Magnesium Citrate
Also known as citrate, magnesium citrate, magnesium salt of citric acid
Key takeaways
- Magnesium citrate supplementation decreased blood pressure and HbA1c in normomagnesemic subjects with metabolic syndrome (PMID: 34859788).
- Magnesium citrate is evaluated for its efficacy in kidney stone formers with idiopathic hyperoxaluria (PMID: 39077820).
- Magnesium citrate combined with sodium picosulfate is an effective agent for colonoscopy preparation (PMID: 26818765).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 11 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Magnesium citrate is a mineral supplement used for various therapeutic purposes, including metabolic support and kidney stone prevention. Research indicates potential benefits for blood pressure and glycemic control in metabolic syndrome, as well as efficacy in reducing kidney stone recurrence.
By condition
Metabolic Syndrome
Weak
A small pilot trial showed decreased blood pressure and HbA1c in normomagnesemic subjects with metabolic syndrome.
Kidney Stones
Moderate
Magnesium citrate is used as a recommended treatment for calcium stone formers with idiopathic hyperoxaluria.
Colonoscopy Preparation
Moderate
A combination of sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate is used as an alternative to polyethylene glycol for bowel cleansing.
Effective doses
Specific dose ranges were not provided in the provided abstracts.
Safety & interactions
No specific interactions or contraindications were detailed in the provided abstracts.
Limitations
Many of the provided studies focus on other citrate salts (potassium or clomiphene) rather than magnesium citrate specifically. Sample sizes for metabolic syndrome research are very small (N=13).
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Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 11 sources, sorted by quality
**Phillips et al., 2015** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Phillips Rebecca, Hanchanale Vishwanath S, ... Biyani C Shekhar. Citrate salts for preventing and treating calcium containing kidney stones in adults. Cochrane Database …
**Jehle et al., 2013** | J Clin Endocrinol Metab | Rct Jehle Sigrid, Hulter Henry N, Krapf Reto. Effect of potassium citrate on bone density, microarchitecture, and fracture risk in healthy older adults without osteoporosis: a randomized co…
**Qi et al., 2023** | Clin Appl Thromb Hemost | Meta Analysis Qi Wenqian, Liu Jingyuan, Li Ang. Regional Citrate Anticoagulation or Heparin Anticoagulation for Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients With Liver Failure: A Systematic Review an…
**Carvalho et al., 2017** | Urolithiasis | Meta Analysis Carvalho Maurício, Erbano Bruna Olandoski, ... Baena Cristina Pellegrino. Effect of potassium citrate supplement on stone recurrence before or after lithotripsy: systematic review and…
IMPORTANCE: Although current guidelines suggest the use of regional citrate anticoagulation (which involves the addition of a citrate solution to the blood before the filter of the extracorporeal dialysis circuit) as first-line treatment fo…
**Jin et al., 2016** | Eur J Clin Pharmacol | Meta Analysis Jin Zheng, Lu Yi, ... Gong Biao. Systematic review and meta-analysis: sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate vs. polyethylene glycol for colonoscopy preparation. Eur J Clin Pharmacol…
**Sellmeyer et al., 2002** | J Clin Endocrinol Metab | Rct Sellmeyer Deborah E, Schloetter Monique, Sebastian Anthony. Potassium citrate prevents increased urine calcium excretion and bone resorption induced by a high sodium chloride diet. …
Magnesium (Mg) supplementation was shown to improve metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters in hypomagnesemic patients. The current study evaluated the role of Mg in normomagnesemic individuals with MetS. Patients were randomly assigned to 400…
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on ovulation rate in overweight subfertile women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction. METHODS: This was a single center, parallel-groups, double-blind…
Clomiphene citrate (CC) in male hypogonadism increases testosterone (T) and estrogen levels by stimulating pituitary gonadotropin release. Our group confirmed these hormonal changes in a randomized, cross-over, double-blind trial of CC vers…
Frequently asked questions
What is magnesium citrate and what is it used for?
Magnesium citrate is a mineral supplement used for metabolic support and kidney stone prevention. It is also commonly used in combination with sodium picosulfate as an alternative bowel cleansing agent for colonoscopy preparation. Research indicates potential benefits for blood pressure and glycemic control in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Does magnesium citrate help with kidney stones?
Yes, there is moderate evidence that magnesium citrate is an effective treatment for calcium stone formers with idiopathic hyperoxaluria. It is recommended to help reduce the recurrence of kidney stones in these patients. However, specific dosing guidelines were not provided in the available research summaries.
Can magnesium citrate improve blood sugar or blood pressure?
Research shows weak evidence that magnesium citrate may decrease blood pressure and HbA1c in normomagnesemic subjects with metabolic syndrome. Because the evidence is limited to small pilot trials, more robust studies are needed to confirm these benefits for general use.
What is the effective dose of magnesium citrate?
The provided evidence summaries do not specify effective dose ranges for magnesium citrate. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific health needs, as individual requirements may vary.
Is magnesium citrate safe to take with other medications?
No specific drug interactions or contraindications were documented in the provided evidence. However, because individual health conditions vary, you should always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements with prescription medications to ensure safety.
Who should avoid taking magnesium citrate?
While no specific contraindications were detailed, individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. It is also advisable for anyone with underlying health conditions to seek professional medical advice before starting supplementation.
Does magnesium citrate work for colonoscopy preparation?
Yes, there is moderate evidence that a combination of sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate is effective for bowel cleansing during colonoscopy preparation. It serves as a viable alternative to polyethylene glycol for this specific medical procedure.