Magnesium chloride E511: description, use, instructions, benefits and harm

Magnesium chloride is a fairly common food additive that has a long list of beneficial properties. First of all, this substance helps preserve youth, having a positive effect not only on a person’s appearance, but also on the condition of his body as a whole - it normalizes the functioning of many systems, improves the condition of the skin, hair and nails, and helps in the fight against infectious diseases. Moreover, magnesium chloride has a positive effect on representatives of all age groups - its presence in the diet is important for both children, adults and the elderly.

In addition, magnesium chloride has a positive effect on a person’s emotional state, it helps in the fight against depression and dizziness, and also fills a person with energy, which is especially important in winter, when almost everyone experiences chronic fatigue. However, taking magnesium chloride is not recommended in combination with taking antibiotics, since the substance tends to reduce their effectiveness.

As a food additive, magnesium chloride acts as a stabilizer, preservative and emulsifier. In food products it is designated under the index E511.

What is magnesium chloride: its features

Magnesium chloride is an inorganic compound. Externally, it appears as hygroscopic crystals that are white or completely colorless and transparent. Magnesium chloride has no odor at all. The compound is highly soluble in water and alcohol. The decomposition process begins when the temperature rises to 300 degrees. The substance begins to melt when it reaches 713 degrees.

Magnesium chloride easily reacts with salts that contain cations that can form an insoluble salt with chlorine anion.

Magnesium chloride contains two components: chlorine and magnesium. The substance is widely used in a variety of industries; it can benefit the human body and normalize many internal processes.

If there is a deficiency of magnesium chloride in the body, a long list of various diseases can develop.

Transdermal introduction of magnesium into the body

Magnesium deficiency can cause our respiratory, excretory, lymphatic, digestive and immune systems, not to mention our muscular, skeletal and reproductive systems, and metabolism, to not function optimally. Magnesium deficiency may be the cause, or at least one of the causes, of many diseases.

On the other hand, magnesium balance improves overall well-being and resistance to stress and colds.

Causes of magnesium deficiency in the body

Increased excretion of magnesium is caused by heavy sweating, for example during physical activity, during sports or when visiting a sauna, but also by drinking alcoholic beverages.

The body's reduced ability to absorb magnesium may be due to excessive fat and protein in the diet. Even diarrhea can have a negative impact on the magnesium balance in the body.

There are a number of conditions that require an increased need for magnesium:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding . The daily requirement for magnesium is at least 310 mg of magnesium for pregnant women and 390 mg for lactating women. An indirect fact that there is a deficiency of this element is that pregnant and lactating women often complain of muscle cramps.
• Intense periods of physical and mental stress can only be overcome if there is sufficient magnesium in the body.
• Athletes need sufficient amounts of magnesium for muscle function and rapid regeneration after training.

When taken orally, 30 to 50 percent of magnesium is absorbed, while the external value is up to 100 percent: magnesium is completely absorbed by the skin and from there enters the bloodstream.

The effectiveness of magnesium intake is inversely proportional to its amount. This means that if you take 400 mg of magnesium at a time, your body will only be able to consume 50%.

It is also important to know that the body's ability to absorb magnesium through the intestines decreases when an existing magnesium deficiency has exceeded a certain limit and has already begun to show symptoms. Absorption of magnesium in the intestine decreases significantly with age and in the case of gastrointestinal disorders, such as disruption of the intestinal flora and fungal infections in the intestines (as a result of the use of antibiotics and other drugs).

In all these cases, obtaining magnesium in the form of transdermal (through the skin) administration is of particular importance.

Application to the skin (eg, bath or foot bath, diffused as an oil, or as a lotion) provides significant benefits. Magnesium bypasses the entire digestive system and goes directly into the bloodstream, and from there into the cells.

Taking magnesium orally to correct the deficiency takes several months, while “transdermal application” works much faster.

Advantages of “external application” compared to “oral administration”:

• 100% of magnesium is absorbed by the body;
• absence of unwanted side effects such as stomach upset and diarrhea.

