits of using magnesium citrate powder include stronger bones, reduced constipation and leg cramps, and also the reduction in gall stones and kidney stones. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), less than 50 percent of the US population gets enough magnesium in their daily diet. To increase magnesium levels, consumption of black beans, broccoli, okra, spinach, and pumpkin should go up. If those particular foods do not seem appealing, choosing to increase magnesium levels through a powder may be the best option.
Magnesium citrate powder should be consumed as a supplement for dietary deficiencies. The NIH recommends maximum magnesium consumption from all sources be no more than between 270 and 400 milligrams daily for adult males and between 280 and 300 milligrams daily for adult females. Typically the suggested daily consumption of the powder should be one teaspoon dissolved in 8 to 10 ounces of water.
If you want to dissolve your magnesium citrate dose completely add hot water and lemon juice (citric acid) and optionally a little sugar or sweetener for taste. By adding about 25% Citric Acid by weight, as compared to your Magnesium Citrate amount, you will lower the pH of your solution from a chalky tasting 8.5 to a mildly sour tasting 4.0. If the water you add is 70°C (158°F) or hotter the Magnesium Citrate will dissolve and the water will become clear in less than 1 minute and with no undissolved powder at the bottom of the glass. If you don’t add citric acid to lower the pH or if the water is not sufficiently hot your Magnesium Citrate (16% elemental magnesium) will not completely dissolve. Recipe for the preparation of a clear Magnesium Citrate solution.
1) One half level tsp Magnesium Citrate (about 1662 mg Magnesium Citrate or 266 mg at magnesium at 16% elemental) 2) Add the juice of 1/2 lemon (or add about 830mg Citric Acid powder). 3) Add 8 fluid ounces almost boiling (or boiling) hot water (between 70°C to 212°C). 4) Stir for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until water turns clear. 5) Add sugar or sweetener to taste. 6) Cool with ice or cold water adding about 4 fluid ounces more water bringing total to about 12 fluid ounces.
