# Magnesium Tartrate **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/magnesium-tartrate **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-04-04 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Mineral **Also Known As:** Magnesium tartrate anhydrous, Magnesium tartrate 2.5-hydrate, Magnesium L-tartrate, Magnesium (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate, Tartaric acid magnesium salt, Mg tartrate, C₄H₄MgO₆, Dimagnesium tartrate ## Overview Magnesium tartrate is a magnesium salt formed by binding elemental magnesium to tartaric acid, a naturally occurring organic acid found in grapes and wine. Upon ingestion, it theoretically dissociates into Mg²⁺ ions and tartrate, potentially delivering magnesium for enzymatic and physiological functions, though no clinical evidence currently confirms its efficacy or bioavailability. ## Health Benefits • No documented health benefits - no clinical trials or studies found in the research • Theoretical magnesium supplementation potential - no evidence quality available • May dissociate to provide Mg²⁺ ions - no specific studies support this • No biomedical applications documented in available sources • No therapeutic uses established through research ## Mechanism of Action Magnesium tartrate is hypothesized to dissociate in the gastrointestinal tract, releasing free Mg²⁺ ions that can act as cofactors for over 300 enzymatic reactions, including [ATP synthesis](/ingredients/condition/energy) via Mg-ATP complexes and activation of adenylate cyclase. The tartrate anion may influence intestinal absorption kinetics similarly to other organic acid chelates, potentially improving solubility compared to inorganic magnesium salts like magnesium oxide. However, no published pharmacokinetic studies have measured the actual dissociation rate, intestinal transport via TRPM6/TRPM7 channels, or tissue uptake of magnesium delivered specifically from the tartrate salt form. ## Clinical Summary As of the available research, no published clinical trials, randomized controlled studies, or observational human studies have specifically investigated magnesium tartrate supplementation. No documented data exist on bioavailability comparisons to reference forms such as magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate, which have established absorption studies. The absence of peer-reviewed evidence means that claims regarding efficacy for muscle function, sleep, [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), or any other endpoint cannot be substantiated for this specific salt form. Researchers and consumers should consider better-studied magnesium forms when evidence-based outcomes are the primary concern. ## Nutritional Profile Magnesium tartrate (C4H4MgO6) provides elemental magnesium at approximately 14-16% by molecular weight, meaning a 500mg dose delivers roughly 70-80mg of elemental Mg²⁺. As a magnesium salt of tartaric acid, it contains both the mineral component and the organic tartrate anion. The tartrate component is a dicarboxylic acid derivative naturally occurring in grapes and wine. No significant macronutrient content (protein, fat, carbohydrate) is present at supplemental doses. Bioavailability data specific to magnesium tartrate is absent from published literature; however, organic acid magnesium salts (such as magnesium citrate and malate) generally demonstrate superior absorption (~40-50% bioavailability) compared to inorganic forms like magnesium oxide (~4%), suggesting the tartrate form may follow a similar organic-salt absorption pattern via passive diffusion and active transport in the small intestine. No vitamin content is present. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges or forms have been established for magnesium tartrate, as no clinical studies were found. General magnesium supplementation guidelines do not specify this tartrate form. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No specific safety profile or toxicology data have been published for magnesium tartrate as a distinct compound; general magnesium supplementation risks apply, including diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping at doses exceeding 350 mg elemental magnesium per day from supplemental sources. Magnesium in general can interact with bisphosphonates, fluoroquinolone and tetracycline antibiotics, and certain diuretics, reducing drug absorption or altering serum magnesium levels. Individuals with chronic kidney disease should avoid unsupervised magnesium supplementation due to impaired renal excretion and risk of hypermagnesemia. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety for magnesium tartrate specifically is undocumented; standard magnesium supplementation during pregnancy is generally considered safe under medical supervision at recommended dietary allowance levels. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specifically on magnesium tartrate were identified in the available sources. PubChem and related databases list only general literature and patents without PubMed PMIDs or study details for clinical outcomes. