Magnesium hydroxide dissolves in. Magnesium hydroxide (Magnesium hydroxide)

Magnesium hydroxide was known to fashionistas many centuries ago: a wonderful powder had a strong laxative effect and quickly got rid of unwanted pounds. The beauties had no idea about the side effects of the potion in the form of a violation of the water-salt balance in the body.

In the modern FAO / WHO code, the substance is registered as regulating the acidity of products.

Magnesium hydroxide is the officially accepted product name. The international synonym is Magnesium Hydroxide.

In the European codification of food additives, the substance is registered under the number E 528 (the spelling E-528 is found).

Alternative titles:

  • magnesium hydroxide;
  • Magnesium hydroxide, German;
  • hydroxide magnesium.

Substance type

Food additive E 528 is categorized. The main technological function is an acidity regulator, which is additionally used to stabilize the color of the product.

From the point of view of chemistry, an inorganic substance is a very weak, sparingly soluble base. Even in small quantities, it can form an alkaline environment.

In nature, it occurs in the form of scaly sheet masses of the mineral brucite. In Russia, the largest brucite deposit is located in the Khabarovsk Territory and the Sverdlovsk Region.

On an industrial scale, the additive E 528 is obtained mainly by the method of roasting natural raw materials, followed by interaction with a solution.

The second way: by precipitation of magnesium hydroxide from natural magnesium salts contained in lake brine, underground brines, sea water, drilling waters and similar sources.

It is possible to obtain an additive by crushing and grinding a natural mineral, but the method is rarely used due to insufficiently large stocks of raw materials.

Properties

Indicator Standard values
Color White
Composition magnesium hydroxide, impurities: calcium oxide; chemical formula Mg(OH) 2
Appearance crystalline powder
Smell missing
Solubility insoluble in alcohols, water; dissolves in acids
The content of the main substance at least 95%
Taste weak alkaline
Density 2.34g/cm3
Other hygroscopic: absorbs water and carbon dioxide to form

Package

Additive E 528 is packaged in a standard container:

  • multilayer kraft bags;
  • polypropylene bags;
  • special soft containers (big-bag);
  • cardboard-winding drums.

To provide additional protection against moisture, a polyethylene liner is inserted inside each packaging unit.

The substance enters the pharmacy network in plastic or glass jars of various capacities.

Application

The food industry does not use stabilizer E 528 individually. In a mixture with other hydroxides, the substance acts as an acidity regulator in products based on chocolate and cocoa (the total amount of additives should not exceed 70 g/kg of dry weight).

Due to the property of magnesium hydroxide to react with acids, the additive is used for binding in salted, pickled, pickled vegetable processing products. Sulfurous acid initially performs an important function: it protects canned food from microbial spoilage and peroxidation. Magnesium hydroxide reduces the harmful effects of sulfur dioxide on the human body. Additionally, the product helps preserve the color of vegetables during their heat treatment.

Additive E 528 is included in the technology for obtaining refined sugar: the syrup is alkalized with the substance before filtration.

Magnesium hydroxide is not used to make baby food.

The additive is approved in all countries except the UK, New Zealand, Australia.

One of the main areas of application of the E 528 stabilizer is wastewater treatment. Magnesium hydroxide solves industrially significant tasks:

  • binds molecules of unwanted substances, forms a colloidal precipitate with them (it is easy to remove with the help of special systems);
  • alkalizes water, reduces its corrosive activity.

One of the main consumers of the E 528 additive is medicine. According to the pharmacological index, the substance is included in two groups:

  • nonabsorbable antacids. The drug reacts with hydrochloric acid of the stomach, neutralizes its aggressive effects, but does not destroy the antimicrobial properties. Used for exacerbation of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer, heartburn caused by high acidity of gastric juice;
  • osmotic laxatives (including for children from 2 years of age). Used to treat constipation, urological diseases, cleanse the body in case of poisoning, to prepare for operations.
Magnesium hydroxide is used in the form of a suspension (the so-called "milk of magnesia").

Due to the laxative effect, the additive is usually used in combination with those that have fixing qualities.

In the cosmetic industry, the product has found application as a source of magnesium, a sorbent, an acidity regulator in the composition of toothpastes, antiperspirants, hygienic talc, bath bombs. Has bleaching properties.

