MAGNESIUM
Citrate vs Oxide
The best-studied pair of magnesium forms, side by side.
Compare →Magnesium form
Magnesium Citrate
In short
Magnesium combined with citric acid. It dissolves well in water, has been studied for absorption more than most forms, and at higher amounts works as an osmotic laxative.
At a glance
- Compound
General reference - Magnesium salt of citric acid
- Approx. elemental magnesium
SuppScout calculation - ~16% by weight
- Typical formats
General reference - Powders (drink mixes), capsules, tablets, liquids
- Absorption research
Published research - Higher than oxide in several small studies
- Digestive effect
Published research - Can loosen stools; used in OTC laxatives
SuppScout calculation About 16% elemental magnesium by weight (trimagnesium citrate, anhydrous).
About magnesium citrate
What it is
Magnesium citrate is a highly water-soluble magnesium salt. It is sold both as a dietary supplement and, in larger doses, as an over-the-counter saline laxative.
What the research says
Small human studies have found magnesium citrate is more soluble and more bioavailable than magnesium oxide — for example, a randomized, double-blind study reported higher urinary and blood magnesium measures after citrate than after oxide. These studies measure absorption markers over days or weeks, not long-term health outcomes.
Things to consider
Citrate’s laxative effect is dose-dependent. Supplements providing moderate amounts are often tolerated well, but higher single doses are more likely to cause loose stools. Powdered citrate drinks may include citric acid, flavors and sweeteners — check the “other ingredients” line.
Compare Citrate
MAGNESIUM
Glycinate vs Citrate
Forms, label differences and what to compare before choosing.
Compare →Magnesium Citrate products
Cost comparison
| Product | Format | Per serving | Servings | Price | Cost / serving | Cost per 100 mg elemental magnesium | Other ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainlabel Magnesium Citrate Powder (Lemon) Plainlabel Nutrition · demo |
Powder 1 scoop (1.9 g) |
300 mg elemental magnesium | 90 | $21.99* | $0.24 | $0.08 | 3 |
| Harbor & Pine Magnesium Citrate 150 mg Harbor & Pine · demo |
Capsules 2 capsules |
150 mg elemental magnesium | 60 | $14.99* | $0.25 | $0.17 | 3 |
SuppScout calculation Sorted by cost per 100 mg elemental magnesium. * Demonstration prices from fictional listings, used to show the calculation — not current market prices.
Products
Harbor & Pine Magnesium Citrate 150 mg
Harbor & Pine · Demo
- Primary ingredient
- Magnesium Citrate
- Per serving
- 150 mg elemental magnesium
- Servings
- 60
- Format
- Capsules
- Price
- $14.99*
- Per serving cost
- $0.25
Not verified
Plainlabel Magnesium Citrate Powder (Lemon)
Plainlabel Nutrition · Demo
- Primary ingredient
- Magnesium Citrate
- Per serving
- 300 mg elemental magnesium
- Servings
- 90
- Format
- Powder
- Price
- $21.99*
- Per serving cost
- $0.24
Not verified
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Other magnesium forms
Frequently asked questions
Is magnesium citrate a laxative?
At higher doses, yes — magnesium citrate is used in over-the-counter laxative products. Supplement doses are lower, but loose stools remain a common side effect.
Sources & references
- Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.govGovernment
- Walker AF, Marakis G, Christie S, Byng M (2003). Mg citrate found more bioavailable than other Mg preparations in a randomised, double-blind study. Magnesium Research 16(3). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govRandomized trial
- Lindberg JS, Zobitz MM, Poindexter JR, Pak CY (1990). Magnesium bioavailability from magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 9(1). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govStudy
SuppScout links to primary and authoritative sources wherever possible. See our editorial policy for how sources are selected and how corrections are handled.
This page is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.