What is Food Magnesium Oxide Manufacturer and Why Do We Use Them?

What is Food Magnesium Oxide Manufacturer and Why Do We Use Them?

Food magnesium oxide manufacturers create magnesium oxide (MgO) that meets food-grade standards, which can be used as an additive to enhance nutritional content and perform specific functions in food processing. They play an essential role in ensuring magnesium oxide is safe, effective, and compliant with regulations set by authorities like the FDA. This article explores the various uses of food-grade magnesium oxide and why it is so valuable in the food industry.

8 Prominent Uses for Magnesium Oxide (MgO) in Food

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Magnesium oxide is a versatile compound with numerous applications, not only in food but also in other industries. From neutralizing acidic oxidation products in old books to forming fire-resistant wall boards when combined with concrete, its utility is broad. Within the food sector, magnesium oxide is highly valued and permitted under good manufacturing practice standards.

Understanding Magnesium Oxide Forms

Magnesium Oxide, MgO (CAS 1309-48-4), E530, is a natural, Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) ingredient. According to CFR 21.184.1431, it is produced in two forms based on the processing conditions: light magnesium oxide and heavy magnesium oxide. Light magnesium oxide has a density of approximately 40-50 mL per 5g while heavy magnesium oxide, denser at 10-20 mL per 5g, is produced under more severe conditions. MgO is insoluble in alcohol, minimally soluble in water, but more soluble in weak acids.

Potential Uses in the Food Industry

1. Anti-Caking Agent

Due to its hygroscopic nature, magnesium oxide helps dry powdered products remain free-flowing by acting as an anti-caking agent. It is worth noting that magnesium oxide's low solubility in water can result in a visible white powder in products that consumers rehydrate, such as powdered beverages, if the usage concentration is too high.

2. Firming Agent

The patent US 3367784A describes a method to create a shelf-stable pectin-based gel using magnesium oxide, highlighting its ability to increase the strength of pectin gels. This property makes magnesium essential in biodegradable packaging or edible films incorporating pectin.

3. pH Control Agent

As an alkaline earth element, magnesium oxide has a pH of around 10 in solution. Per CFR 162.110, it can be used in a 2-2.5% alkaline solution for cocoa nib processing in the Dutch cocoa process, enhancing the cocoa's flavor and dispersibility. The Codex also recognizes magnesium oxide as a permissible ingredient in several dairy products such as cheese.

4. Color Retention

Magnesium is vital in chlorophyll's structure. According to the 1943 patent US 2318426A, magnesium oxide, when used in the blanching process of green vegetables, helps retain their bright green color in canned peas.

5. Nutrient Fortification

Magnesium plays a significant role in health, making it a valuable nutrient for fortification. While other magnesium salts may be more bioavailable, magnesium oxide, containing 55-60% magnesium, is an economical fortification option. It is used to fortify bread, although excessively high usage can alter dough pH, leading to less desirable results. Encapsulated forms of magnesium oxide can help mitigate flavor or pH changes.

6. Potential Flavor Enhancer

Despite its bitter note, magnesium oxide can absorb polar lipids in frying oil, temporarily reducing the oil's flavor deterioration. Research on coffee flavors indicates that water containing magnesium hydroxide, formed when MgO is mixed with water, enhances brewed coffee's flavor compounds and caffeine content.

7. Exothermic Reaction

When mixed with water, magnesium oxide produces an exothermic reaction, applicable in self-heating food packaging.

8. Future Antimicrobial Potential

Studies, such as those by Jin and He published in 2011, have demonstrated the antimicrobial effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NP), which disrupt bacteria cell structures, proving effective against Salmonella and E. coli. These findings hint at potential future applications in food formulations, manufacturing processes, or packaging to improve food safety.

Health Benefits of Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant positively-charged ion in the body and is critical for muscle contraction, nervous system regulation, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. It is involved in over 300 enzymatic and protein processes. Though a balanced diet usually provides sufficient magnesium, deficiencies can cause severe health problems.

Magnesium oxide is often used for digestive issues and heartburn, and while it can supplement magnesium levels, other magnesium compounds are more bioavailable.

Health Benefits Overview

Relief of Indigestion and Heartburn

Magnesium oxide can act as an antacid, alleviating indigestion and heartburn.

Relief from Constipation and Irregularity

By drawing water into the intestines, magnesium oxide helps soften stools, providing relief from constipation and irregularity.

Relief from Migraine

Studies suggest that magnesium oxide supplements may be beneficial for those suffering from migraines, as magnesium ions interrupt the signals in the brain that cause these headaches.

Other Health Benefits

While magnesium oxide has various health benefits, its poor solubility in water makes other forms of magnesium, such as magnesium citrate or magnesium chloride, more effective for general supplementation.

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