In animal husbandry, magnesium hydroxide under the trade name AgroMag is used for mineral nutrition. The tool helps to increase the growth of young animals, increase milk yield and quality of milk.

In agriculture, the additive E 528 is used as a magnesium mineral fertilizer.

Benefit and harm

Additive E 528 at reasonable consumption is harmless to humans. Acting with food, the substance is absorbed into the intestinal walls only in case of a lack of magnesium in the body and only in the amount necessary to replenish the supply. The excess is excreted by the kidneys.

A large dose of the substance can cause indigestion, nausea. The laxative effect occurs after 4-6 hours.

Uncontrolled intake of the drug is dangerous by a violation of the water-salt balance, the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

The substance is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, people with Alzheimer's disease.

Main manufacturers

The industrial demand for magnesium hydroxide is almost completely provided by Russian manufacturers:

  • AO Caustic, Zirax LLC (Volgograd), are part of the NIKOCHEM Group of Companies;
  • Mikhailovsky Plant of Chemical Reagents (Altai Territory);
  • LLC "Russian Mining and Chemical Society" (Moscow).

Leading foreign manufacturers:

  • Qingzhou Zhongyuan Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (China);
  • Dead Sea Periclase (Israel);
  • Calmags GmbH (Germany).
Magnesium hydroxide is an effective fire extinguishing agent. Unlike other flame retardants, the substance does not emit toxic products, it has very high smoke-suppressing qualities.

4 out of 5

As we know from the school chemistry course, hydroxides are a class of chemical compounds containing an -OH group. Magnesium hydroxide belongs to the basic hydroxides, that is, it can react with acids.

Magnesium is an essential trace element involved in many processes in our body, including the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle activity. Magnesium hydroxide is a drug. It is used as a laxative and antacid (reduces acidity in the stomach).

It is also used in such preparations as Maalox, Almagel, Relzer, Gastracid, but since they contain aluminum hydroxide, which reduces some of the effects of magnesium hydroxide, the laxative effect is not expressed in them.

Pure magnesium, when released into the bloodstream, can cause toxic effects, in particular, expressed by depression of the central nervous system.

Properties of magnesium hydroxide

Magnesium hydroxide is a colorless crystals, whitish powder. It does not dissolve in water, but reacts chemically with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form a salt, magnesium chloride. Magnesium chloride from the stomach enters the intestines, providing a strong laxative effect, which occurs on average after six hours.

Since it neutralizes hydrochloric acid, the acidity of the gastric juice decreases, but it drops to such an extent that digestion and the antimicrobial activity of gastric juice do not decrease, which is a huge plus. In addition, the drug binds the stomach enzyme, saving the stomach and small intestine from irritation.

Magnesium hydroxide is a saline laxative.. This is the most powerful class of laxatives and should be used with care. Often they are used in preparation for surgery or in some diagnostic procedures for complete bowel cleansing, for acute constipation, and for poisoning.

Like all saline laxatives, magnesium salt creates osmotic pressure in the intestines, forcing water from the tissues to pass into the intestinal lumen, softening the feces, causing them to swell. Intestinal peristalsis also increases.

The drug can cause nausea, bloating. These are the main properties of magnesium hydroxide

Application of magnesium hydroxide

Magnesium hydroxide is used for exacerbation of chronic gastritis, ulcers, pain and discomfort in the stomach, heartburn and constipation. It is produced in the form of a suspension and tablets, taken orally (tablets are chewed) and washed down with a small amount of water. To eliminate heartburn, it is applied either one hour before meals, or three hours after. Up to 5 g of magnesium hydroxide can be taken per day (4 times a day, 1.2 g each). Among the people, the use of magnesium hydroxide was found in the complete cleansing of the intestines in preparation for fasting..

In Europe, it is registered as a food additive E528, which promotes the binding of harmful sulfur dioxide. For a laxative effect, you need to take two grams of the drug and drink a glass of water.

Precautionary measures

In case of violation of the kidneys, a certain amount of pure magnesium, sufficient for the development of a toxic effect, can enter the bloodstream. Sometimes the drug causes allergies. It should be remembered that saline laxatives cause severe dehydration, facilitating the release of water through the intestines with feces, which also affects pressure, causing it to decrease.

If you have current or past diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, you should definitely consult a doctor before taking such a strong laxative. It is strictly forbidden to take magnesium hydroxide with intestinal obstruction.

