CompoAtlas

Magnesium in food supplements

12,805 supplements declared in France contain a form of this nutrient

Magnesium: in France, a food supplement may not provide more than 300 mg a day (Order of 9 May 2006, not revised since November 2006, Annex III); for adults, EFSA's upper safe limit is 250 mg a day (added intakes only); the French maximum is above this limit: a supplement that complies with the Order can on its own exceed EFSA's upper safe limit. The doses of the 2006 Order have not been revised since the amending Order of 14 November 2006, and some were annulled by the Conseil d'État in 2011; the DGCCRF accepted higher levels for some nutrients through guidelines published until January 2019, and an update of the Order is being prepared (ministerial answer published in the Official Journal on 11 February 2025).

Order of 9 May 2006, Annex III. French orders of 9 May 2006 and 14 November 2006 as published in the Official Journal (maximum daily doses), retrieved 21 October 2026.

EFSA, Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (version 11, August 2025), retrieved 21 October 2026.

Written Question No 2686, ministry answer published in the Official Journal on 11 February 2025.

What we know about this ingredient

Uses

  • ALLOYS USED IN AIRCRAFT, COMMERCIAL VEHICLES, MACHINERY & TELEVISION SETS; IN RADIO INDUSTRY DEGASSING VALVES /ELECTRON TUBES/; IN VARIOUS HEATING APPLIANCES; MFR OF INCENDIARY BOMBS, TRACER BULLETS & FLASHLIGHT POWDERS; IN NUCLEAR ENERGY PROCESSES, SUCH AS CANNING MATERIAL

  • Aluminum alloys for structural parts, die-cast auto parts, missiles, space vehicles; powder for pyrotechnics and flash photography, production of iron, nickel, zinc, titanium, zirconium; antiknock gasoline additives; magnesium compounds and Grignard synthesis; cathodic protection; reducing agent; desulfurizing iron in steel manufacture; precision instruments; optical mirrors; dry and wet batteries.

  • In alloys to produce light weight structural metals. In aluminum alloys to improve mechanical properties; used in /the production of/ Grignard reagents; in dry cell batteries; in pyrotechnics. For hot metal desulfurization, esp. molten iron; prodn of ductile iron; metal reduction to produce elemental boron, titanium, zirconium; corrosion protection of steel structures; sacrificial anodes for corrosion protection.

  • METAL IN ALLOYS WITH ALUMINUM & OTHER METALS; STRUCTURAL METAL IN AUTOMOBILES, SCOOTERS, SNOWMOBILES, LAWN MOWERS, CATHODES & ANODES; REDUCING AGENT FOR METALS, CHEM INT FOR MAGNESIUM COMPD

  • PRECISION METALLURGY; PRECISION INSTRUMENTS; DRY TATTURE

PubChem : Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) · 2026-10-29 · Browning, E. Toxicity of Industrial Metals. 2nd ed. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1969., p. 206; Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 13th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1997., p. 689; O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1015; SRI; SAX NI, ed; Danger Props Indus Mater Report 4(2): 79-81 (1984).

Licence.

A molecule found naturally in plants or organisms; in a supplement it may be extracted from them, made by fermentation or synthesised: the declaration does not say which.

Basis: one CosIngThe European Commission's database of cosmetic ingredients. CAS and natural occurrence recorded in Wikidata (LOTUS database).

Wikidata: names of substances in six languages and taxa in which they occur (largely from the LOTUS database), retrieved 23 October 2026.

Natural occurrence recorded in Wikidata (LOTUS database): 11 taxa; examples: Montanoa frutescens, Montanoa grandiflora, Foeniculum vulgare, Theobroma cacao, Chamomilla recutita.

Wikidata: names of substances in six languages and taxa in which they occur (largely from the LOTUS database), retrieved 23 October 2026.

Manufacturing

  • ... IN PRODUCTION OF MAGNESIUM FROM MAGNESITE

  • ...EXTRACTED FROM WELL BRINES & SEA WATER, WHICH IS FILTERED & TREATED WITH SLAKED LIME, PRECIPITATING THE METAL AS MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE. /THIS/...CONVERTED TO THE CHLORIDE BY...HYDROCHLORIC ACID & THE METAL IS EXTRACTED BY ELECTROLYSIS.

