Magnesium pidolate

Magnesium pidolate

Magnesium pidolate is a chemical compound that combines magnesium, an essential mineral, with pidolic acid, a naturally occurring organic compound. It is often used as a dietary supplement to treat or prevent magnesium deficiency.

Chemical Structure

Magnesium pidolate consists of one magnesium ion (Mg2+) and two pidolate ions (C5H6NO3-). The pidolate ions are derived from pidolic acid, which is also known as pidolates. Pidolates are a type of amino acid that is naturally produced in the body and is involved in various biochemical processes.

Uses

Magnesium pidolate is primarily used as a dietary supplement. The body needs magnesium for hundreds of enzyme reactions. These include reactions that control blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and muscle and nerve function. Magnesium pidolate is often recommended for people who have a magnesium deficiency or who are at risk of developing one. This includes people with diabetes, alcoholism, and malabsorption disorders.

Absorption and Bioavailability

Magnesium pidolate is well absorbed by the body. The pidolate ion is thought to enhance the absorption of magnesium in the gastrointestinal tract. This makes magnesium pidolate a highly bioavailable form of magnesium. Bioavailability refers to the amount of a substance that is absorbed and used by the body.

Safety and Side Effects

Magnesium pidolate is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, like all supplements, it can cause side effects in some people. These can include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. People with kidney disease should not take magnesium supplements without first consulting a healthcare provider.

See Also

• Magnesium
• Pidolic acid
• Dietary supplement
• Magnesium deficiency