What Is Magnesium Lactate Made Of?

November 15, 2025 •

2 min read

Magnesium lactate is an organic mineral salt known for its superior bioavailability and physiological compatibility, making a popular choice for dietary supplements and fortified foods. This compound is produced by combining a high-purity magnesium source with lactic acid, and its gentle nature is particularly well-suited for sensitive digestive systems.

Quick Summary

Magnesium lactate is an organic salt chemically synthesized by neutralizing lactic acid with a high-purity magnesium source, such as magnesium carbonate or hydroxide. This process results in a well-absorbed compound, often used to fortify foods and create gentle magnesium supplements.

Key Points

Core Components: Magnesium lactate is an organic salt made from combining a magnesium source with lactic acid.
Synthesis: The process involves a neutralization reaction, where lactic acid is neutralized by a high-purity magnesium compound like magnesium carbonate or hydroxide.
Bioavailability: It is known for its superior bioavailability, meaning it is easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
Gentle on Digestion: This form of magnesium is gentle on the stomach, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
Commercial Production: Methods include direct chemical neutralization and a more sustainable fermentation-coupled process using lactic acid bacteria.
Multiple Applications: Magnesium lactate is widely used in dietary supplements, fortified foods, and pharmaceutical preparations.

The Fundamental Components: Magnesium and Lactic Acid

Magnesium lactate, with the chemical formula C₆H₁₀MgO₆, is an organic salt formed from two primary building blocks: magnesium and lactic acid. The compound is created through a chemical reaction that combines these two elements.

The Magnesium Component

Magnesium is a vital mineral. In magnesium lactate production, magnesium comes from high-purity compounds like Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO₃), Magnesium Hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂), or Magnesium Oxide (MgO).

The Lactic Acid (Lactate) Component

Lactic acid is an organic acid, a natural metabolic product and produced by bacteria. Commercial production often uses lactic acid from carbohydrate fermentation. L-lactic acid is preferred for supplements due to its physiological compatibility.

The Chemical Synthesis of Magnesium Lactate

The Neutralization Reaction

Production primarily involves a neutralization reaction between lactic acid and a magnesium compound, reaching a pH of 6.5 to 8.5.

A representative reaction using magnesium carbonate: MgCO₃(s) + 2 C₃H₆O₃(aq) → Mg(C₃H₅O₃)₂(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)

Production Methods for Commercial Use

Commercial production uses methods like:

Direct Neutralization: Lactic acid reacts directly with a magnesium source, followed by crystallization and dehydration.
Fermentation-Coupled Production: More sustainable methods couple lactic acid fermentation with neutralization, forming magnesium lactate during the process.

Key Properties and Applications of Magnesium Lactate

Magnesium lactate is a crystalline, white powder that is practically odorless and has a neutral taste. Its water solubility makes it useful in various products. It's valued for high bioavailability and gentle digestive impact, making it suitable for sensitive stomachs.


Feature	Magnesium Lactate	Magnesium Oxide	Magnesium Glycinate
Bioavailability	High	Poor	Very High
GI Tolerability	Excellent, very gentle	May cause digestive issues like diarrhea	Excellent, gentle
Elemental Magnesium	~10-12%	~60%	Variable, often lower than oxide
Water Solubility	Good	Poor	Good
Primary Use	Highly bioavailable supplements, fortified foods	Often used in multivitamins due to cost; laxative	Supplements for relaxation, sleep

Conclusion

Magnesium lactate is a well-tolerated and easily absorbed form of magnesium, fundamentally made of magnesium and lactic acid. It is synthesized through neutralization of lactic acid with magnesium sources like carbonate, hydroxide, or oxide. This organic salt is valued in supplements and food fortification for its high bioavailability, mild taste, and gentle impact on the digestive system.

Production of Magnesium Dilactate through Lactic Acid Fermentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Magnesium lactate is typically produced by neutralizing lactic acid with a high-purity magnesium source, such as magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or magnesium oxide. After the reaction, the product is crystallized and dried.

Magnesium lactate is an organic salt, meaning it's based on an organic acid (lactic acid). While it is a chemical compound created through a synthesis process, the starting materials can come from natural sources, such as fermented carbohydrates.

It is used in supplements primarily because of its high bioavailability and gentle effect on the digestive system. It provides an effective and well-tolerated way to increase magnesium levels in the body.

Both are highly bioavailable organic magnesium forms. Magnesium lactate is formed with lactic acid, while magnesium citrate is formed with citric acid. Lactate is known for being especially gentle on the stomach, which can be a key differentiator for individuals with sensitivities.

Compared to some other magnesium forms, such as magnesium oxide or high doses of magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate is known for its mild and gentle digestive profile, with less of a laxative effect.

The lactic acid is often produced through the fermentation of carbohydrates, a process carried out by bacteria such as Lactobacillus paracasei. The raw materials for fermentation can include sugars derived from plants.

Yes, many manufacturers produce vegan-friendly magnesium lactate. The lactic acid used can be sourced from vegan dextrorotatory lactic acid, meaning the final product contains no animal-derived ingredients.