  • Commercial production by electrolytic reduction of magnesium chloride or thermal reduction of magnesium oxide. First obtained in metallic form by Davy in 1808 by electrolyte reduction of magnesium oxide with mercury cathode. Prepn: Deville et al. in Gmelin's, Magnesium (8th ed.) 27A, 121 (1937).

  • ELECTROLYSIS OF MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE OBTAINED FROM SEA WATER, LAKE, OR WELL BRINES (PRIMARY); THERMAL REDUCTION OF ORES (PRIMARILY DOLOMITE) WITH FERROSILICON (PRIMARY); RECOVERY FROM OLD & NEW MAGNESIUM & ALUMINUM BASED SCRAP (SECONDARY)

  • Electrolysis of fused magnesium chloride (Dow seawater process); reduction of magnesium oxide with ferrosilicon (Pidgeon process).

PubChem : Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) · 2026-10-29 · Browning, E. Toxicity of Industrial Metals. 2nd ed. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1969., p. 210; International Labour Office. Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety. 4th edition, Volumes 1-4 1998. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1998., p. 63.24; O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1015; SRI; Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 13th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1997., p. 689.

Licence.

Appearance

  • Hexagonal crystal structure

  • Silvery-white metal

  • Magnesium appears as a light silvery metal. The more finely divided material reacts with water to liberate hydrogen, a flammable gas, though this reaction is not as vigorous as that of sodium or lithium with water. In finely divided forms is easily ignited. Burns with an intense white flame. Can be wax coated to render magnesium as nonreactive.

  • Magnesium powder appears as a light silvery colored powder.

PubChem : Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) · 2026-10-29 · Gerhartz, W. (exec ed.). Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 5th ed.Vol A1: Deerfield Beach, FL: VCH Publishers, 1985 to Present., p. VA15 (1990) 559; O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1015.

Licence.

PubChem : CAMEO Chemicals · 2026-10-29 · https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/6949; https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/3787.

Licence.

Odour described

  • none

PubChem : Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) · 2026-10-29 · U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Manual Two. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Oct., 1978..

Licence.

Stability

  • SLOWLY OXIDIZES IN MOIST AIR.

  • STABLE IN ORDINARY AIR, BUT STRONGLY ATTACKED BY AIR CONTAINING SALT SPRAY

PubChem : Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) · 2026-10-29 · O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1015; Browning, E. Toxicity of Industrial Metals. 2nd ed. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1969., p. 206.

Licence.

Associated research

ClinicalTrials.gov · A trial is not proof: it tests a hypothesis.

2026-11-01

Same substance in cosmetics: MAGNESIUM.

In plain words

À quoi il sert, selon les fabricants

Objectifs les plus souvent annoncés pour les compléments qui en contiennent (magnésium) : système nerveux (2204 produits), sport (1853 produits), immunité (1110 produits), sommeil (916 produits), os (871 produits).

Ce sont les objectifs déclarés par les fabricants à l'administration, pas des effets démontrés. Sur l'emballage, seules les allégations de santé autorisées par l'Union peuvent être écrites.

Compl'Alim, food supplement declarations (France), retrieved 23 October 2026.

Jusqu'où c'est sûr

Pour un adulte, l'EFSAEuropean Food Safety Authority. fixe la limite supérieure de sécurité à 250 mg/j : c'est l'apport quotidien qui, pris sur le long terme, ne devrait pas provoquer d'effet indésirable. Au-delà, le risque augmente. Un complément n'est qu'une partie de l'apport.

Précision de l'EFSA : Sels de magnésium facilement dissociables et composés comme MgO dans les compléments, l'eau ou ajoutés aux aliments ; n'inclut pas le magnésium naturellement présent dans les aliments.

EFSA, Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (version 11, August 2025), retrieved 21 October 2026.

La règle en France

En France, la dose journalière recommandée d'un complément ne doit pas apporter plus de 300 mg (arrêté du 9 mai 2006, non révisé depuis novembre 2006). Compl'Alim ne publie pas la dose des produits déclarés : comparez celle de l'étiquette à ce plafond et à la limite de sécurité de l'EFSA.

