25% of Magnesium Supplements Fail Quality Tests

Review Shows 25% of Magnesium Supplements Fail Quality Tests

One quarter (three of 12) magnesium supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com, White Plains, NY, failed quality standards during recent testing.One supplement contained only 45% of its labeled amount of magnesium, despite boasting a “GMP” seal on its label. The same problem was found when ConsumerLab.com tested the product in 2007. Another supplement provided only about 29% of its promised magnesium. Lead contamination was discovered in a third product. In the products evaluated, the labeled amount of magnesium ranged from 75 mg to 615 mg per recommended daily serving.According to Nutrition Business Journal, Boulder, CO, U.S. sales of magnesium supplements reached $271 million in 2007, up 13% from the year before. It has been estimated that 15% of U.S. adults take a supplement containing magnesium. Magnesium supplements can help prevent migraine headaches, menstrual pain and general magnesium deficiency. Certain forms of magnesium are also key ingredients in popular laxatives.ConsumerLab.com’s review includes findings for the 12 products selected, as well as for seven that passed ConsumerLab.com’s Voluntary Certification Program. Also listed are two products similar to ones that passed but are sold under different brand names. The report also provides magnesium supplement comparisons, magnesium supplement ratings on quality and information regarding the proper selection and use of magnesium supplements, including differences among the chemical forms such as magnesium citrate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide and amino acid chelates.