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magnesium hydroxide

Chemical properties

Inorganic compound, basic metal hydroxide mg. Under standard conditions, it is an amorphous substance, practically insoluble in water, soluble in ammonium salts. Chemical formula of magnesium hydroxide: Mg(OH)2. It exists in nature as the mineral brucite. Molecular weight = 58.3 grams per mole.

Chemical properties of magnesium hydroxide. A weak base, does not dissolve in water, but even a small amount of the dissolved compound gives the solution an alkaline reaction. A characteristic coloration of the indicators is observed. The product is quite unstable to high temperatures, decomposes at 350 degrees Celsius. Reacts with acids, acid oxides (forms salt and water); with concentrated alkali (formed hydroxomagnesates ).

A substance is obtained by reactions of soluble salts mg and alkali, chloride solution mg with burnt dolomite , metallic Mg with water vapor. As a result, a white amorphous, cheesy precipitate always falls out, the color of the precipitate is white or yellowish due to impurities in the reagents.

Mg hydroxide is used:

  • in wastewater treatment as a flocculant;
  • in the production of thermoplastic polymers;
  • as a binding agent sulfur dioxide , for getting ;
  • as part of detergents and cleaners;
  • in the production of toothpaste and refined sugar;
  • as a dietary supplement under code E528 ;
  • in medicine to neutralize stomach acids and as a laxative.

pharmachologic effect

Antacid, laxative.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Magnesium hydroxide has the ability to neutralize free hydrochloric acid contained in gastric juice. As a result, the drug forms, which, when it enters the intestine, has a laxative effect. The reaction product penetrates into the intestine, where it increases the osmotic pressure, the volume of feces increases, the intestinal walls stretch, and peristalsis is stimulated. Magnesium is excreted in the form of ions along with the contents of the intestine.

The drug binds bile acids well and inactivates the enzyme pepsin in case of accidental ingestion from the duodenum into the stomach. The substance protects the gastric mucosa during. After taking the remedy, a persistent and lasting effect is observed, without secondary hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid. After taking the drug, the peristalsis of all parts of the intestine increases. The laxative effect is observed after half an hour.

Caution should be taken in patients with kidney disease, as the substance can be absorbed into the systemic circulation and affect the functioning of the central nervous system.

Indications for use

The medicine is prescribed:

  • for the treatment of patients with chronic with increased or normal secretion of gastric acids;
  • at ;
  • patients with pain and discomfort in the epigastric region;
  • for treatment after taking fatty and salty foods, nicotine, coffee, alcohol;
  • as a laxative for dietary errors.

Contraindications

Means is contraindicated to reception:

  • at ;
  • at hypermagnesemia ;
  • in tablet form for children under 6 years of age and in other lek. forms - up to three years.

Side effects

Magnesium hydroxide rarely causes allergic reactions. For or for other reasons, the substance may be absorbed into the systemic circulation, in which case disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system may occur.

Magnesium hydroxide, instructions for use (Method and dosage)

The substance is used inside.

As an antacid, children and patients over 12 years of age are prescribed from 300 mg to 1.2 grams of the drug 4 times a day. For children over the age of 3 years, the standard single dose is 0.4 grams.

Combined medication with antimicrobial drugs, derivatives fluoroquinolone may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.

Cases of the effect of the drug on metabolism have been registered dicumarol .

Combined medication with aluminum hydroxide And diflunisal leads to a decrease in the bioavailability of drugs.

The substance reduces the absorption capacity of iron salts.

When combining Magnesium Hydroxide with and flurbiprofen there is an increase in the initial absorption of drugs.

The drug is able to reduce plasma concentration and its irritant effect on the digestive tract.

Substance reduces bioavailability and effectiveness carbenoxolone , penicillamine , . The speed slows down, but not the degree of assimilation.

When combined with a drug, it increases significantly pH urine and increases the toxicity of the drug.

The drug slows down absorption

Structural formula

Russian name

Latin name for magnesium hydroxide

Magnesii hydroxydum ( genus. Magnesii hydroxydi)

Gross formula

Mg-H 2 O 2

Pharmacological group of the substance Magnesium hydroxide

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

CAS code

1309-42-8

Characteristics of the substance Magnesium hydroxide

Formed when magnesium oxide comes into contact with water. Magnesium oxide is a light, fine, white powder. Practically insoluble in water, soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid.