Formula of magnesium chloride and its properties

Magnesium chloride is an inorganic compound that is white, gray-white or completely colorless, sometimes it may have a faint yellowish or brownish tint, indicating the presence of additional impurities in the composition.

Magnesium Chloride Formula:

MgCl2

The substance in question dissolves perfectly in ordinary water at any temperature, as well as in an alcoholic environment. When released into liquid ammonia, the substance remains unchanged.

When mixed with water, magnesium chloride forms crystalline hydrates.

The compound has a high hygroscopicity index.

Magnesium chloride and its aqueous solution belong to moderately hazardous substances, that is, to hazard class 3. The above compounds can have an irritating effect on the skin and mucous membranes.

An aqueous solution of magnesium chloride is non-flammable, fire- and explosion-proof, and does not belong to the category of toxic substances.

Physical properties of magnesium chloride

Chemical properties of magnesium chloride

The chemical properties of the substance are similar to the chemical properties of metals.

Reactions with magnesium chloride

Magnesium chloride reacts similarly to metals. Thus, the substance is characterized by the following reactions:

Interaction with oxygen at elevated temperatures to form magnesium oxide:

3MgCl2 + O2 → MgO + Mg2OCl2 + 2Cl2 (t ≈ 500 °C)

Reaction with sodium hydroxide to form sodium chloride and magnesium hydroxide. For the reaction to proceed correctly, it is recommended to use a dilute solution of sodium hydroxide:

MgCl2 + 2NaOH → Mg(OH)2 + 2NaCl

Reaction with calcium hydroxide to form calcium chloride and magnesium hydroxide:

MgCl2 + Ca(OH)2 → Mg(OH)2 + CaCl2

Reaction with sodium carbonate and ordinary water to form magnesium dihydroxide carbonate, carbon monoxide and sodium chloride:

2MgCl2 + 2Na2CO3 + H2O → Mg2(OH)2CO3 + CO2 + 4NaCl

Reaction with lithium orthophosphate to form lithium chloride and magnesium orthophosphate:

2Li3PO4 + 3MgCl2 → 6LiCl + Mg3(PO4)2

Reaction with sodium orthophosphate to form calcium orthophosphate and sodium chloride:

2Na3PO4 + 3MgCl2 → Mg3(PO4)2 + 6NaCl

Interaction with silver nitrate, upon completion of the reaction, magnesium nitrate and silver chloride are formed:

MgCl2 + 2AgNO3 → Mg(NO3)2 + 2AgCl

Electrolysis reaction with decomposition into magnesium and chlorine:

MgCl2 → Mg + Cl2

Preparation of magnesium chloride

The most common method for producing magnesium chloride is dehydration of bischofite to MgCl2 ⋅ 2H2O, after which dehydration is carried out in a stream of hydrogen chloride at a temperature in the range from 100 to 200 degrees.

The production of magnesium chloride is carried out by the reduction of titanium from tetrachloride, the substance is released as a by-product.

Under normal conditions, magnesium chloride is formed by the reaction of pure magnesium with wet chlorine.

The substance can be obtained by mixing lithium carbonate with hydrochloric acid.

Origin [edit]

Chemical composition of sea salt

The magnesium content of natural seawater ranges from 1250 to 1350 mg/L, which is about 3.7% of the total mineral content of seawater. Dead Sea minerals contain significantly higher levels of magnesium chloride at 50.8%. Carbonates and calcium are essential for the growth of corals, coralline algae, mollusks and invertebrates. Magnesium depletion can be caused by mangroves and excessive use of lime water, as well as by excess of natural calcium, alkalinity and pH values. [18] The most common mineral form of magnesium chloride is its hexahydrate, bischofite. [19][20] Anhydrous compound is very rare, such as magnesite chloride. [20] Magnesium chloride hydroxides, korshunovskite and nepskoite are also very rare. [21] [22] [20]

Acceptable standards for the use of magnesium chloride

Magnesium chloride is one of the most important compounds for the human body: approximately 60% of the substance is found in bones and teeth, another 20% of the compound is found in muscle tissue, and another 20% in tissue and the brain. Accordingly, it is extremely important to maintain a sufficient amount of magnesium chloride in the body: its deficiency can lead to problems with teeth, increased bone fragility, and deterioration of brain function.

