Magnesium aspartate

Magnesium aspartate is a magnesium salt of L-aspartic acid, an amino acid, with the chemical formula Mg(C₄H₆NO₄)₂(H₂O)₂. It is used as a mineral supplement, and as an ingredient in manufacturing of cosmetics and household products.^[1][2]

Magnesium aspartate

Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.com	Consumer Drug Information
ATC code	A12CC05 (WHO)
Identifiers
IUPAC name magnesium (2S)-2-amino-4-hydroxy-4-oxobutanoate
CAS Number	2068-80-6 N
PubChem CID	16211203
DrugBank	DB13359 Y
UNII	082H981FMA
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID40889452 DTXSID10273965, DTXSID40889452
ECHA InfoCard	100.038.806
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C8H12MgN2O8
Molar mass	288.495 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
SMILES C([C@@H](C(=O)[O-])N)C(=O)O.C([C@@H](C(=O)[O-])N)C(=O)O.[Mg+2]
InChI InChI=InChI=1S/2C4H7NO4.Mg/c2*5-2(4(8)9)1-3(6)7;/h2*2H,1,5H2,(H,6,7)(H,8,9);/q;;+2/p-2/t2*2-;/m00./s1 Key:RXMQCXCANMAVIO-CEOVSRFSSA-L
NY (what is this?)  (verify)

As magnesium is an essential micronutrient,^[3] the use of magnesium aspartate as a supplement is intended to increase magnesium levels in the body.^[4][5] 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.^[6] 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.^[7][8]

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 and magnesium citrate forms.^[4]

In its evaluation in 2005, a scientific panel of the European Food Safety Authority concluded that the bioavailability of magnesium L-aspartate was similar to that from other organic magnesium salts and the more soluble inorganic magnesium salts.^[9] 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 carbonate and magnesium sulfate.^[10]

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 "Mg(C₄H₆NO₄)₂",^[2][11] but detailed chemical analysis reveals a more complicated formula that also includes water bonded to the magnesium.^[12]

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.^[3] Long-term deficiency of magnesium may result from chronic alcoholism or some prescription drugs.^[3] Signs of deficiency that may require magnesium supplementation include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness.^[3]

Dosage

Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations for supplemental magnesium^[3]

Age	Male	Female	Pregnancy	Lactation
Birth to 6 months	30 mg*	30 mg*
7–12 months	75 mg*	75 mg*
1–3 years	80 mg	80 mg
4–8 years	130 mg	130 mg
9–13 years	240 mg	240 mg
14–18 years	410 mg	360 mg	400 mg	360 mg
19–30 years	400 mg	310 mg	350 mg	310 mg
31–50 years	420 mg	320 mg	360 mg	320 mg
51+ years	420 mg	320 mg

• Adequate Intake (AI)

Magnesium supplements and other magnesium containing products, such as antacids, can bind with prescription medicines, reducing their effectiveness.^[3]

Safety

Adverse effects from magnesium occurring naturally in food have not been described.^[4] However, excessive magnesium supplementation causes diarrhea — a side effect used by prescription as a laxative.^[3][4] Individuals with kidney disease have higher risk for adverse effects with magnesium supplementation.^[3][4] Excessive magnesium supplementation may cause a fall in blood pressure.^[3][4]

See also

• Potassium aspartate
• Magnesium asparaginate