Background:
Mineral deficiencies, including magnesium and calcium, are widespread globally. Dietary supplementation is often used to combat such deficiencies. However, limited mineral solubility in the digestive system can hinder absorption, and lead to undesirable gastrointestinal disturbances including diarrhoea. In this study, we examine two different marine-derived multimineral products as potential dietary supplements. Aquamin-Mg, sourced from seawater, is rich in magnesium (12%), and Aquamin F, a seaweed-derived multi-mineral is rich in calcium (32%).
Methods:
Experiment 1
tested the solubility of magnesium supplements at two concentrations (1%w/v and 5%w/v) in water. The INFOGEST digestion method investigated the solubility of Aquamin-Mg and two commercial magnesium bisglycinates (PrizMag and Monarch Nutraceuticals) with and without food.
Experiment 2
assessed the tolerance of a Aquamin-Mg and Aquamin-F combination (Aquamin MMB; 300 mg Mg2+/day and 235 mg Ca2+/day) in older adults (65 – 82 years) over 12 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to Aquamin MMB or a placebo (maltodextrin), with adverse events reported by participants themselves.
Results:
Aquamin-Mg exhibited both the highest solubility in water and in the absence and presence of food when compared to the commercial magnesium bisglycinates. Aquamin MMB supplementation in older healthy adults was well-tolerated, with no significant adverse events reported.
Conclusion:
Aquamin-Mg offers superior bioavailability compared to two commercial magnesium bisglycinates. Dietary supplementation with Aquamin MMB may effectively address magnesium deficiencies, especially among older adults.
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