Magnesium chloride deficiency most often occurs in adults and the elderly.

The daily intake of magnesium chloride varies depending on the gender and health status of the person. Thus, experts recommend that adult men consume 350 to 400 mg of the compound daily, adult women – 300-350 mg, and pregnant women and girls – 500 mg.

Before you start using magnesium chloride, you should consult a specialist - he will prescribe a specific drug and the required dosage, based on your age, gender, health status and life characteristics.

Content

• 1 Composition, preparation and general properties
• 2 Applications 2.1 Metal precursor Mg
• 2.2 Protection against dust and erosion
• 2.3 Catalyst support
• 2.4 Ice control
• 2.5 Nutrition and medicine
• 2.6 Kitchen
• 2.7 Horticulture and horticulture

Applications of magnesium chloride

Application in the food industry

More than half of all magnesium chloride produced in the world is used in the food industry. The Japanese are especially fond of the food additive: the fact is that they consume soy milk and tofu cheese in huge quantities, and their production requires magnesium chloride.

Magnesium chloride as a thickener and emulsifier can be found in the following foods:

• all kinds of pickles (cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, cabbage, mushrooms and everything that can be rolled into jars);
• sweet sodas that do not contain alcohol;
• baker's yeast used for the production of bakery products;
• dairy products (sweet yoghurts, glazed cheese curds, sweet children's curds, milk and milk drinks with various flavors and aromas);
• fruit and berry compotes, various jams and syrups;
• tofu;
• baby food

The substance is responsible for maintaining the required consistency and increasing the shelf life of manufactured products.

Pharmaceutical industry

In the modern world, a lot of medicines are produced that include magnesium chloride. You can find it in tablets, powders, flakes, granules and solutions. The substance serves, first of all, as a source of magnesium, valuable for the human body, which takes an active part in almost all life processes.

The substance is often included in cosmetic and dermatological medicines and in bath salts.

The supplement has achieved enormous popularity in ophthalmology, dentistry and the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Other Applications

In addition, magnesium chloride is used in the following industries:

Other areas of production where E511 can be used

The range of industries in which magnesium chloride is used is really wide:

• construction (component for the manufacture of magnesium screeds and floors, xylolite slabs, foam concrete, aerated concrete, glass-magnesium sheets and some other materials);
• public utilities (reagent for combating ice and snowdrifts, deicer, effectively prevents the formation of ice at temperatures from -35 degrees Celsius);
• textile industry (stabilizer in the process of dyeing fabrics and carpets);
• forestry (for extinguishing fires as a fire retardant, also applied to wooden coverings to prevent fire);
• livestock farming, crop farming (feed additive for birds, livestock, plant nutrition);
• oil and gas industry (component of killing and drilling fluids).

The effect of magnesium chloride on the human body

Magnesium chloride is an important participant in many processes occurring in the human body: in particular, it is responsible for the correct functioning of metabolism, the absorption of fatty acids and proteins, the production of prostaglandins, and the normalization of potassium and sodium levels.

Experts recommend introducing it into your diet in the following cases:

• in the diagnosis of chronic osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis;
• hypomagnesemia;
• joint diseases;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• as a means to prevent cataracts;
• for some skin diseases.

Pharmacological action of magnesium chloride

The additive in question, as can be understood from the above, is prescribed in different cases. This widespread use is due to the equally wide spectrum of action of the substance. Thus, magnesium chloride is capable of providing anti-inflammatory, metabolic and bactericidal properties.

