Table 1.
Magnesium supplement | Elemental content (%) | Bioavailability (%) | Particular uses |
---|---|---|---|
Magnesium oxide | 60 | 4 | Effervescent magnesium oxide is better absorbed (8%) than tablets |
Magnesium carbonate | 45 | 15–40 | Treatment of hypomagnesaemia, heart burn, stomach upset and acid indigestion |
Magnesium sulphate | 10 | 4 | Most commonly used clinical supplement |
Magnesium hydroxide | 42 | 4 | Antacid and a cathartic |
Magnesium citrate | 16 | 12 | Nephrolithiasis |
Magnesium lactate | 12 | 12 | Treatment of hypomagnesaemia vomiting or diarrhoea or in gastrointestinal diseases |
Magnesium chloride | 12 | 12 | Treatment or prevention of hypomagnesaemia |
Magnesium aspartate | 10 | 41–45% (for 5 mg) | To treat fatigue and muscle hyper excitability |