Magnesium oxide is an inorganic salt of magnesium, a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body. These reactions are involved in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium is also required for energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis. It contributes to the structural development of bone and is necessary for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and the antioxidant glutathione. Magnesium also plays a role in the active transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, a process that is important to nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm (NIH ODS). Magnesium oxide is commonly used as a dietary supplement to address magnesium deficiency, which can result from insufficient dietary intake, certain medical conditions, or medications. It is also utilized as an antacid to relieve heartburn and indigestion, and as a laxative for the short-term treatment of constipation (MedlinePlus). While magnesium oxide is readily available and widely used, its absorption rate is generally lower compared to other forms of magnesium, such as magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate (PubChem).
Deep dive
Tap a section to expand.
Known interactions
Compound-pair rule
Caution
Divalent cations chelate levothyroxine in the gut and reduce absorption by up to 30%.
Take levothyroxine on empty stomach; separate mineral supplements by at least 4 hours.
Suggested separation: 4 h
Compound-pair rule
Caution
Divalent cations chelate levothyroxine in the gut and reduce absorption by up to 30%.
Take levothyroxine on empty stomach; separate mineral supplements by at least 4 hours.
Suggested separation: 4 h
Compound-pair rule
Caution
Divalent cations chelate levothyroxine in the gut and reduce absorption by up to 30%.
Take levothyroxine on empty stomach; separate mineral supplements by at least 4 hours.
Suggested separation: 4 h
Compound-pair rule
Caution
Divalent cations chelate levothyroxine in the gut and reduce absorption by up to 30%.
Take levothyroxine on empty stomach; separate mineral supplements by at least 4 hours.
Suggested separation: 4 h
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
["NIH National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)", "MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)", "PubChem (National Library of Medicine)", "Mayo Clinic", "FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) label for relevant magnesium products", "Cochrane Library (general review principles)", "DrugBank"]
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the mineral category or studied for the same goals.