Trimagnesium dicitrate
Serves dual purposes as a food additive and a highly bioavailable source of magnesium.
- Category
- Acidity regulators
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Trimagnesium dicitrate is a magnesium salt of citric acid, used as an acidity regulator and dietary magnesium supplement.
How it is used in food
Trimagnesium dicitrate is the fully neutralised 3:2 magnesium-to-citrate salt, so it delivers a high magnesium payload — around 15% by weight — with essentially no acidity of its own. That neutrality lets formulators fortify sensitive products such as dairy drinks and infant or medical nutrition without shifting pH or provoking protein instability.
Commonly found in- Food supplements
- Beverages
- Fortified foods
Health and safety
Safe at food levels; very high doses may have a mild laxative effect.
Citrates carry a JECFA ADI "not specified", and trimagnesium dicitrate is a recognised magnesium source for EU fortified foods and supplements. Bioavailability studies show absorption comparable to other soluble organic magnesium salts, and the only consistent adverse effect at high intakes is the osmotic laxative response seen with any absorbable magnesium salt above about 250 mg/day of supplemental magnesium.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E345(i)
Worth knowing
The distinction from ordinary "magnesium citrate" is real chemistry rather than labelling: the mono- and dimagnesium forms retain free acid groups and taste sour, while the trimagnesium form has none left and is close to pH-neutral.
Conclusion
Serves dual purposes as a food additive and a highly bioavailable source of magnesium.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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