Table 1.

Various clinically available magnesium supplements with their uses

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