The substance promotes the transmission of nerve impulses, so applications with it help alleviate the patient’s condition with diseases of the joints and spine, as well as the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Beneficial properties of magnesium chloride

Magnesium chloride enters the body with food and is easily absorbed from the walls of the small intestine. The additive is a biologically active product that can have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immunotropic effects.

Magnesium chloride has a positive effect on the condition of joints and connective tissues: when they become inflamed or pain occurs due to various types of damage, the supplement can speed up the regeneration process and improve the human condition. Therefore, experts recommend the use of magnesium chloride for osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis, as well as for radiculitis and arthritis.

Magnesium chloride can have a positive effect on the condition of the skin and nails: with regular use of the supplement, there is a significant improvement in the condition of the skin, a reduction in the number of rashes, an even out complexion and the appearance of a beautiful healthy glow. Magnesium chloride may reduce discomfort when allergic reactions occur.

In addition, the substance normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, reduces the effects of stressful conditions, and helps in the fight against prolonged depressive states. Magnesium chloride is recommended for chronic fatigue.

This compound can normalize the acidity of the body, which helps prevent the development of a long list of various diseases. The supplement removes acid that accumulates in the kidneys, which normalizes their functioning.

Magnesium chloride is responsible for the proper functioning of the brain and the transmission of nerve impulses.

The supplement is especially useful for people leading an active lifestyle: it helps reduce discomfort from muscle damage, cramps and muscle fatigue.

Magnesium chloride improves the functioning of the immune system, which is especially important in the autumn, when the risk of colds and infectious diseases is high.

Harm of magnesium chloride

Despite the long list of beneficial properties, there is also some harm from consuming magnesium chloride. Before starting to use the supplement, it is recommended to consult a specialist.

It is strictly not recommended to introduce magnesium chloride into your diet for those who suffer from diarrhea - a laxative effect may occur.

If you have kidney disease, you should not abuse magnesium chloride - it can lead to the development of kidney failure.

Instructions for use of magnesium chloride

Magnesium chloride as a medicine

Magnesium chloride as a drug is prescribed both intravenously and intramuscularly. Infusion solutions cannot be stored for long periods of time and must be used immediately after preparation - otherwise there is a high risk of harm rather than benefit. For infusion administration, it is recommended to dilute the drug with a solution of sodium chloride and glucose.

When administered intravenously, the daily dose of the drug is 72 ml.

Magnesium Chloride as a Food Additive

Most of the magnesium chloride is used in the pharmaceutical industry, but the food industry does not want to give it up. The Japanese are especially keen on the additive, consuming huge amounts of soy cheese and soy milk, which contain the additive.

As an independent food additive, magnesium chloride is sold in the form of tablets. You can use it directly, or you can use it in the form of a solution. This will require 1 liter of water, 30 grams of magnesium chloride and 1 spoon of fortified wine.

The daily dose of the drug should be determined by a specialist based on the patient’s health status and age.

The maximum permissible daily intake of magnesium chloride is 350 g.

Notes and links[edit]

