The key difference between chelated magnesium and magnesium citrate is that chelated magnesium is a mineral supplement to avoid low magnesium levels in the blood, whereas magnesium citrate is a medication we use to clean stool from intestines.
Chelation is the process of binding ions and molecules with metal ions. It involves the formation of coordinate covalent bonds between the ions or molecules and the metal ion. Therefore, chelated magnesium is a complex compound having magnesium ions in coordination with ions or molecules. Magnesium citrate is one such magnesium chelate.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Chelated Magnesium
3. What is Magnesium Citrate
4. Side by Side Comparison – Chelated Magnesium vs Magnesium Citrate in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Chelated Magnesium?
Chelated magnesium is a dietary supplement we use to prevent low levels of magnesium in the blood. Low levels of magnesium can cause harmful effect in our body since magnesium is helpful for normal functioning of cells, nerves, muscles, etc. Some examples of magnesium chelates include magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, magnesium gluconate, etc.
Figure 01: Magnesium Gluconate Structure
Moreover, the importance of chelating magnesium is that chelation provides the passage from the stomach to the small intestine. In this way, our body can absorb more magnesium in the intestinal tract than non-chelated magnesium.
However, as for any medication and supplement, chelated magnesium also has some side effects; diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and stomach cramps are common side effects among them. Moreover, we should avoid taking this supplement if we have kidney problems.
What is Magnesium Citrate?
Magnesium citrate is a medication we use to clean stool from intestines. It is the magnesium salt of citric acid. It contains 11.23% magnesium by weight. Comparatively, this compound is water soluble and less alkaline.
Medicinally, magnesium citrate is very useful; it is a saline laxative, and it completely empties the bowel before major surgeries. Furthermore, it is a good medication for constipation. It is available as pills without a prescription. These pills are a good dietary supplement.
Figure 02: Magnesium Citrate
Generally, magnesium citrate is not harmful to our body. But, in overdose, it may have some minor side effects, including slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, etc.
What is the Difference Between Chelated Magnesium and Magnesium Citrate?
Magnesium citrate is a type of chelated magnesium since chelated magnesium has magnesium ion in combination with an anion such as citrate, gluconates, etc. The key difference between chelated magnesium and magnesium citrate is that chelated magnesium is a mineral supplement to avoid low magnesium levels in the blood, whereas magnesium citrate is a medication that we use to clean stool from intestines.
Below infographic summarizes the difference between chelated magnesium and magnesium citrate.
Summary – Chelated Magnesium vs Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is a type of chelated magnesium. The key difference between chelated magnesium and magnesium citrate is that chelated magnesium is a mineral supplement to avoid low magnesium levels in the blood whereas magnesium citrate is a medication that we use to clean stool from intestines.
Reference:
1. “Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.” WebMD, WebMD, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Magnesium gluconate” By Ed (Edgar181) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Magnesium citrate” By Edgar181 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia