Magnesium citrate laurate

MineralMagnesium saltBest with a meal

What is it

Magnesium citrate laurate is a magnesium salt combining citric acid and lauric acid (a medium-chain fatty acid). It is used as a viscosity modifier and emulsifier in some supplement and pharmaceutical formulations, and as a magnesium source.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Magnesium supplementation

Limited Evidence

Provides elemental magnesium; effects are similar to other organic magnesium salts.

How it works

When dissolved, magnesium citrate laurate dissociates to release magnesium ions, citrate, and laurate (lauric acid). Magnesium provides standard mineral nutrition. Citrate enhances magnesium absorption and provides a small alkalinizing effect. Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid with mild antimicrobial properties in vitro. The combined salt also functions as a surfactant/emulsifier in formulations, particularly in liquid and softgel products where it helps stabilize emulsions.

Dosage

Magnesium RDA: 310-420 mg/day depending on age and sex. UL from supplements: 350 mg/day. Magnesium citrate laurate is rarely the primary magnesium source; doses depend on the formulation's intended elemental magnesium content.

When and how to take it

WHEN: Take with food to reduce risk of GI upset. HOW: Split doses through the day if total exceeds 200 mg elemental magnesium.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Magnesium citrate laurate (high/low viscosity)

Used in supplement formulation as both an active and excipient.

Similar to other organic magnesium salts

Safety

At typical supplement doses, generally well tolerated. Excess magnesium causes diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Lauric acid is a normal dietary fatty acid (in coconut oil and breast milk).

Who should be cautious

People with kidney impairment should avoid magnesium supplements without medical guidance due to risk of hypermagnesemia. Pregnant and lactating women should not exceed UL.

Interactions

Magnesium may reduce absorption of tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, bisphosphonates, and levothyroxine; separate by 2-4 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Why combine magnesium with lauric acid?⌄

The combination provides functional properties (emulsification, viscosity control) useful in supplement manufacturing, alongside magnesium nutrition.

Is magnesium citrate laurate better than other magnesium forms?⌄

There is no clear evidence that it is superior to standard magnesium citrate or other well-absorbed forms for nutritional purposes.

References

Magnesium citrate laurate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Magnesium citrate laurate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.