Magnesium hydroxide
What is Magnesium hydroxide?
Magnesium hydroxide is an inorganic compound that occurs naturally as the mineral brucite. Industrially, it is typically produced by reacting magnesium salts, such as magnesium chloride, with a base like sodium hydroxide, or by hydrating magnesium oxide.
Is Magnesium hydroxide vegan?
Magnesium hydroxide is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Magnesium hydroxide gluten-free?
It is not gluten-containing.
Is Magnesium hydroxide a major allergen?
Magnesium hydroxide is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Magnesium hydroxide used for?
In food, magnesium hydroxide is primarily used as a nutrient supplement to increase magnesium content.
Is Magnesium hydroxide safe?
Magnesium hydroxide is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
In food, magnesium hydroxide is primarily used as a nutrient supplement to increase magnesium content. It can also function as an acidity regulator, helping to control the pH of food products. It is found in some fortified foods, dietary supplements, and occasionally in processed foods.
Health notes
Magnesium hydroxide is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It is evaluated by EFSA and is permitted for use as a nutrient and acidity regulator in certain food categories. Magnesium is an essential mineral for human health, contributing to normal muscle and nerve function, and the maintenance of normal bones. EFSA has evaluated magnesium compounds and established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for magnesium, but JECFA did not set a numeric limit for magnesium hydroxide itself. Excessive intake of magnesium can have a laxative effect.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 1.9 Edible caseinates | No numerical limit listed |
Allergen info
Magnesium hydroxide is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not gluten-containing.
Foods that contain Magnesium hydroxide
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