Pharmacology

pharmachologic effect- laxative, antacid
.

Neutralizes free hydrochloric acid of gastric juice with the formation of magnesium chloride. Passing into the intestine, magnesium chloride has a laxative effect, acting as a saline laxative (poorly absorbed, increases the osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen, promotes fluid flow along the concentration gradient, increases the volume of intestinal contents, stretching its walls and stimulating peristalsis). Magnesium ions are excreted with the contents of the intestine in the form of sparingly soluble hydroxide and water-soluble salts - chloride and bicarbonate. It inactivates pepsin and binds bile acids that enter the stomach as a result of reflux from the duodenum, has a protective effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, incl. with gastric ulcer. It is not consumed immediately in the stomach and can neutralize hydrochloric acid secreted some time after taking the drug, thus it is characterized by a rapid and long-lasting antacid effect, which is not accompanied by secondary hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid and changes in acid-base balance. Helps to increase peristalsis of all parts of the intestine. The laxative effect occurs after 0.5-6 hours. When used in patients with impaired renal function, a small amount of magnesium can be absorbed into the blood and the development of toxic reactions, manifested by CNS depression.

Application of the substance Magnesium hydroxide

Chronic gastritis with normal and increased secretion (in the acute phase), peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, discomfort or pain in the epigastrium, heartburn after dietary errors, drinking coffee, alcohol, smoking, constipation.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, children's age (up to 3 years, for tablets - up to 6 years).

Side effects of magnesium hydroxide

CNS depression (if for some reason magnesium absorption has taken place), allergic reactions.

Magnesium hydroxide (e528) is a food additive of the emulsifier group.

Characteristic

Externally, the chemical compound is a white crystalline powder, odorless, with a characteristic taste of alkali. E528 is used as a food additive. Its main purpose is to stabilize the shades of products and regulate acidity.

At a temperature of 350 degrees Celsius, magnesium hydroxide decomposes into water and magnesium oxide. Practically insoluble in water. It absorbs carbon dioxide and water from the air, while forming basic magnesium carbonate. In nature, e528 can be found in the form of a special mineral - brucite.

Obtaining magnesium hydroxide

On an industrial scale, the production of magnesium hydroxide occurs through the interaction of magnesium salts with various alkalis.

Also, a chemical compound is obtained by reacting a solution of magnesium chloride with burnt dolomite, or by interacting water vapor with metallic magnesium.

Properties of magnesium hydroxide

In the food industry, the properties of magnesium hydroxide have become widespread in the manufacture of products from cocoa (up to 70 g / kg), canned vegetables (salted and pickled vegetables, sauces, marinades, canned vegetable snacks, natural canned vegetables), cheese. As a food additive, e528 is used to bind sulfur dioxide.

The substance is used as a flocculant for wastewater treatment, as an additive in various detergents, antiperspirants, deodorants and toothpaste. It is used for refining sugar and obtaining magnesium oxide.

Special attention should be paid to the properties of magnesium hydroxide, which make it possible to use it in medicine. The substance has an antacid and laxative effect, reduces the activity of gastric juice and neutralizes hydrochloric acid in the stomach. At the same time, the use of e528 is not accompanied by changes in the acid-base balance or secondary hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid. Also in medicine, the substance is used to increase intestinal motility. As a laxative, it begins to act 2-6 hours after application.

Indications for the use of a chemical compound: heartburn after drinking coffee, alcohol or smoking, chronic gastritis with normal or increased secretion, gastric and duodenal ulcers, constipation, epigastric pain and discomfort.

In medicine, magnesium hydroxide algeldrate has become widespread - a remedy that is used for acute duodenitis, stomach ulcers, gastralgia, heartburn, chronic pancreatitis, fermentative or putrefactive dyspepsia, hyperacid gastritis. However, you should know that this drug is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to magnesium hydroxide, in Alzheimer's disease and during pregnancy and lactation. It should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, since after its use an excess of magnesium in the body (hypermagnesemia) may develop.

Impact on the human body

Food additive e528 is prohibited in Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand. In general, the supplement is considered harmless to the body. However, its use in high concentrations can provoke indigestion and cause diarrhea, as it absorbs fluid from the intestines, increasing its motility.