From BF‑EssE | Contract Manufacturing Perspective)
Magnesium Types in Hydration Formulas: A CMO's Deep Dive
Magnesium is the unsung hero in sports supplements. Beyond its essential role in muscle contraction, energy production, and electrolyte balance, it is key to cramp prevention, nerve function, and recovery.
Athletes often lose 10–20 mg of magnesium per liter of sweat—small compared to sodium, but it matters. In endurance and repeated-intensity efforts, marginal magnesium deficiency can impair performance and increase injury risk.
Athletes often lose 10–20 mg of magnesium per liter of sweat—small compared to sodium, but it matters. In endurance and repeated-intensity efforts, marginal magnesium deficiency can impair performance and increase injury risk.
Popular Magnesium Forms & Their Chemistry
Each magnesium salt behaves differently in terms of absorption, solubility, flavor, and formulation needs:
- Magnesium citrate: Organic salt with good solubility (~550 mg/L), mild flavor—ideal for RTDs and sachets. Citrate also supports alkalinity and energy production.
- Magnesium bisglycinate: Amino acid chelate with exceptional bioavailability, low GI upset—perfect for capsules/tablets targeting recovery or cramp relief.
- Magnesium malate: Citrate-based energy metabolite—used in endurance blends to support ATP production.
- Magnesium oxide: High elemental content but poor absorption; risky in hydration due to GI irritation and low uptake.
- Magnesium amino chelates (e.g., oxide + glycine/gluconate)—moderate absorption, still better than oxides alone.
- Magnesium chloride/lactate: Suitable for RTDs, though chloride can taste salty and lactate is acid-sensitive.
Formulation Considerations at BF‑EssE
Solubility & Osmolality
Magnesium citrate dissolves easily in liquids, but high concentrations (~200 mg dose) can increase osmolality and affect taste — buffered formula steps are essential.
Magnesium citrate dissolves easily in liquids, but high concentrations (~200 mg dose) can increase osmolality and affect taste — buffered formula steps are essential.
Taste Issues
Magnesium salts often taste slightly bitter or salty. We mask them via:
Magnesium salts often taste slightly bitter or salty. We mask them via:
- Flavor layering (e.g., citrus, ginger, berry)
- Encapsulation of chelates
- Sweetening with stevia or erythritol
Compatibility with Other Electrolytes
Magnesium can precipitate when mixed with phosphates or certain proteins. We balance with:
Magnesium can precipitate when mixed with phosphates or certain proteins. We balance with:
- Sodium citrate
- Potassium chloride
- Citric acid buffering—all pH-adjusted to ~4–5
Capsules/Tablets vs RTD vs Sachets
- Capsules/tablets: Use bisglycinate or malate due to good flow and bioavailability
- Sachets: Use citrate; microencapsulation needed for darker, flavor-packed blends
- RTDs: Use malate or citrate with organic acids to maintain both solubility and taste
Formats We Can Produce
At BF-EssE, we can develop your product in:
All are available flavored or unflavored, natural or colored.
All are available flavored or unflavored, natural or colored.
Flavors You Can Choose:
We stock over 12 high-quality flavors — perfect for beauty, wellness, or fitness branding.
Best sellers:
We stock over 12 high-quality flavors — perfect for beauty, wellness, or fitness branding.
Best sellers:
- Hibiscus
- Peach
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Pineapple
- Green Apple
- Blackcurrant
- Green Tea
- ...and more. Custom blends on request.
Sample Format Use Cases
Sachets (Fitness/Hydration): 120 mg magnesium citrate + sodium and potassium blend
RTDs (Endurance/Event Nutrition): 150 mg magnesium malate + adaptogen (Rhodiola) combo
Capsules (Recovery/Cramp Relief): 200 mg bisglycinate + 150 mg zinc + botanicals
Clean Label Sports Powder: 100 mg citrate + stevia + beetroot flavor for vegan endurance blends
RTDs (Endurance/Event Nutrition): 150 mg magnesium malate + adaptogen (Rhodiola) combo
Capsules (Recovery/Cramp Relief): 200 mg bisglycinate + 150 mg zinc + botanicals
Clean Label Sports Powder: 100 mg citrate + stevia + beetroot flavor for vegan endurance blends
Why BF‑EssE Recommends Tailored Magnesium Choices
Targeted bioavailability: better absorption and fewer GI issues
Flavor-balanced formulas, crucial for consumer adoption
Regulatory confidence: all forms are approved under Directive 2002/46/EC
Scalable production: optimized mixing, encapsulation, and stability (ICH Q1A format testing under 40 °C/75% RH)
Flavor-balanced formulas, crucial for consumer adoption
Regulatory confidence: all forms are approved under Directive 2002/46/EC
Scalable production: optimized mixing, encapsulation, and stability (ICH Q1A format testing under 40 °C/75% RH)
Need clarity?
Contact us before you manufacture — we’ll help keep your product market-ready and regulation-safe.
FAQ - Magnesium in Sports Hydration
It depends on the delivery format and the performance goal.
- Magnesium citrate is ideal for powders and RTDs due to good solubility and taste.
- Bisglycinate works best in capsules/tablets because of its excellent bioavailability and stomach tolerance.
- Malate is favored in endurance blends for its ATP support and clean-label profile.
Most products provide 100–200 mg elemental magnesium per dose.
- The EU NRV is 375 mg/day
- For sport use, 150 mg per serving is often optimal to avoid laxative effects while supporting performance
Generally yes—especially when using citrate or malate salts.
However, magnesium may:
However, magnesium may:
- Interact with acidic ingredients (like vitamin C or citric acid)
- Precipitate in high-pH or high-osmolality systems
- Cause pouch swelling if bicarbonate is present
- BF‑EssE uses microencapsulation, acid/base buffering, and ICH stability testing to prevent degradation.
Yes, especially in high doses or when using forms like magnesium oxide or sulfate. These have low bioavailability and may cause bloating or diarrhea.
We recommend:
We recommend:
- Citrate, bisglycinate, or malate for better absorption
- Formulating under 200 mg per dose, unless delivered in capsule or timed-release.
No. Only specific forms are allowed under EU Directive 2002/46/EC and Commission Regulation (EU) 1170/2009.
Allowed forms include:
Allowed forms include:
- Magnesium citrate
- Magnesium bisglycinate
- Magnesium malate
- Magnesium lactate
- Magnesium chloride