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Magnesium Glycinate Dihydrate stands as a chelated mineral compound, blending elemental magnesium with two molecules of glycine and water. Unlike basic magnesium salts, magnesium glycinate absorbs readily due to its attached amino acids. This distinctive structure gives it advantages in supplement and pharmaceutical uses, where rapid absorption and gentle digestion often matter more than raw magnesium percentage. Sourced as a crystalline solid or powder, its appearance varies based on processing—sometimes pearlescent flakes, at other times a chalky, pale granulate. I have worked with nutrition manufacturers who rely on this mineral for its gentle impact on the stomach, which owes a lot to both its chemical and molecular makeup.
As a dihydrate, Magnesium Glycinate Dihydrate always contains two water molecules for each formula unit. Its empirical formula reads C4H12MgN2O6, with a molecular weight hovering near 238.5 g/mol. The crystalline structure shows clear lines under X-ray diffraction, a sign of high purity and consistent stoichiometry. Its bulk density, depending on how it’s processed, commonly falls between 0.50 and 0.70 g/mL. This has significance in handling: finer powders pack more tightly but can create dust during industrial batching, while flakes and pearls remain easier to scoop or meter but may settle unevenly. Whether as flakes or solid powder, Magnesium Glycinate Dihydrate dissolves well in water at room temperature—solubility generally runs above 50 g/L, and that keen solubility appeals to those formulating liquid magnesium supplements or intravenous feeds.
Trade and regulatory documentation lean on precise descriptors. At the level of customs or inventory, you see Magnesium Glycinate Dihydrate listed under the HS Code 2922.49. Any manufacturer, dealer, or shipper tracks this code closely—for example, a shipment delayed at customs based on the wrong documentation can disrupt entire production lines downstream. Beyond paperwork, many chemical suppliers test for magnesium content (around 10%), glycine purity, pH range (usually 9.5–11.0 in a 5% aqueous solution), as well as moisture content since dihydrate forms lose water if heated above 100°C.
Using this material safely relies on a solid understanding of its chemical properties. Magnesium Glycinate Dihydrate is not classified as a hazardous chemical under GHS standards (Globally Harmonized System), and its oral toxicity remains low—repeated industry and academic studies show that both magnesium and glycine boast a long record of safety in food and pharmaceutical applications. Still, I have seen shipping and handling teams don gloves and dust masks, as the powder form can irritate the respiratory tract if inhaled in bulk. Some users may experience mild digestive side effects from high exposures, which has spurred several clients to aim for precise dosing using scales and automated feeders. Always keep it in tightly sealed containers, as the hygroscopic property—meaning it attracts atmospheric moisture—can cause clumping or degrade product performance in lab or production settings.
Manufacturers often choose Magnesium Glycinate Dihydrate for making dietary supplements, intravenous nutrition solutions, or specialty food products. Its solid, powder, or pearl forms mix easily into capsules, tablets, and even direct-to-water drink sticks. In my experience with supplement formulation, the mild flavor profile, water solubility, and strong shelf stability make it preferable over other magnesium salts like oxide or citrate. This compound starts out as bulk raw material—produced at industrial scale by reacting magnesium oxide or carbonate with glycine and water—and ends up as a finished, inspected powder packed into drums or lined bags.
Supply chain snags often come down to inconsistent density, unexpected clumping, or late recognition of degradation (usually from improper storage letting moisture creep in). Scientists and procurement managers now source only from factories with robust quality controls—documented by certificates of analysis specifying magnesium assay, glycine purity, pH, moisture content, microbial and heavy metal tolerances. Transport and warehouse teams also reconsider packaging each year, shifting from simple sacks to multilayer, foil-backed pouches to avoid water ingress, especially in humid climates. For research teams formulating new products, pilot runs with each material lot verify flow, solubility, and stability under expected manufacturing conditions. This vigilance directly affects product safety and regulatory compliance, supporting both public health and industry innovation.
Chemical Name: Magnesium Glycinate Dihydrate
Molecular Formula: C4H12MgN2O6
Molecular Weight: 238.5 g/mol
Physical Form: Flakes, solid, powder, pearls, sometimes as a crystalline material
Density: 0.50–0.70 g/mL (bulk form, varies by processing)
Color: White to off-white
Solubility: High, above 50 g/L in water at 20°C
HS Code: 2922.49
Safe Handling: Minimal hazards, standard dust precautions needed
Application: Supplements, pharmaceuticals, nutrient solutions, food additives
Source: Derived from magnesium oxide or carbonate and glycine
Those who work hands-on with raw materials like Magnesium Glycinate Dihydrate know details about its characteristics shape everything from process design to shelf stability. A small error—such as ignoring bulk density or storing the product in a damp area—can waste funds, lower yields, or even prompt costly recalls. For all its solid reputation as a safe, efficient magnesium carrier, delivering top-quality product depends on constant monitoring and a healthy respect for the physical and chemical fundamentals. Each of these steps supports both consumer safety and confidence, which remains the real foundation for any product using this essential compound.
