Clinical study analyzes bioavailability of microencapsulated magnesium ingredient

Image courtesy of Lubrizol Nutraceuticals, SL

A recent clinical study examined the bioavailability of magnesium (Mg) microcapsules by Lubrizol Nutraceuticals. The double-blind, randomized cross-over study¹, “Comparative Clinical Study on Magnesium Absorption and Side Effects After Oral Intake of Microencapsulated Magnesium (MAGSHAPE Microcapsules) Versus Other Magnesium Sources,” was published in December 2024 in Nutrients. As noted in a February 17 news release on the study, magnesium supports many functions in the body, including heart and nervous system regulation, bone health, and protein synthesis, though magnesium intake from supplements can be low.

“Blood magnesium levels are a direct reflection of intestinal absorption efficiency and formed the basis of our investigation into the absorption dynamics of our proprietary microencapsulation technology,” stated Alan Connolly, PhD, R&D manager of Lubrizol Nutraceuticals, in the news release. “Magshape was designed to benefit individuals seeking to maintain adequate magnesium levels for overall health and well-being while also supporting improved post exercise muscle recovery or to improve sleep patterns.”

Produced from magnesium oxide, the magnesium in Magshape is micronized and then microencapsulated to ensure gradual absorption throughout the digestive system.

For this study, effects of Magshape (Mg-MS) were compared with other commonly used magnesium sources including Mg Oxide (MgO), Mg Citrate (Mg-C), and Mg bisglycinate (Mg-BG). Each source of magnesium was formulated as an orosoluble powder for consumption and each sample contained 375 mg of elemental magnesium. Forty healthy participants were placed on a low-magnesium diet for seven days, then, after an eight-hour fasting period, blood samples were taken before taking a sample of magnesium, then at one hour, four hours, and six hours afterwards. This was repeated until all participants had sampled each product.

The researchers concluded that Magshape demonstrated improved bioavailability compared to the other magnesium sources, and highlighted its sustained release.

Study results included:

• The levels of magnesium ingested from Mg-MS increased by 7.9% at one hour, 7.5% at four hours, and 8.8% at six hours after intake.
• In comparison, after intake of Mg-C, magnesium levels in plasma increased 7.5% after four hours.
• After MgO intake, magnesium levels increased by 7.1% at one hour.
• Levels of magnesium did not significantly increase at any time interval after intake of Mg-BG.

Compared with the other magnesium samples, Magshape was associated with a lower incidence of side effects, including increased bowel movements and gastric heaviness.

“These findings underscore the potential of MAGSHAPE microcapsules to transform magnesium supplementation into a routine that is much easier to swallow and more beneficial” added Isabel Gomez, marketing manager of Lubrizol Nutraceuticals. “The enhanced absorption and reduced side effects observed in our study can be attributed to the innovative technologies employed to produce the Magshape microcapsules.”

The news release also noted the various formats of Magshape including small tablets and 1.5 mg quick-dissolving powder sachets.

Reference

1. Pajuelo D.; Meissner JM.; Negra T.; Connolly A.; Mullor JL. Comparative Clinical Study on Magnesium Absorption and Side Effects After Oral Intake of Microencapsulated Magnesium (MAGSHAPE^TM Microcapsules) Versus Other Magnesium Sources. Nutrients. 2024. DOI: 10.3390/nu16244367