Does Magnesium citrate contain dairy or gluten?

No, this specific Nature Made formula contains no dairy or gluten. The gelatin used is typically beef or pork based, and the fillers are plant-derived oils and waxes.

Is Magnesium citrate good for weight loss?

It is not a weight loss pill, but it is low calorie (15 calories per serving). Magnesium plays a role in energy metabolism, but this supplement should be used for nutritional support, not weight reduction.

Where can I buy Magnesium citrate?

Magnesium citrate is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and online through Amazon or the manufacturer's website.

Is Magnesium citrate safe for kids?

This product is formulated for adults. The label explicitly states 'Keep out of reach of children.' Dosage for children should only be determined by a pediatrician.

Is Magnesium citrate Gluten Free?

Yes, Magnesium citrate is gluten-free. Based on the label analysis of the Nature Made product, there are no wheat, barley, rye, or oat ingredients listed. The formulation relies on softgel technology that avoids gluten-containing binders.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing claims and dive straight into the chemical composition. When analyzing this specific Magnesium citrate supplement, the verdict is clear: it is safe for a gluten-free lifestyle. The primary active ingredient is Magnesium (as Magnesium Citrate). Magnesium citrate is simply magnesium salt combined with citric acid; neither component contains gluten.

The potential risk in supplements usually lies in the inactive ingredients—the fillers, binders, and casing. In this formula, the casing is Gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen (usually pork skin or beef bones). It is inherently gluten-free and is a standard alternative to plant-based capsules that might be processed on shared equipment with wheat.

Furthermore, the formula utilizes Medium Chain Triglycerides and Yellow Beeswax. These are fats and waxes used to stabilize the softgel and control the melting point. They are pure fats and contain no gluten proteins. The inclusion of Rapeseed Lecithin acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend the oil and water components of the softgel. Rapeseed (canola) is a gluten-free crop. Finally, the coloring agents mentioned, such as Carminel (derived from cochineal insects), are chemical pigments that do not contain gluten.

Nutritional Value

While the primary goal of taking this supplement is to increase magnesium levels, it is important to understand the 'caloric cost' of the delivery system. A serving size of two softgels contributes 15 Calories. This is derived almost entirely from the fat content, specifically 1g of Total Fat (with 1g being Saturated Fat, likely from the Medium Chain Triglycerides or the gelatin itself).

From a dietary standpoint, this is a very low-impact supplement. It contains 29g of Total Carbohydrate listed per serving, which seems high for a pill. However, this number is likely skewed by the serving size calculation or the glycerin used in the gelatin base (which is a sugar alcohol). Crucially, the product contains less than 1g of Protein. For those on strict keto or low-fat diets, this supplement fits easily within macros. It provides 250mg of Magnesium, which is roughly 60% of the Daily Value, without adding significant sugar or calories to your daily intake.