Notes

1. Holleman, A.F.; Wiberg, E. Academic Inorganic Chemistry
   : San Diego, 2001. ISBN 0-12-352651-5.
2. Wells, A.F. (1984) Structural Inorganic Chemistry
   , Oxford: Clarendon Press. ISBN 0-19-855370-6.
3. See Notes in Rieke, R.D.; Bales, SE; Hudnall, P. M.; Burns, T. P.; Poindexter, G. S. "Highly active magnesium for the preparation of Grignard reagents: 1-norbornanoic acid", Organic Syntheses
   , Compendium vol. 6, page 845 (1988). "Archive copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 30, 2007. Retrieved May 10, 2007. CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
4. ^ a b Margaret Seeger; Walter Otto; Wilhelm Flick; Friedrich Bickelhaupt; Otto S. Ackerman. "Magnesium Compounds". Ullman Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry
   . Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. DOI: 10.1002/14356007.a15_595.pub2.
5. N. N. Greenwood, A. Earnshaw, Chemistry of the Elements
   , Pergamon Press, 1984.
6. ↑
   Hill, Petrucci, McCreary, Perry,
   General Chemistry
   , 4th ed., Pearson/Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, USA.
7. "Guide to the selection and use of palliative dust". fs.fed.us. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
8. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1043546.pdf
9. Dennis B. Malpass (2010). "Commercially available metal alkyls and their use in polyolefin catalysts". In Ray Hoff; Robert T. Mathers (ed.). Handbook of Transition Metal Polymerization Catalysts
   . John Wiley & Sons, Inc., pp. 1–28. DOI: 10.1002/9780470504437.ch1. ISBN 9780470504437.
10. Norio Kashiwa (2004). "Discovery and progress of MgCl 2-based TiCl 4 catalysts." Journal of Polymer Science
    A.
    42
    (1): 1–8. Bibcode: 2004JPoSA..42 …. 1K. DOI: 10.1002/pola.10962.
11. Jain, J., Olek, J., Janusz, A., and Jozwiak-Niedzwiedzka, D., "Effect of de-icing salt solutions on the physical properties of concrete pavements", Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No. 2290, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, DC, 2012, pp. 69–75. DOI: 10.3141/2290-09.
12. Dai, H.L.; Zhang, K. L.; Xu, XL; Yu, H. Y. (2012). "Assessing the effects of de-icing chemicals on soil and aquatic environments". Environmental Sciences
    .
    13
    : 2122–2130. DOI: 10.1016/j.proenv.2012.01.201.
13. Food Standards Agency. "Current EU approved additives and their E numbers". Retrieved March 22, 2010.
14. "Included in the ingredient list for Similac Hypoallergenic Infant Formula with Iron (Abbott Nutrition)". abbottnutrition.com. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
15. "Comparison of Magnesium Sulfate and THIS Mg Leaf Chelate Spray." Canadian Journal of Plant Science
    . 1970-01-01. DOI: 10.4141/cjps85-018.
16. "Toxicity of magnesium chloride in trees". Ext.colostate.edu. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
17. "Effect of foliar and soil application of magnesium on bacterial leaf spot of pepper" (PDF). Retrieved October 18, 2021.
18. "Aquarium Chemistry: Magnesium in Reef Aquariums - Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist's magazine and blog." advancedaquarist.com. 2003-10-15. Retrieved January 17, 2013.
19. https://www.mindat.org/min-681.html
20. ^ a b c https://www.ima-mineralogy.org/Minlist.htm
21. https://www.mindat.org/min-2256.html
22. https://www.mindat.org/min-7189.html
23. "Publications - ExtensionExtension". Ext.colostate.edu. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
24. "Land Locomotive: Feed Water Problems". Argus
    . 1927-03-21. Retrieved March 11, 2014.

Recommendations

• Handbook of Chemistry and Physics
  , 71st edition, CRC Press, Ann Arbor, MI, 1990.

Hazard class of magnesium chloride and features of its storage

Magnesium chloride belongs to hazard class 3. That is, to moderately hazardous substances. The lethal dose of such compounds is 2500 mg/kg

Magnesium chloride is non-toxic, completely sterile, fire and explosion-proof, absolutely hygienic, does not generate dust.

The food additive is packaged in dense plastic bags of 25 kg each or in special plastic containers weighing from 0.5 to 1 ton. Packaging in other containers and materials is also possible - all depending on the consumer’s requirements.

Transportation of magnesium chloride by all existing modes of transport is allowed. The shelf life reaches 12 months.

How to purchase

We offer to buy magnesium chloride hexahydrate of analytical grade in the Prime Chemicals Group store. You can choose: • packaging 900 g or 25 kg; • method of placing an order; • delivery method (by mail, transport company, self-pickup).

Select the desired product, click the “Buy” button, fill out all the forms that appear.

In addition, the reagent can be ordered by phone, via email or WhatsApp and Telegram messengers (tel. +7 (929) 635 82 73). All contacts are listed in the appropriate section and at the bottom of the page.