Magnesium gluconate
A safe and highly bioavailable magnesium supplement.
- Category
- Acidity regulators
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A magnesium salt of gluconic acid used as a highly bioavailable magnesium supplement.
How it is used in food
Doubles as an acidity regulator and a well-tolerated magnesium fortificant; the gluconate form is gentle on the stomach and among the better-absorbed magnesium salts used in foods and supplements.
Commonly found in- Dietary supplements
Health and safety
Completely safe and serves as a healthy source of dietary magnesium.
Safety assessments of both the magnesium and gluconate components report no concerns at dietary levels — gluconate is metabolised like carbohydrate and magnesium is an essential nutrient. As with all magnesium salts, the only practical limit is the osmotic laxative effect of multi-gram doses, and EU supplement guidance reflects that threshold rather than any toxicity.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (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
- E580
Worth knowing
Comparative absorption studies in animals have ranked magnesium gluconate at or near the top of common magnesium salts for bioavailability, which is why a food-additive code moonlights as a clinician-recommended supplement form.
Conclusion
A safe and highly bioavailable magnesium supplement.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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