Safety Profile
Known Safety Concerns
- Low bioavailability (~4%) — poor therapeutic value vs. chelated forms
- Osmotic laxative effect — frequent GI distress and diarrhoea
- Hypermagnesaemia risk in renal impairment
- May interact with bisphosphonates and certain antibiotics
Contraindications
- Low bioavailability (~4%) — poor therapeutic value vs. chelated forms
- Osmotic laxative effect — frequent GI distress and diarrhoea
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Magnesium oxide is the least bioavailable form of magnesium (approximately 4% absorption), commonly used as a laxative. It is the cheapest and most common form in supplements despite poor absorption. High doses reliably cause osmotic diarrhoea. The low bioavailability actually limits systemic toxicity but also limits therapeutic benefit.
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Magnesium oxide
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Mineral
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- Low bioavailability (~4%) — poor therapeutic value vs. chelated forms
- Osmotic laxative effect — frequent GI distress and diarrhoea
- Hypermagnesaemia risk in renal impairment
- May interact with bisphosphonates and certain antibiotics
The available scientific evidence for Magnesium (Oxide) indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 23 მარ 2026, 15:08
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWExposure to magnesium oxide nanoparticles induces mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in fish Megalobrama amblycephala by disrupting magnesium homeostasis. ↗Zhang L et al.. Exposure to magnesium oxide nanoparticles induces mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in fish Megalobrama amblycephala by disrupting magnesium homeostasis.. Aquat Toxicol. 2026. PMID:41850154.PMID 41850154 ↗Journal Aquat ToxicolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41850154/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWSustainable synthesis of MgO nanoparticles from Persea americana for cultivar dependent nanostructure, environmental remediation and bioactivity supported by molecular docking. ↗Badilli BN et al.. Sustainable synthesis of MgO nanoparticles from Persea americana for cultivar dependent nanostructure, environmental remediation and bioactivity supported by molecular docking.. Sci Rep. 2026. PMID:41844722.PMID 41844722 ↗Journal Sci RepYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41844722/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWMagnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with 6-Gingerol: A Bioinspired Approach to Anticancer, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Therapy. ↗Kamaraj C et al.. Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with 6-Gingerol: A Bioinspired Approach to Anticancer, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Therapy.. Int J Nanomedicine. 2026. PMID:41836722.PMID 41836722 ↗Journal Int J NanomedicineYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41836722/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWTailoring Flame Retardance and Thermal Conductivity of Epoxy/Benzoxazine Mixtures via Aluminum Trihydrate and Ceramic Hybridization. ↗Sung KS et al.. Tailoring Flame Retardance and Thermal Conductivity of Epoxy/Benzoxazine Mixtures via Aluminum Trihydrate and Ceramic Hybridization.. Polymers (Basel). 2026. PMID:41829346.PMID 41829346 ↗Journal Polymers (Basel)Year 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41829346/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWInnovative Lightweight Concrete with Carbonated Magnesium-Based Pellets. ↗Sahin O et al.. Innovative Lightweight Concrete with Carbonated Magnesium-Based Pellets.. Materials (Basel). 2026. PMID:41828303.PMID 41828303 ↗Journal Materials (Basel)Year 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41828303/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWAdult-onset pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B diagnosed by methylation analysis: A case report and diagnostic considerations. ↗Choi HS et al.. Adult-onset pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B diagnosed by methylation analysis: A case report and diagnostic considerations.. Medicine (Baltimore). 2026. PMID:41824862.PMID 41824862 ↗Journal Medicine (Baltimore)Year 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41824862/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPreparation and Application of Magnesium Oxide-Modified Polymer Microsphere-Supported Palladium Catalyst for Telomerization of 1,3-Butadiene with Carbon Dioxide. ↗Song J et al.. Preparation and Application of Magnesium Oxide-Modified Polymer Microsphere-Supported Palladium Catalyst for Telomerization of 1,3-Butadiene with Carbon Dioxide.. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2026. PMID:41818610.PMID 41818610 ↗Journal ACS Appl Mater InterfacesYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41818610/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWCO(2) direct air capture in the early hydration stage for light-burned MgO: a low-dimensional agglomeration regime. ↗Inoue E et al.. CO(2) direct air capture in the early hydration stage for light-burned MgO: a low-dimensional agglomeration regime.. Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2026. PMID:41816846.PMID 41816846 ↗Journal Phys Chem Chem PhysYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41816846/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWA review on multifunctional applications of MgO nanostructures: from material science to environmental and agricultural innovations. ↗Mahiba GGJ et al.. A review on multifunctional applications of MgO nanostructures: from material science to environmental and agricultural innovations.. RSC Adv. 2026. PMID:41809085.PMID 41809085 ↗Journal RSC AdvYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41809085/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWCombined process of magnesium oxide precipitation-extraction for efficient recovery of cobalt and nickel from extraction slag of spent Li-ion batteries. ↗Jiang Z et al.. Combined process of magnesium oxide precipitation-extraction for efficient recovery of cobalt and nickel from extraction slag of spent Li-ion batteries.. J Environ Manage. 2026. PMID:41806755.PMID 41806755 ↗Journal J Environ ManageYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41806755/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Magnesium (Oxide). Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a low safety concern under normal conditions of use.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Low classification for Magnesium (Oxide)
A score of 2.5 places this ingredient in the Low band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.