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses are documented in the chemical databases. Magnesium tartrate is presented solely as a synthetic compound without ties to traditional medicine systems or cultural practices. ## Synergistic Combinations Magnesium tartrate pairs logically with Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), since magnesium is a required cofactor for the enzymes that convert D3 into its active hormonal form (calcitriol), making both nutrients mutually dependent for efficacy — low magnesium directly impairs vitamin D [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). It also stacks well with Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine at 10-25mg), as magnesium and B6 are co-transported into cells and together support GABA synthesis and neurological calming pathways, a combination studied in the context of stress and magnesium retention. Additionally, pairing with malic acid or broader electrolyte complexes (potassium, calcium at a 2:1 Ca:Mg ratio) supports balanced ion channel function, neuromuscular signaling, and prevents competitive absorption interference that can occur when calcium significantly dominates magnesium intake. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is there any clinical evidence that magnesium tartrate works? No published clinical trials or human studies have been conducted specifically on magnesium tartrate as of available research. Unlike magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate, which have documented bioavailability studies, magnesium tartrate has no peer-reviewed pharmacokinetic or efficacy data to support its use for any health outcome. ### How does magnesium tartrate compare to magnesium citrate or glycinate? Magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate both have published human absorption studies demonstrating measurable bioavailability, whereas magnesium tartrate has no such comparative data. Magnesium glycinate is often cited for higher tolerance and absorption via peptide transporters, and citrate shows roughly 30% higher absorption than magnesium oxide in controlled trials. Without equivalent studies, it is impossible to rank magnesium tartrate's bioavailability relative to these forms. ### What is magnesium tartrate made from? Magnesium tartrate is synthesized by combining elemental magnesium with tartaric acid, an organic dicarboxylic acid naturally present in tamarind, grapes, and wine byproducts. The resulting salt has the chemical formula MgC₄H₄O₆ and exists as a white crystalline powder. The tartrate ligand is the same anion found in potassium bitartrate, commonly known as cream of tartar. ### What are the side effects of magnesium tartrate? No side effect profile specific to magnesium tartrate has been documented in clinical literature. By extension of general magnesium supplementation research, likely side effects at high doses include osmotic diarrhea, nausea, and gastrointestinal cramping, particularly above 350 mg of elemental magnesium per day from supplements. Severe side effects such as hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression are associated with magnesium toxicity, which is rare in individuals with normal kidney function. ### Why is magnesium tartrate not commonly found in supplements? Magnesium tartrate lacks published bioavailability or efficacy data, making it a less attractive ingredient for supplement formulators who prefer forms with documented clinical support such as magnesium malate, glycinate, or L-threonate. Additionally, the tartrate salt form does not appear to offer a proven absorption advantage over cheaper or better-studied alternatives. Its limited commercial presence likely reflects both the absence of research investment and low consumer or practitioner demand relative to established magnesium chelates. ### Does magnesium tartrate have any known drug interactions? Magnesium tartrate, like all magnesium supplements, may interact with certain medications including bisphosphonates, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, and tetracycline antibiotics by reducing their absorption. It can also potentiate the effects of medications that lower blood pressure or affect neuromuscular function. Consult a healthcare provider before combining magnesium tartrate with prescription medications, especially if taking multiple drugs that affect mineral absorption. ### Is magnesium tartrate safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? While magnesium is an essential mineral during pregnancy, the safety profile of magnesium tartrate specifically has not been established through clinical research in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Most healthcare providers recommend magnesium supplementation during pregnancy only under medical supervision using well-studied forms. Pregnant or nursing women should consult their obstetrician before using magnesium tartrate or any supplement form. ### What is the typical dosage range for magnesium tartrate supplements? There is no established clinical dosage for magnesium tartrate because it lacks research-based dosing guidelines and clinical efficacy studies. General magnesium supplementation recommendations range from 200–400 mg daily for adults, but the appropriate dose for magnesium tartrate specifically cannot be determined without safety and efficacy data. Users should follow manufacturer label instructions and consult healthcare providers, as optimal dosing for this form remains undefined. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. 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