Magnesium carbonate is a versatile mineral compound with numerous industrial, health, and nutritional applications.

As a dietary mineral, magnesium is essential for bone health, energy production, muscle and nerve function, and more.

Supplementing with magnesium carbonate may benefit those lacking adequate magnesium from diet alone.

In this article, you'll learn about the various uses of magnesium carbonate, its health and performance benefits, dietary sources, and important safety considerations when using supplements.

Understanding magnesium carbonate's potential benefits and proper usage guidelines allows you to make informed decisions about including it as part of a healthy lifestyle.

What is magnesium carbonate?

Magnesium carbonate is an inorganic salt comprised of one magnesium cation (Mg2+) and one carbonate anion (CO32-).

It is often found in nature as the mineral magnesite.

Typical forms of magnesium carbonate include light or heavy powders, granules, or liquids.

Historically, magnesium carbonate compounds were used medicinally as far back as 1597.

Today, it has widespread uses across the manufacturing, agriculture, food additives, pharmaceuticals, and medicine industries.

Applications of magnesium carbonate

On an industrial scale, magnesium carbonate is employed as a fire retardant, anticaking agent, and filler material in various products.

It also serves as a precursor for producing magnesium oxide.

In terms of health applications, magnesium carbonate can be found as an active ingredient in some antacids, laxatives, and dietary supplements.

The zinc carbonate in these products helps to neutralize stomach acid and promote regularity.

Everyday consumer products like cosmetics, soaps, textiles, glass, and paper utilize magnesium carbonate for benefits such as texture, consistency, and strength.

It is also approved as a food additive by regulatory agencies.

Health benefits of magnesium carbonate

Magnesium plays essential physiologic roles that impact muscle function, nerve transmission, immune health, blood pressure regulation, metabolic processes, and energy production.

Supplementing with bioavailable forms of magnesium provides particular benefits for those lacking adequate dietary intake.

Potential benefits include supporting bone density, cardiovascular health, athletic performance and endurance, circadian rhythms and sleep quality, and coping with stress and anxiety.

Those suffering from chronic deficiency may see improvements in symptoms.

Dietary sources and supplements

Magnesium is naturally abundant in foods like dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and seafood.

For healthy individuals, eating a balanced diet may provide complete daily needs.

Magnesium carbonate is also available as an oral supplement, often combined with other minerals in capsule form.

Bis-glycinate, citrate, and chloride forms offer superior absorption over oxide or sulfate forms when choosing a supplement.

Unless treating an existing deficiency, most healthy adults can meet their needs through food rather than supplements.

Before beginning a new supplement regimen, always with your healthcare physician.

Safety and considerations

While magnesium carbonate is generally recognized as safe when used appropriately, misusing supplements can potentially lead to side effects like diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal cramps.

Excess supplementation could result in dangerously low blood pressure or nutrient imbalances.

Do not exceed the Tolerable Upper Limit for magnesium without medical supervision to avoid issues.

Children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions should take extra precautions.

Related studies

Title: Magnesium Intake Associated with Reduced Risk of Stroke and Diabetes

The meta-analysis suggests that higher magnesium intakes might reduce the risk of stroke, particularly ischemic rather than hemorrhagic stroke.

It also highlights the association of higher amounts of magnesium with a significantly lower risk of type 2 diabetes, emphasizing magnesium's role in glucose metabolism.

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK55748/

Title: Therapeutic Uses and Dosage Schedules for Magnesium Supplements

Provides detailed information on the therapeutic uses of magnesium, listing dietary sources of magnesium such as cashews, spinach, and cereals.

It also covers the dosage schedules for various magnesium supplements, including magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, and magnesium citrate​​.

Link: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1201/p732.html

Title: Synthesizing Nanostructured Magnesium Carbonates for CO2 Mineralization

This study highlights the potential of magnesium carbonate for environmental applications like carbon capture and sequestration​​. 

DOI: 10.3390/ma14112969

Overall

Magnesium carbonate is an essential mineral compound offering various uses - from industrial manufacturing to promoting human health and performance.

It serves critical physiologic roles, and supplementation may benefit select groups.

To safely obtain the benefits of adequate magnesium, emphasize dietary sources first, then consult an expert about using supplements appropriately for your needs.