Magnesium hydrogen sulfate

MineralMagnesium salt

What is it

Magnesium hydrogen sulfate (Mg(HSO4)2) is an acidic magnesium salt. It is occasionally listed on supplement labels as a magnesium source but is uncommon compared with citrate, glycinate, oxide, or sulfate forms.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Magnesium deficiency

Strong Evidence

Magnesium supplementation in any reasonable form corrects deficiency, which is broadly established. Specific evidence for the hydrogen sulfate form is sparse.

How it works

When dissolved in the digestive tract, magnesium hydrogen sulfate releases magnesium ions, which are absorbed in the small intestine through both passive and active transport. Magnesium is an essential cofactor for hundreds of enzymes including those involved in muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and ATP production. The bioavailability of the hydrogen sulfate salt has not been compared head-to-head with more common magnesium forms in published human studies.

Dosage

The RDA for magnesium is 310 to 420 mg per day in adults depending on age and sex. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg per day, above which diarrhea becomes likely.

When and how to take it

Magnesium can be taken with or without food. Many people take it in the evening for any potential muscle-relaxation effect, though scheduling is largely personal preference.

1 commercial form

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

Magnesium hydrogen sulfate

Acidic magnesium salt; rarely used in mainstream supplements. Other magnesium forms have more clinical data.

Bioavailability not well characterized; likely similar to other inorganic magnesium salts.

Safety

Magnesium salts can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and nausea, especially at higher doses. People with kidney impairment can accumulate magnesium to toxic levels and should not supplement without supervision.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in kidney failure, heart block, or myasthenia gravis without supervision. Use caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding only at recommended dietary doses unless directed otherwise.

Interactions

Magnesium can reduce absorption of certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones), bisphosphonates, and levothyroxine. Separate these medications from magnesium by at least 2 hours.

Food sources

Pumpkin seeds

Amount
1 oz (28g)
%DV
37%

Spinach (cooked)

Amount
1/2 cup
%DV
19%

Almonds

Amount
1 oz (28g)
%DV
19%

Frequently asked questions

Is magnesium hydrogen sulfate a good magnesium source?⌄

It will provide magnesium, but more common forms like glycinate or citrate have stronger clinical data and are easier on the stomach.

How much magnesium should I take?⌄

Most adults need 310 to 420 mg per day total. The supplemental upper limit is 350 mg before diarrhea becomes likely.

References

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

Research on Magnesium hydrogen sulfate (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.