French orders of 9 May 2006 and 14 November 2006 as published in the Official Journal (maximum daily doses), retrieved 21 October 2026.

EFSA safety references

Pour ce nutriment, le repère de l'EFSA ne porte que sur les apports ajoutés (compléments, aliments enrichis), pas sur ce qu'apporte l'alimentation courante.

EFSA daily references
PopulationTypeValue
1-3 yearsUpper limitnot defined
4-6 yearsUpper limit250 mg/j
7-10 yearsUpper limit250 mg/j
11-14 yearsUpper limit250 mg/j
15-17 yearsUpper limit250 mg/j
adultsUpper limit250 mg/j
pregnancyUpper limit250 mg/j
breastfeedingUpper limit250 mg/j

Readily dissociable magnesium salts and compounds such as MgO in supplements, water or added to foods; excludes magnesium naturally present in foods

SCF, 2001b. EFSA, Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (version 11, August 2025), retrieved 21 October 2026.

Maximum dose in France

Maximum daily dose per supplement in France: 300 mg, according to the Order of 9 May 2006.

The doses of the 2006 Order have not been revised since the amending Order of 14 November 2006, and some were annulled by the Conseil d'État in 2011; the DGCCRF accepted higher levels for some nutrients through guidelines published until January 2019, and an update of the Order is being prepared (ministerial answer published in the Official Journal on 11 February 2025).

Order of 9 May 2006, Annex III. French orders of 9 May 2006 and 14 November 2006 as published in the Official Journal (maximum daily doses), retrieved 21 October 2026.

Where to find it in food

Selected everyday foods, ranked by decreasing content across all confidence levels. Each value is at least one tenth of the maximum among the foods examined. Content varies with the food and preparation.

Content per 100 g of edible portion
FoodContentUnitCiqual confidence code
Brazil nut, no added salt376mgB (good)
Almond, with skin, no added salt270mgA (high)
Peanut, roasted, no added salt176mgA (high)
Hazelnut, no added salt160mgA (high)
Walnut kernel, dried140mgA (high)
Pistachio, roasted, no added salt102mgA (high)
Pacific oyster, raw78.1mgA (high)

The Ciqual code indicates confidence in each value: A high, B good, C moderate, D low (a less certain value).

ANSES, Ciqual table 2025, published on 19 November 2025. Licence Ouverte 2.0.

Authorised health claims

  • « Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of magnesium as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of magnesium as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of magnesium as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of magnesium as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of magnesium as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of magnesium as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of magnesium as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of magnesium as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of magnesium as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
  • « Magnesium has a role in the process of cell division »
    Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of magnesium as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
9 refused or revoked claims: they cannot appear on packaging
  • « An adequate magnesium intake can support to maintain normal blood pressure »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, the evidence provided is insufficient to substantiate this claimed effect for this food.
  • « Helps to maintain acid-base balance. Helps to decrease dietary acid load. Helps in case of occasional gastric acidity. Contributes to decrease gastric acidity. »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not a beneficial physiological effect as required by the Regulation.
  • « Magnesium contributes to meeting the increased requirement for magnesium in pregnant women, so it could help the normal course of pregnancy and delivery and birth of a healthy baby. »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
  • « Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of hormonal health Magnesium helps to maintain hormonal health. Magnesium is an essential co-factor in fatty acid metabolism which impacts on hormonal health. »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not sufficiently defined to be able to be assessed and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.
  • « Magnesium has antioxidative properties It prolongs the ageing process »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
  • « Magnesium is necessary for normal blood clotting »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
  • « Magnesium maintains healthy immune system »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
  • « Regulates blood pressure. »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, the evidence provided is insufficient to substantiate this claimed effect for this food.
  • « Regulates sugar balance. »
    Reason: Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

Official English text, as entered in the Union register. A claim may only be used under its conditions.

10 authorised claims, 9 refused or revoked. EU Register of nutrition and health claims, retrieved 21 October 2026.

Forms declared in supplements

Union list: vitamin and mineral forms that may be used in a food supplement (Directive 2002/46/EC, Annex II).

Directive 2002/46/EC on food supplements, latest consolidated version (Annex II: forms of vitamins and minerals), retrieved 23 October 2026.

In cosmetics: MAGNESIUM SULFATE.

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