The ingredient, important in more than 300 human biochemical reactions, is lacking in the Western diet.
As winter approaches and people begin to experience low mood, lack of motivation, higher stress, and sleep issues, mood health supplements containing magnesium citrate and magnesium bisglycinate will be especially on-trend, according to Ohad Cohen, CEO of mineral supplier Gadot Biochemical Industries.
SPINS reports that Magnesium has seen an uptick in sales of 12% over a 12-month period ending March 2023.
Meanwhile, The Vitamin Shoppe reported that their sales of magnesium glycinate grew 59% in 12 months ending in April 2023, and a survey the retailer conducted found that 49% of respondents who use a sleep aid also consume magnesium supplements to bring about better and more restful habits.
“A safe and effective solution for the millions of consumers who want to reduce stress, elevate mood, and achieve sounder sleep is magnesium bisglycinate, a highly bioavailable magnesium that is optimally absorbed,” said Cohen.
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the human body, but studies show that Western populations are, for the most part, unable to consume the recommended daily amount. Insufficient magnesium levels are associated with a higher risk of developing anxiety, and modulations in the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPAA), which is involved in stress response.
“As anyone who experienced anxiety can assert, it causes problems sleeping, and poor sleep has a negative impact on mood,” Cohen said. “Anxiety, poor sleep, and low mood also influence cognitive skills and behavior. Magnesium can help in all these areas, making it the most suitable mental health mineral that consumers will gravitate to.”
Gadot’s Range of Options
Gadot offers magnesium bisglycinate for dietary supplements, and magnesium citrate for food and beverage fortification, as well as nutraceuticals or dietary supplements.
Citing research by Mintel, Gadot reports that throughout the world, there are opportunities to fortify health products with magnesium. For example, in the UK, 78% of consumers agree that obtaining their magnesium (and other minerals and vitamins) regularly for the long-term is important for healthy aging. For example, in Thailand, 30% of consumers agree that fortified foods and drinks are a better source of minerals such as magnesium than supplements. In the U.S., 40% of consumers say they want to consume more nutritious foods and beverages.
The company is focusing on creating customized solutions for beverage and food fortification.
“Citrates are highly bioavailable and have excellent properties such as solubility in water, mild citrus flavor that does not affect taste and texture, is relatively stable and does not react with other ingredients. Furthermore, it can serve as a preservative, maintaining the quality and shelf-life of products,” Cohen said. “Magnesium citrates are perfect for sports and energy drinks, chewing gums, milk, cheese, cookies, cereals, and baby foods.”
“Consumers are assertively looking for fortified food and beverage products to help them reduce stress and anxiety, and to help improve both sleep and mood. Magnesium is the top mineral that can help fulfill their mental health support needs.”
